Page 74 of Chained

“Do better than your best. Make sure I’m not disturbed.”

Nodding, Maywin bowed and backed away, but she paused, a glint of sadness in her eyes. “Is there anything I can do for you before I go?”

I stared after her, my heart sinking as I looked at her loyal, trusting face.

“No, Maywin. Thank you for being such a kind, faithful friend to me.”

“Miss—”

“Please go now, Maywin. I don’t want to tell you again.”

I turned my back on her and listened for the door to close before sitting upright and rushing toward the computer desk. I began typing as fast as my fingers would allow.

My One True Love, King Cade,I began, tears welling in my eyes as I began.By the time you read this letter, I will be on my way out of Ironhelm. Please don’t come looking for me. It’s not what your heart desires, after all.

Streaks slipped down my cheeks in slow, zigzagged patterns, dripping off my chin to land on the smooth, mahogany surface, blotting the waxed wood unevenly, but I didn’t wait for them to dry as I stood, smoothing the front of my fine gown of ruby red.

There wasn’t enough with me in this room for any kind of trip, but I would make do with what I had, hastily grabbing my overnight bag and throwing in the clothes and toiletries I had in my possession. Then, cracking a window, I slipped a leg outside, relishing the cool summer air on my hot, upset cheeks.

The orchestra played lively from the grand ballroom, my escape not yet an inkling on anyone’s mind. By the time anyone was the wiser, I would be in the open country backroads in one of Cade’s long-forgotten cars, heading north or east or west—but not south, because I couldn’t go home to Carrottrove now. My parents would never forgive me for this. Ironhelm would never forgive me, either.

I would have to become someone else now, someone not tied to the King of Ironhelm and his kingdom. I would rebuild and start fresh.

And try to leave my shattered ego and heart behind.

* * *