Page 7 of Waking Roslyn

But then another carriage came rumbling into the courtyard behind the first, and I finally paid attention enough to see the crest on the door as the four ink-black horses brought the second carriage to a stop.

Saldine.

No.

The delegation had arrived a day early.

I stood there at the window, my breath shallow, my face slack. What now, what now, what now?

A commotion rose up from the courtyard as grooms came out to take over the horses, and servants rushed out to meet the early arrivals. Then the commotion seemed to expand and travel. A frantic energy filled the castle, and footsteps pounded down corridors and on stairs.

“Miss Rose!”

The shout ringing through the corridor outside my chamber was enough to shake me from my fear-induced haze. I ran to the other side of the room, threw open the doors to my wardrobe and climbed inside, crouching among my dresses and pulling the doors closed in front of me just before a loud knock and a “Miss Rose!” sounded at my door. They pounded one more time before the hinges squeaked.

“Miss Rose?” It was the housekeeper, and she sounded frantic.

I felt for her, I really did, but not enough to reveal myself.

“Miss Rose, where are you?” The pitch of her voice went up even more, then she let out a frustrated grumble. “What kind of inconsiderate, high-and-mighty nobles show up an entire day early without any warning?” Her heels clicked across the stone floor as she crossed back to the door. “It’s reprehensible, that’s what it is. What do they—”

The door shut on the rest of her words.

I waited in the cramped darkness of the wardrobe for several more minutes, wanting to be certain no one else would come barging in to look for me. Then I carefully unfolded myself and climbed out of the large piece of furniture and looked around furtively. What now? I couldn’t stay here. They would continue to look for me, and my room would be anyone’s first guess. I had to find a better hiding place. The only place that was close enough and that I thought would be left undisturbed was the armory, so I snuck my way down the hall and was barely able to pull open the huge and heavy door and slip inside. There was just enough light filtering in from small slotted windows high on the walls that I could make my way to the far corner and sit behind a heavy wooden table that held an assortment of knives.

It was cold in here and the ground was uncomfortable, but I was grateful to be secreted there in the quiet with only the unfamiliar and intimidating weapons surrounding me. At least I knew that no members of a foreign delegation would be allowed in this room.

After more than two hours, the occasional sound of a servant shouting my name had stopped. They seemed to have given up on finding me and were no doubt focusing on getting the delegation settled and fed while having no real host to welcome and entertain them.

It had been quiet in this corner of the castle for some time when the rise of voices and the pounding of footsteps resumed. My heart rate picked up and I listened closely, trying to determine what had caused the ruckus. A deep and shuddering sigh released from my chest when I recognized the sounds of the duke and duchess being greeted by the servants.

They were back. Finally. And if I could just stay hidden until nightfall, then I should be able to make my escape in the morning and leave all of this behind.

I fell asleep, which was surprising considering I was lying on a cold stone floor, but worry had worn me out and boredom eventually lulled me into sleeping with my head resting on one arm and my knees pulled to my chest. I woke up shivering and took my time climbing to my feet and doing my best to regain the feeling in my aching limbs. The little bit of light in the room had faded. Was it dusk? No, the light was more silver than orange. Moonlight. How many hours had passed? My stomach had an empty feeling that spoke of hunger and nerves.

My stiff legs shuffled along as I crossed to the door and then pushed on it. It cracked open, revealing the hallway that was lit only by the lowest-burning lamps. I shut the door quietly and kept to the shadows as I headed toward my chamber.

I hugged my shivering arms to my chest, anxious to climb into my warm bed.

“Excuse me, miss.”

I let out a startled cry, turning to face the voice as one hand flew to cover my heart and the other slapped over my mouth, preventing any further noise.

“I’m so sorry,” the man said. He stood ten paces ahead of me and was holding out an apologetic hand. “I didn’t mean to startle you, but I seem to be turned around.” His chuckle was self-deprecating.

It was dim enough in the corridor that I could not make out his features, for which I was extremely grateful. If I could not see him, then he could not see me. I forced a swallow even as my heart raced. “What can I do for you, sir?” I asked as I tried to ignore the uncomfortable feeling that I recognized his voice.

“I am looking for the blue room in the east corridor.”

I dug my thumb into the palm of my other hand in an attempt to keep my wits about me. “Of course. If you continue this way,” I said, pointing behind me, “and turn right at the end of the corridor, it will be the fourth door on your left.”

“Thank you very much, miss.”

I curtsied, hoping he might think I was a servant, and stepped to the side to allow him to pass, keeping my face down until he was gone, then letting out a huge sigh once he was out of sight.

I made it to my chamber without further incident and met a frantic Everly. “We looked and looked for you. I nearly told the duke that you were missing, but he was so busy with the delegation—”

“You didn’t, did you?” I asked, grabbing on to her arm.