the main hallway, I bowed my head to hide my face and slowed to a placid pace to mimic the silent tread of the nuns. My pulse sped with each step, so that by the time I stood in front of the two guards on either side of Ruby’s door, I was sure they could hear my thudding heart.
I bowed my head even farther and tucked my hands within the folds of the wide sleeves. “I have come to offer prayers at the request of her Royal Highness.”
“We’ve no knowledge of such a request,” said a stocky, giant guard, his voice charged with mistrust.
“She asked for a visit this eve, but the sisters were all detained until now.” I held my breath and hoped Ruby was still in the custom of seeking solace from the nuns.
The guards were silent.
Had they recognized my voice? Or had they glimpsed my profile? “You would not deny the princess the only thing she requests, would you?”
The giant guard shifted, his leather boots creaking. “She is already slumbering.”
“The child is never too tired for prayer.” Though I tried to remain calm, my muscles tightened anyway.
Ruby was angelic, and I was counting on her having won the guards over with her sweet nature so they would do anything for her, even defy the queen.
“Mayhap a short prayer time?” The other guard directed the question to his companion.
“Very well.” The giant opened the door and stepped aside. “But be quick.”
I glided forward, trying not to seem too eager even as my body hummed with anticipation.
The chamber was dark, the hearth fire banked for the night. But the light from the open doorway aided me as I wove around the maidservants abed on their pallets. The rush mats were still soft, and the herbs within were crushed underfoot so the scents of rosemary and lavender hung in the air.
As I approached the bed, I sensed the guard watching my every movement. I wished I could command him to close the door so I might speak with Ruby privately. But I would have to make the most of the opportunity and hope Ruby cooperated.
Ruby’s bed curtains were half-closed, revealing her body underneath the coverlet, a girl on the cusp of womanhood. Upon reaching the bed frame, I kept my head bowed, knelt beside her, and gently laid my hand upon her.
She awoke with a gasp, tensing beneath my touch. Though I refrained from looking at her face, I could feel her relax as she took me in.
“Sister Clare, you have come for prayer?” she asked through a yawn.
I nodded.
She kicked off her coverlet and scooted off the bed. A second later she knelt beside me, folding her hands on the edge of the bed and bowing her head.
I waited several heartbeats. If I startled her with my identity, she’d react too enthusiastically and draw undue attention from the guards. “Our Father,” I whispered, leaning closer so my words would carry to her ears and to no one else in the room. I placed my hand over hers and prayed she wouldn’t react.
When she remained motionless, I continued. “We thank you for your bountiful protection and that you find ways to reunite sisters.”
She stiffened at my strange prayer, but I squeezed her hand, hoping she would understand my urge for caution.
“We beseech you to aid Ruby in being calm so the guards do not discover the true identity of the one kneeling beside her.”
Ruby grasped me in return so tightly I was left with no doubt she understood who I was. “Father,” she whispered almost inaudibly. “Thank you for preserving my dear sister’s life. And now I pray she will leave before it is too late.” Ruby squeezed my hand again and then pushed it away, as if sending me the message to go.
Apparently at some point during the past year, Ruby had figured out I wasn’t dead. Did she know the queen had tried to murder me? Even if she didn’t, she was well aware the queen had evil intentions for me now.
I kept my head low and my tone reverent, but I had to speak directly lest the guards interrupt. “I shall not leave this time unless I have you by my side.”
“You must go before she realizes you are here.” Ruby’s voice turned urgent . . . and too loud.
I brushed my shoulder into hers and reached for her hand again. “We shall go together. I have found a place where we shall be safe—”
“You cannot be