Page 10 of Destiny Redeemed
Her jaw dropped. “But—but you said—”
“I made an educated guess,” I explained, leaning on my broom. “Emilia’s always been insecure about her marriage, and Bernard’s roving eye is hardly a secret. I just… connected the dots.”
Tommy cackled with delight. “You’re a right clever one, you are! Remind me never to get on your bad side.”
“Right then,” I said aloud, clapping my hands together. “Enough dawdling. We’ve got work to do if we’re going to turn this place into something respectable.”
Chapter 3
I leaned against the newly polished wooden doorframe of my newly opened funeral shop, watching with a mixture of pride and trepidation as customers trickled in and out. The scent of fresh pine and varnish lingered in the air, mingling with the subtle floral notes of the arrangements on display. It was a far cry from the opulent perfumes that once graced my presence in the palace but oddly comforting in its simplicity.
“Lya,” Laurel’s hesitant whisper broke through my reverie. “Do you truly believe this will succeed?”
I quirked an eyebrow at her, my lips curving into a wry smile. “Why, Laurel, you wound me with your lack of faith. Of course, it will work. We just need to exercise that virtue called patience – something I’m told I sorely lack.”Once upon a time, but not anymore.
Laurel ducked her head, still looking unconvinced. “I meant no offense, my lady.”Her faith in me is laughably low, but I can’t fault her. My plan is crazy.
“None taken,” I assured her, then lowered my voice conspiratorially. “Now, about that apartment I asked you to find…?”
“Oh yes!” Laurel perked up. “I found one near the marketplace. It’s quite convenient for accessing the shop.”
I nodded approvingly. “Excellent work. We’ll move in two days’ time. Start packing our belongings today.”
“But… don’t you want to see it first?” Laurel asked, her brow furrowing in confusion.
I waved a dismissive hand. “I trust your judgment, Laurel. Our priority is moving out of the palace before someone points out that it’s been almost a month since my divorce and I’m still living there. Can you imagine the embarrassment?” I made a disgusted face. “Besides, we can always find a new place if this one doesn’t suit.”
A small, pleased smile graced Laurel’s features at my words of trust. Before she could respond, however, the sound of pounding feet and labored breathing caught our attention.
Tommy skidded to a halt before us, his thin chest heaving as he gasped for air. Despite my best efforts to feed him, his frame still hadn’t filled out. “M’lady! I’ve done what you asked!”
I felt an unexpected swell of affection for the scrawny urchin. Somehow this kid had wormed his way into my heart, not that I’d ever admit it.
I took him to my office, away from prying ears. Laurel followed close behind. “And how goes our little rumor mill, Tommy?”
His face split into a gap-toothed grin. “It’s workin’ like a charm! I’ve been tellin’ everyone how this whole street’s cursed now, what with the funeral shop an’ all. Even got Pip, Ash, and Bree from the orphanage to help spread the word!”
I couldn’t help the proud smile that tugged at my lips as I ruffled his unruly hair. “Well done, Tommy. Here’s a little extra for your friends’ efforts.”
* * *
The night air was warm and balmy as Laurel and I crept through the palace gardens, our footsteps muffled by the grass. Moonlight dappled the foliage, casting eerie shadows that danced around us like restless spirits.It’s like the universe is encouraging me with my crazy ideas.I led the way, my heart thrumming with a mixture of excitement and trepidation.
“Are you certain about this, Ilyana?” Laurel’s voice was barely audible, her breath warm against my ear.
I rolled my eyes, though she couldn’t see it in the darkness. “For the hundredth time, Laurel, yes. And can you not whisper in my ear like a ghost?”
We reached the far corner of the garden, where an inconspicuous stone jutted out from the palace wall. I ran my fingers along its rough surface until I found the hidden latch. With a soft click, a portion of the wall swung inward, revealing a narrow, musty passage.
“After you,” I gestured to Laurel, who hesitated before stepping into the gloom.
As we navigated the dank tunnel, the scent of mold and dust filled my nostrils. This passage hadn’t been used in a long time. I had accidentally stumbled on this one in my last life when I was trying to flee the palace. It didn’t really do much good to me since I was caught anyway.
“Do you have everything we need?” I whispered to Laurel as we neared the exit.
“Yes,” she said. “But I must say, this plan of yours seems… rather risky.”
I snorted softly. “Riskier than being homeless and staying on the streets, begging? I think not. Now, hand me that white gown and veil.”
