CARISSA’S POV
The night air feels colder than usual as I slip past the hallways of the palace. My heart pounds in my chest. Each beat is a warning I stubbornly ignore. I know this is dangerous, maybe even reckless, but I have to do this. Harriet’s note burns in my pocket. She wants to see me, and against all reason, I’ve agreed.
The guards are everywhere tonight. I can tell they’re still looking for her. Harriet must have an uncanny skill for avoiding them—or help. She’s sneaky, I’ll give her that.
I pause at the corner of the corridor, pressing myself against the wall as two guards walk past, deep in conversation.
I could tell them. I could hand over the note and let them deal with Harriet. It would be the sensible thing to do, the safe thing. But no. If I did that, it would only rei
