He looks at me astonished but agrees to my request and we quietly recede to a more secluded area.
“Now, young lady, what is it you have to say?”
“Um, you were talking about the Royal Safe Room,” I fidget nervously, acting the timid and shy girl as best I can, “And how you need to get in, right?”
Duke Erwood nods, eyeing me with confusion, “Yes, that’s what we said.”
“It’s just, . . . I know how to get into it, and where it is.” I blurt out. Duke Erwood takes a step back, shock flickering on his face.
“But, how? That’s not possible!”
“It is!” I intercede in a rush, “I was actually in the palace when the coup took place and I saw the Castovias open the door of the safe room. I tried to run away but they caught me.” I explain, flustered.
Duke Erwood frowns at me—obviously not quite ready to believe my outrageous story. I have to admit since I made it up on the fly--it is pretty feeble. But I have a clincher.
“You don’t believe me, do you?” I slump, then pull up the sleeves of my shirt to reveal my scars. “When they captured me, they tortured me. Mr True rescued me and got me out the country. You can ask him about it.”
Duke Erwood stares at my arms silently for a while before regaining his senses.
“Oh, my dear! That is horrible!! We’ll have to convene with the leaders about this. Please, come with me.”
I follow him and he ushers me into one of the back rooms, then leaves to go gather the important people. The first person to enter is Samuel—looking more than a little perplexed.
“Raven, what are you planning?” He quizzes me, but before I can answer the door opens to admit Melody and Julian. They walk straight over to me and come to a stop in front of me. Melody puts her hand on my shoulder.
“What’s going one Raven?” She asks worriedly, “Are you in some sort of trouble?”
Obviously, the duke hasn’t told anyone what’s going on. Smart. Keeps things quiet until all the people are here so I can explain all at once. I shake my head and gently push her hand away.
Julian looks uneasy, he keeps glancing around the room and checking the exits. The same thing I’m doing but more obvious. He’s even more of a mystery than ever. He sidles up to me discreetly.
“You know what’s going on here, don’t you?” He murmurs out the corner of his mouth, keeping his eyes fixed on the surroundings, “Are we in any danger here?”
I dart a surprised look at him. Not a question I was expecting—especially not from him. I decide to set his mind at ease.
“No danger. I have some information they want.”
He doesn’t acknowledge me but moves away to stand slightly behind Melody. He’s still alert and ready, just not as agitated and nervous as before. I guess he believes me.
Finally, Duke Erwood returns, and behind him trail and line of old government officials and the leaders of this merry band. The last person to enter the room is Aunt Mari.
Damn it!
I knew there was a good chance of either Aunt Maria or Anna being present, but I was still hoping I could avoid this situation. Samuel glances between us as Aunt Mari closes the door and goes to stand beside him, in front of me.
“Now,” Aunt Mari announces, “You told Duke Erwood that you have some very important information for us.”
I nod at her, my eyes wide.
“Please introduce yourself.”
Aunt Mari sounds regal and queenly, so much so that I am reminded of Mother. I square my shoulders and stand tall before remembering the part I’ve set myself to play.
“My name is Raven Moon. My family were nobles who worked in the palace.” I look down at the floor as I speak, my hands fidgeting with my clothing, “Um, Your Majesty.”
She waves my words aside, “Leave the titles for now, Miss Raven, what information do you have for us?”
I glance up quickly, before returning my gaze to the floor, “I, ah, know where the Royal Safe Room is and how to access it.”
I look up to observe their reaction to my words. Shock and disbelief are the most prominent emotions on the faces around me. Aunt Mari and Samuel manage to control their facial expressions so only the barest flicker of emotion shows.
“How?” Aunt Mari inquires, “How did you manage to come across the most guarded secret of the monarchy??”
Her voice rises slightly with concealed rage. She must think I had something to do with how the Castovias found out. She’s not wrong.
“I was in the palace when the Castovias attacked. Near the safe room as it happened, I was there when the Castovias captured the King and Queen.”
Aunt Mari staggers slightly at my statement; Samuel grabs her arm in a comforting gesture.
“Really?” This from Minister Travall—he looks less than impressed, “You were in the palace at the exact time the coup took place. In the exact spot the secret room was located, at the exact time the Castovias opened it. What a coincident!”
He comments dryly; sarcasm dripping off his lips. I meet his gaze with a glare.
“Yes, and they saw me too.” I let a bit of darkness creep into my voice, “They tortured me for my trouble.”
I pull up my sleeves, and the ones who haven’t seen them look horrified.
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