Thanks to the secret tunnels, Richard sneaked out of the palace without detection. A knock on the door of Merlin’s cottage, followed by a quick exchange of money for the vial, and Richard headed back. He slipped inside without being noticed.
That went smoother than he expected. At least something was working in his favor.
As he walked down the hallway to his room, he saw Christina seated on the floor, leaning against one of his doors. “What are you doing out here?”
She rose and brushed her palms on her pants legs. “I’ve been waiting for you.”
“I had an errand to run.” Why did I say that? He didn’t need to explain his comings and goings to her.
“An errand?”
He nodded. Said errand threatened to burn a hole in his pocket if he was not more careful. Perhaps her presence was a sign to pro
