Page 70 of A Rose Among Snakes

“She wrote us a note saying she ran off with you to get married.”

Leoran’s face scrunched. “That was the plan, but she wrote me a note telling me she never wanted to see me again.” His voice quavered, and I stepped forward to place a comforting hand on his arm. Velian cleared his throat, but I ignored him.

“You know she loves you. She is truly, madly in love with you.”

Leoran stared at me intently, his dark eyes shining, but unlike his father, no malice lurked there. “Do you think so?”

“I do,” I replied, squeezing his arm before dropping my hand. “Now, do you have any idea where she might be?”

Leoran pressed his lips together and scratched his chin before his face melted with dread. “My father was furious with me that night. I’d told him I loved Kezara and he couldn’t make me marry Davony. Instead of continuing to yell at me, though, he just called me foolish and dismissed me from the room. At first, I thought he was conceding, but the next morning when I found a note from Kezara, I forgot all about my argument with him.” His eyes were swimming with fear and his voice lowered. “I know my father has an unconventional way of dealing with people who cross him by having them-” He stopped.

“Having them what?” Velian interjected.

The prince swallowed hard. “Having them removed.”

“What does that mean exactly?”

Leoran shrank back as Velian stomped over to him with clenched fists. I stepped in front of Velian, stopping his threatening approach, and drew Leoran’s attention back to myself.

“He has someone abduct the subject and keep them hidden somewhere else. He doesn’t want to keep them at the castle in case word gets out and tarnishes his reputation. There is nothing more important to him than that.”

“Where does he keep them, and do you know who the abductor is?”

“I don’t know where they are kept, but his name is Enverro. Enverro Machendren.”

Velian bumped into my back. I shoved my shoulder into him, and asked, “Is he in Clavo?”

“I honestly don’t have any idea where he might be. I’ve only overheard his name mentioned, and my father is unaware I know anything.” His head dropped. “I wish I knew more. I can’t bear to think of any harm befalling her.”

“Thank you, you’ve been very helpful, Your Highness,” I said.

His head snapped up. “Let me come with you.”

“No,” Velian said. “If you disappear, your father might think we are onto him, and if she’s still alive then you might threaten that. We need you to forget this conversation ever happened and act normal. Do you understand?” Leoran nodded. “Anything you do out of the ordinary now could threaten Kezara’s life,” he warned.

“I understand,” Leoran snapped.

“Good.” Velian looked down at me. “Let’s go, then.”

He gave me a leg up into the saddle, jumped into his, and we were off. I turned around to see a downcast Leoran watching us leave, giving him a wave as the castle gates closed behind us. We thundered down the hill but slowed to a walk upon re-entering the Stone City.

“We’ll stay here for the night,” Velian said. “We can walk around town and see what we can find out, but the horses need a rest. We’ll head for the next town in the morning.”

I nodded in agreement, and we twisted through the busy streets until we reached an inn. Leaving our horses with the stable boy, Velian paid for one room to my surprise. After receiving the key, we made our way up the stairs to find our room furnished with one bed, a rug, and a small side table.

“Don’t worry, I’ll sleep on the floor,” he said with a chuckle.

I crossed my arms and pursed my lips. “I can get my own room.”

“This is not the safest town. I would feel better if we stayed in here together.”

“Understood,” I replied curtly, shifting on my feet.

“Let’s go downstairs and eat. Then we can see if anyone knows anything about this Enverro Machendren.”

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Kezara

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