Page 142 of Elysian

One of the older dresses lay strewn across the chaise in the corner of the chamber. I was quick to don it, buttoning it as I shoved my feet into slippers. Moments away from running from the chamber, I whirled to the settee. I pulled the cushion back and exposed the satchel I stuffed there. The weight of the velvet box inside swung the fabric. Once I grabbed the journal and grimoire, I placed them back inside it.

Now I am ready. I straightened my shoulders and marched out, the bag thumping against my hip.

“Morak! Archer! Tabby!” I shouted, running down the path toward the exit. I almost collided with Branwen who was carrying a tray.

“What is it, Amara?”

“Where has Cassiel gone?” I croaked.

Her eyes skated away. “Erm, I am sure Morak wanted to speak to you about it.”

“He left for the Kingdom, did he not?” That could be the only reason for his absence.

I bolted past Branwen. She cursed, following me.

“He rode away at dusklight!” she called. Archer came into view, eyebrows furrowed. “Thank Saints,” she muttered.

Perfect. Archer would not mince words.

“Where has he gone?” I barreled up to him, needing to crane my neck to meet his gaze.

“To handle the council.”

“And you allowed him?” I gritted my teeth.

“Lord Draven is not one that is allowed or not.” He chuckled. “Liadan went with him.”

I masked my fury and used the anger to barrel forward. I knew where they kept horses.

“Miss Amara,” he snapped from behind me. His wider stride had him in the way. I moved to the side. He was there to block me again.

“Let me through,” I ordered.

“I cannot allow you to leave.”

“You cannot allow it?!”

“What is with the shouting?!” Tabby came running from the end of the hall. Far behind her was Vera. Metal replaced where her leg had been, causing her stride to be hobbled. She gripped the head of her cane.

“Ah, she found out he left,” Tabby said, approaching as she clicked her tongue. She scanned me, taking hold of Archer’s arm and rubbing it.

“I must return to the Kingdom,” I announced, telling her directly.

“And I said no⁠—”

“You can’t stop me.” I tried keeping my temper reined in, but it was difficult.

“Let her through,” Tabby said, her eyes piercing mine. She offered a nod.

“Tabitha,” Archer growled.

She narrowed her eyes. “Yes?” There was a wealth of warning in her voice.

He cleared his throat. “I gave my word,” he said in a much softer tone.

“And it can be broken.” She lifted her chin. “Archer, when you were gone, I almost fell to pieces. I was not allowed to leave, and it almost destroyed me. Doing nothing, waiting along the sidelines is a different sort of agony.” She paused, closing her eyes.

Archer frowned and cupped her face.