fire suddenly appearing in her eyes. “No parent I know would give up one of their children.” Her voice is adamant, and although I don’t have a child, I have to agree. I would never want to let them out of my sight, let alone allow them to become a slave. It’s something I often wondered as a child. Did my parents willingly give me to the kingdom to become a slave, or did something happen? I can’t imagine the decision these people are having to make.
“I expect many will try to escape,” she continues, her face grim, and my heart sinks. Not because they are trying to get away from the impossible decision, but due to the reality of the situation.
“They will never get past the guards.” I wish I could take my words back as soon as I say them. Her face crumples and a sob escapes her.
“I know. My sister has a young child, my niece. I can’t bear the thought that she’ll be put into slavery.”
My heart breaks for her, and I remember my plan with Tor. Biting my lip, I try to decide what to share. I was supposed to talk with Grayson about the plan to see if I could get his help. Tor hadn’t wanted me to tell anyone else, but if I got caught, I wanted someone to take over for me, and seeing Jayne like this, I know we’re doing the right thing.
Can I trust her? Doubt niggles at me. If the king finds out what I’m planning, death would seem like the kind option once he was through with me.
“Jayne,” I call, her attention shifting back to me as she tries to stop her tears. “I have something to tell you, but you have to keep it secret.” I lower my voice as I get out of my chair and round the little table to stand at her side. She watches me with a serious expression.
“Of course, you’re like family to me.”
Her comment nearly knocks me down. I know she’s said I’m like a daughter to her before, but this is different. Her keeping this secret could cost Jayne her life, and she’s happy to take that gamble. Taking a deep breath, I try to steady my nerves. I feel sick, worrying at what her reaction will be.
“I’m going to help people escape the castle,” I say quietly, quickly continuing at her shocked gasp. “Anyone who is threatened and has no other option.” I pause briefly, gauging her reaction. “Did you meet Torin from the mountain clans?”
She frowns as she tries to remember, nodding slightly as a confused expression crosses her face. I know she’s wondering at the apparent change of topic, and her next comment confirms my suspicions. “Briefly, but how is he related to this?”
“His people have a type of magic, shielding, that allows them to travel unseen. Him and some of his trusted tribesmen are going to be waiting in the Queen’s Courtyard every evening by the far fountain. They’ll help anyone escape who needs safe passage.” I pause to take in her reaction, worried about how she might take this. What I’m saying is treason, and by keeping this a secret, that is a crime she’s committing too. “This is only for people who have no other option, we can’t risk the king finding out how.” There is no way the king wouldn’t notice people disappearing, but if we can stop him from figuring out how it’s happening, then we should be safe. Reaching out, I take hold of her hand and smile gently. “Your family could be saved.”
She stays quiet for a time and just stares at our joined hands. I worry she doesn’t believe me or trust me, but after a moment, she lifts her head and meets my gaze. Her expression is sombre.
“Do you trust him?”
I’m not sure what I was expecting her to say, perhaps asking for the logistics, or how I’m going to be involved, but this was not it. It’s a fair question though. If she’s going to put the lives of her niece and her fellow servants at risk, then she wants to know that Tor is a man of his word. What surprises me is that she cares about my opinion of him, and if I think he’s trustworthy, then she will accept that as fact.
I contemplate what she’s asking me. Do I trust Tor with the lives of children? The answer comes to me instantly, even though