I made myself keep a steady pace as I walked back to my bedroom, my heart hammering. It was as if another Tatiana had taken over, making decisions for me that I wasn’t sure I could stomach. I was hungry, I was tired, and panic was making my blood curdle. Of course I was proud of the plan forming in my head. Never had I been so bold. But could I execute it? 

The sun was setting. Forcing myself to push horrific thoughts of failure away, I removed my tunic and changed into a flimsy nightgown. The sense of normalcy that greeted me with these simple gestures soothed me. After triple-checking that my chamber door was solidly locked, I sat at the small, cherry-wood desk Franco had allowed in my bedroom and set out to write. 

While I was skilled at translating diplomatic texts, I was never required to word one myself. I didn’t know where to start. The war between Demons and Humans hadn’t started yet, but as far as Spendios was concerned, I wasn’t an ally. And I couldn’t tell him what I saw in the future. I had to be subtle. 

I went through six iterations of the letter before settling on the final one. As the hours of the night progressed, the panic I had felt before reaching my bedroom had been replaced with sheer fury, as I attempted to recall memories of my childhood, in order to best convey my situation to Spendios. The painful time when Athenais “misplaced” a kitten I had bonded with; the meals I had to skip because Mara had forbidden our cook from giving me anything; my fourteenth birthday party...

For my fourteenth birthday--or at least what Duke Franco had decided would be my birthday--my stepsisters had convinced Mara to let them organize a surprise party in the gardens. It was a grand affair, one only suited for the actual daughter of a Duke. Marielle had helped us apply rosy balm on our cheeks and fashion our hair into intricate braids. I spent an afternoon of blissful happiness, foolishly thinking that I had finally been accepted by my reluctant family. I listened to Georgina tell secrets about her suitors, and followed Athenais as she taught us how to properly behave as ladies of the court. 

For a handful of rosy, sugary hours, I allowed myself to imagine a life that looked like this. Sweet and untarnished. And it might have been possible, if not for my missed appointment with the Duke, which earned me a hard slap across the face and a visit to the castle’s dungeons. My sisters' pretend kindness had led me to indulge in more sweet wine than I should have, and to forget about my duties.

“Did you really believe we would throw a birthday party for your enjoyment?” Athenais snickered as I exited my cold cell the next morning.

Of course, having me locked in a dark, damp cell on the night of my birthday was their idea of fun. 

But none of what I wrote was enough to describe the extent of the abuse. After breaking two quills in anger at my inability to properly explain my situation, I finally settled on a compromise, focusing on essential information. The few sentences I wrote would be easily slipped in between Franco’s text, rendering them even more invisible to the untrained eye. Satisfied, I memorized the text, repeating it over and over until the break of dawn. 

“Spendios, I seek your support in re-joining my homeland. We have collaborated many times in the past, and I hope that the trust we’ve built through the years will suffice for you to help me. I am kept here as a prisoner, abused by an adoptive family that only seeks my downfall. If you help me find safety, I will pledge to help Voke in any ways I can, to win their fight against Thornland.” 

I woke up with a pang of excitement at the day to come. I couldn’t turn back now that the possibility of escaping Duke Franco’s clutches had formed in my head. As calmly as I could, I headed back to Duke Franco’s office, taking a long series of corridors in order to avoid the rest of my step-family. Today more than ever, I couldn’t afford to get into any trouble. 

When I arrived in Franco’s office, he was in an unusually agitated state. Franco was a man of control and routine, and when something didn’t go his way, he was usually pacing in front of his window. 

“Good morning, Father.” I greeted him. “Should I resume yesterday's work?” I asked, hoping I didn’t sound too eager. 

“The demons are coming to negotiate with King Hughes in person instead. The recent increase in pillages from both sides is putting everyone on edge.”

My heart sank in my chest, and for a moment I thought my legs were going to give. The stress from last night came crashing down on me. In one sentence, he had wiped my plan away. 

“You will interpret,” he ordered. “We are to travel to court this afternoon. King Hughes has called for an extraordinary council meeting, and I need you there, in case anything arises.”

I swallowed hard, my throat closing. “Of course.”

“I don’t need you until the afternoon,” he added, seeing as I was still rooted in the middle of his office. 

I nodded and held back tears. One plan was hard enough to come up with. Did I have it in me to devise a second one? I wiped the dread off my face. Whatever happened in the afternoon council, I would surely glean some valuable information. After all, I had spent seventeen years with Duke Franco. I could wait a few more days. 

Marielle found me in the kitchens. Instead of waiting for the afternoon in my chambers, I had gone down for a warm meal. Despite being a servant herself, Marielle scowled at the sight of the greasy pots. 

“What do you want?” I wasn’t in the mood for a petty fight. 

“Your sisters would like to invite you to tea this afternoon, in their boudoir.” 

“I am going to court with Duke Franco this afternoon, sadly.” 

“His Grace was impressed by your sister’s attempt at including you in their activities, and has agreed for you to have the afternoon off,” Marielle grinned. 

I frowned, remembering the painful memory of my birthday party. I wasn’t going to make the same mistake twice. 

“Are you sure you’ve talked to His Grace?” 

Marielle huffed and handed me an excuse note carrying Duke Franco’s seal. “You are expected at three o’clock sharp.”