Ruined - Amy Tintera Page 0,32
hips. Em edged around her and sat down in a chair across from Cas.
“It was not,” Cas said. “What is the point of making treaties if you’re not going to honor them?”
Jovita sighed like Cas was an idiot. “You just don’t understand, Cas.”
Cas imitated her sigh. “Neither do you, Jovita.”
Em choked back a laugh, brushing her fingers across her mouth. Cas caught her smile and his lips turned up as well.
Jovita rolled her eyes. “Gross. I don’t need to see your budding romance right now.”
“Jovita,” Cas said in a warning tone.
“Your father is going to throw you out of the meetings if you disagree with him.”
“I’ve been in those meetings longer than you. I’m allowed to start asking questions.”
Jovita walked to the door. “You may have been in them longer, but at least I know when to keep my mouth shut and obey.”
Cas pulled on his knuckle, turning away from Jovita. She left the room, letting the door shut behind her.
A long silence settled after Jovita left, and Em watched as Cas stared at the floor.
“It was a fair question,” she finally said.
“You don’t have to agree with me just because we’re married,” he said with a hint of amusement.
“Trust me, there’s no danger of that.”
He cocked his head, studying her for a moment. “How do you feel about a little adventure?”
“I’m for it.”
“It’s kind of dangerous. And my parents will be furious if they find out.”
“Then I’m definitely for it.”
He hopped up. “Good. Change into pants. Something discreet.”
ELEVEN
EM WAITED FOR Cas outside the door to the staff kitchen, as he’d instructed her. She’d changed into black pants and a loose green shirt. She rolled up the sleeves as she waited.
Cas rounded the corner with a guard, the young dark-haired one who was always at his side. The guard smiled at Em, revealing a tiny gap between his two front teeth. His square jaw, wide nose, and green eyes all worked together to make an unexpectedly handsome face.
“Mary, have you officially met Galo?” Cas asked.
“I don’t think so. Nice to meet you, Galo.”
He tilted his head forward. “You too, Your Highness.”
Cas pushed open the door behind Em, and she followed him into the kitchen, with Galo trailing behind her. The first room was where the staff ate, with a door off to the side that led to a bustling area where they prepared the food. A few small tables were scattered around the room, and a boy sat at one, polishing a pile of forks.
The boy had a small scar above his left eyebrow, and he couldn’t have been more than thirteen or fourteen, though he was already quite tall and broad. Em’s mother hadn’t allowed children under the age of sixteen to work in the kitchens, or anywhere remotely dangerous in the castle.
Cas led them outside into the sunlight. They headed through the gardens, Cas glancing back at the castle once like he was checking to make sure they weren’t followed. Em got the impression they were sneaking out, and she was eager to see how Cas was going to do it. If there was a way to get out undetected, there was a way to get in.
They made it to the back wall, and Cas walked to the tree Em had already pegged as a good escape route. He grabbed a thick, low branch and hoisted himself up. He climbed until he could step onto the wall.
“When you’re king, perhaps you can use the gate?” Galo called to him. He still stood on the ground with Em.
“Not if my mother is still alive,” Cas said. He looked down at her. “Coming up?”
“I’d be happy to help you,” Galo said.
She snorted. “Thanks, but I’m fine.” She grabbed the branch and climbed up, easily hoisting herself onto the wall. Cas was peering over, and she followed his gaze to the other side. A guard lifted his hand.
“Hello, Roberto,” Cas said.
The guard’s mustache quirked up. “Hello, Your Highness.” He reached for the rope near his feet and tossed it to Cas.
Cas passed the rope to Galo, who had just climbed the tree. Galo tied it to the trunk and waved that it was ready. Cas grasped the rope with both hands.
He braced his feet against the wall as he climbed down. She noticed that he winced as he descended, favoring his right side. The left shoulder was still sore from the attack. She tucked that into the back of her mind, in case she needed to use it against him later.
Em