The Oath“Jacqui, what is it?”
I looked at Jonathan. “We have to get you out of here. They brought me here to capture you.”
“I don’t understand.”
“We have no time.” I pulled at his arm. “Don’t you see?” Another deep squeezing pain struck me, and I paused, gasping for breath, then pressed forward. “You're a Diamond Heir, the former Keeper of the Court. There's any number of people they could sway by threatening harm to you.” He'd slowed down, and I pulled at his arm again. “They captured Josie, but I didn’t take the bait. So they captured me. They hit me on the head in front of the Manor and brought me here.”
“Oh, gods, Jacqui,” he panted, “I had no idea.”
We kept going, one halting step at a time. I said, “Then they sent this forgery to you. They couldn’t get to you any other way, espe
