*Ainslee*
We make love that night. Rafe gives me all the empty promises and reassurances I need to be ready in the morning.
As a group, there are eight of us: Rafe, Annamarie, Jerim, four guards, and me. We don’t dare risk bringing any more. We dress in plain peasants’ clothing and even go so far as to rub dirt on our faces to disguise ourselves.
The Rallegrad guard is easily bribed and stands aside for us. We step into Rallegrad, all of us holding our breath.
Lightning doesn’t strike us down, so that’s a good thing. I let out the breath I’m holding and look at Rafe. “You’re really going to do this?”
“We’ve been over this, Ainslee.”
“I know. I’m just so scared for you, that’s all,” I say.
“It has to be done.” He looks at the others. “I want you all to be ready to accept Drake if the
