The Tale of Mally Biddle Read Online Free Page B

substantially, the thumping of heavy boots keeping tempo to the pounding drums.
    Cayla and Nanette finished their pie and beer, along with a helping of apple crumb tart topped with almond cream. Cayla was leaning back in her chair, gazing peacefully around the inn. It had been beautifully decorated for Christmas with baubles, ribbons, and bundles of holly. Cayla’s roaming eyes rested on a corner a few tables away from where she and Nanette sat. It was a good bit darker than anywhere else in the room because there were no torch brackets nearby. The table was empty and Cayla thought she u nderstood why. Why ever would you want to sit in the dark?
    “Perfect dinner!” Nanette exclaimed, startling Cayla by sla mming her hands on the table and pushing herself up. “I think it’s time we headed off.”
    They slowly made their way back to the castle, stumbling over uneven stones in the road, chuckling at their clumsiness. They turned a corner and the brightly lit windows of the castle shone proudly through the night.
    “… didn’t expect this to happen …”
    Cayla stopped so sharply that Nanette stumbled again.
    “What—” Nanette began, but Cayla pinched her sharply.
    “Shhh!” she hissed, suddenly fully awake.
    For some reason, the harsh voice she had just heard through the darkness left her feet frozen in place.
    “… Just finish the job— tonight , along with the maid,” said the cold voice so quietly that she inclined her head to hear better; her eyes strained painfully as she tried to see through the dark alley.
    “Cayla—”
    “ Shh!”
    But whoever had spoken had vanished.
    “They’re gone,” Cayla whispered.
    She started walking again, tugging Nanette along with her.
    “Cayla— Cayla, what is it ?” Nanette huffed, jogging to keep up with Cayla’s quick pace. “Who’s gone?”
    “Nothing,” said Cayla shortly. She nodded curtly to the gate guard and entered the castle. “I just thought I heard something.”
    “Well, I didn’t hear anything,” Nanette grumbled dismissively. “I’m going to bed—see you in the morning.”
    With a large yawn, she turned on her heel and shuffled down the corridor. Cayla stood stationary in the corridor for a full three minutes before coming to her senses with a start. She ran up the spiral staircase to Princess Avona’s chamber, the cold words ech oing in her brain. She wrenched the chamber door open with such force that Kiora dropped the tea pot she had been holding.
    “Never mind it, never mind it!” huffed Cayla quickly as Kiora bent to retrieve the broken pottery. “I’ll take care of it—don’t know my own strength sometimes—Go on, I’ll take care of ever ything.” And with an arm tightly around Kiora’s shoulders, she half-pushed half-led her out the door before she could protest and closed the door with a snap.
    Cayla stood staring at the wood of the door, her hand pressed flat against its grainy surface. Surely she was overreacting … pa nicky about the slightest thing that seemed strange … Cayla shook her head as if trying to rid herself of an aggravating fly. No, this was real—what she had heard was real—she had to act now!
    She spun around, a plan—a horribly, foolish plan—had taken form in a matter of seconds. Her face set with fierce determination, she crossed the room and picked up the sleeping baby.
     

 
    3 The Plan
    Ivan Finley walked quickly through the crowded streets of Bosc. He attracted many looks from passer-bys. Perhaps it was his high brow or his steady, firm gaze. Or it could have been his fres hly waxed boots or the glimmering of his expensive cloak, both of which spoke volumes of his social standing and his wealth. Either way, Ivan didn’t seem to notice or care that people watched him brush by. He seemed oblivious to the hopeful glances of many a young woman. His long, red cloak swished behind him as he weaved through the jostling people, hurrying from stand to stand in the large market. In fact, the