Chapter 144

The skies were growing darker on the periphery of what Eli could see over the hedge, but the sound of water he heard in the distance wasn’t the rain—it was the fountain. He prayed he’d reach the landmark before Kit did, but it would be difficult to know for sure if she had already passed unless he came out of the passage and examined the area for footprints. Hopefully, he’d picked up enough time along the way that he’d get there just in front of her.

The sound of bubbling grew louder as he followed a rounded row of shrubbery past several tempting turns until he was certain the fountain was just ahead to his left. Eli paused briefly to catch his breath so that he wouldn’t give himself away. Kit was able to detect him so easily just from his scent or the feel of his eyes on the back of her head, the last thing he needed was for her to hear him.

Once he was certain he had his pulse under control, he took a few cautious steps toward the opening and was relieved to see he was correct. The fountain was a piece of art. In the center of the large sculpture, a winged cherub balanced on one foot, her eyes focused on the heavens as she lifted her hands in prayer. Around the outer edge of the first bowl stood six more cherubs, also all female and looking toward the heavens. Beneath them, seven fish leapt up out of the outer bowl, spewing water out of their wide mouths. He knew the story the fountain represented, of how the goddess Marina, lordess of all the seas, had seven daughters who swam amongst womankind as fish, looking for those who did generous acts so that they may be rewarded in heaven.

The fountain had been erected long before the maze was put into place around it and had stood here for hundreds of years. His father once told him there used to be a palace behind the fountain where Kit’s ancestors had entertained, but then, as the situation in the realm shifted, the royal family could no longer be assured of their safety outside of the castle, unless surrounded by an army of guards. Now, there was no way Rona would’ve ever stayed the night anywhere without ample protection, particularly outside of a few of the provinces she still commanded with a heavy fist. She knew her situation well enough to understand her plight, that there were plenty of citizens who would give anything for a few moments alone with the queen without her guards. He doubted she had any idea just how close some of those people were to her now.

He didn’t let his mind slip too far along that road, though, because he was certain he heard a rustling down one of the paths near the center of the fountain. He took a step backward, leaning into the hedge, praying that it was Kit. If it was anyone else, particularly one of the Representatives, then his plan had a chance of failing.

She didn’t just dart out either, but he knew it was her as soon as she peeked her head around the corner. Her black curls were done up on top of her head in a large pile, the way the Antoinettians wore their hair. At first, he’d thought the idea of the women dressing like their neighbors was ridiculous—until he’d seen Kit in that gown. She looked exquisite, and as much as he would’ve loved the opportunity to free the soft mounds of flesh from the bodice she wore, it also reminded him instantly that he needed to keep Pierce as far away from her as possible.

She stepped out daintily, looking around, her skirts collected in her fists so that her feet had more freedom. He could see her eyes darting from one maze opening to the next, making sure no one was coming from the other directions, and he stepped even further back as her eyes passed by where he was hiding. When he looked again, she’d taken a few more steps toward the fountain, and then, having chosen her path, she made a run for it, dodging around the concrete structure without giving it a second look. As she disappeared between the greenery again, a few drops of rain began to fall, and Eli decided they needed to hurry before the entire event got called off. He didn’t know what Rona would do if there was no winner, but it likely wouldn’t favor Kit.

He gave her enough time to get ahead of him, to make her first few choices before he took off after her. Behind him, he heard shouting again but didn’t slow down to see what was the matter. His eyes did flicker to the deck. The queen was a small spot now, but she had a pair of looking glasses he thought for certain would bring him into focus for her. The thought of giving her a little sarcastic wave entered his mind, but he brushed it aside. He sprinted across the expansive opening and began to follow Kit, keeping his footsteps as light as possible so that she wouldn’t hear him trailing her.

The raindrops were growing larger now. They splashed against the sleeves of his dress tunic, turning the blue velvet to a richer azure. He pressed on, keeping to the sides of the path as much as possible so that if Kit were to come back this direction, he might be able to duck into one of the alcoves or dodge around a corner.

She seemed to be heading the right way from what he could tell. Once, he had a feeling she had turned down a dead end, so he waited, and sure enough, a moment later, she came back to him, headed the right direction this time. He needed to get her as close to the exit as possible before he presented her choices. Off in the distance, a rumble of thunder announced the storm was coming, and he heard a few shouts he imagined originated on the deck. If there was any lightning at all, he was certain the queen and her consorts would come down. Perhaps some were not taking any chances and were already descending. Now was not the time to break his concentration and risk a glance away from the path before him.

Another peal of thunder shook the ground, followed by more shouts. He turned his head slightly and saw the nobles headed down off of the deck. The queen was already halfway down the stairs. Only the top of her jet black hair was showing. Now, he needed to hurry before she decided to call the entire event off. Kit was so close to winning. If his calculations were correct, she only needed to make one more turn to the left, and then, she should be next to the outer wall again. She could follow that all the way around and find the exit.

But that wasn’t what she did. Instead, Kit made the left hand turn, followed the path around for a few seconds, and then she turned to the right. Rather than chasing her down, Eli stopped in his tracks, waiting patiently for Kit to realize her mistake and make her way back to him.