Emilia moved swiftly through the manor's corridors, her mind racing with plans to reach Blackwood Forest. The east stables were her best bet for a horse, but she'd need to avoid the guards patrolling the grounds.
As she turned a corner, she nearly collided with Lucas, who stood leaning against a wall, watching her with a discerning gaze.
"Lady Emilia, I thought you were going to stay inside," he said softly, pushing off from the wall to block her path.
Emilia's heart skipped a beat. Had he overheard her conversation with Isabella? She forced a calm smile. "I needed some air. The tension in there is suffocating."
Lucas's eyes narrowed, clearly unconvinced. "Your father wants you safe. It's not a suggestion."
Emilia tilted her chin, frustration simmering. "I need to do something, Lucas. I can't just sit here while Edward's fate hangs in the balance."
Lucas's expression softened, and he took a step closer. "I understand, but rushing out now would be reckless. Let me help. Tell me what you plan to do."
Emilia hesitated. Involving Lucas could be risky, but he was her best chance at getting out unseen. "I was thinking of heading to Blackwood Forest. There's a tavern on the outskirts—Edward mentioned it once. He might be there."
Lucas's jaw tightened. "That's dangerous. The forest's crawling with crown loyalists, and if Edward's been seen with rebels..."
Emilia's resolve hardened. "That's why I need to go now. Will you help me or not?"
Lucas's gaze lingered on hers, weighing options. Finally, he nodded. "I'll get you there. But you follow my lead, and you do exactly what I say. Understand?"
Emilia nodded, relief washing over her. "I promise."
Lucas glanced around the corridor before gesturing her to follow. "Come on. We'll need to be quick and quiet."
They moved swiftly, avoiding clusters of guests and dodging servants. At the east stables, Isabella waited with two horses saddled and ready, a look of concern on her face.
"Be careful, Emilia," Isabella whispered, handing her cousin the reins. "And you, Sir Lucas—keep her safe."
Lucas nodded, his expression reassuring. "I'll bring her back before dawn."
Emilia mounted her horse, a mix of excitement and fear coursing through her veins. As they rode out into the moonlit night, the manor's torches faded into the distance.
The forest loomed ahead, dark and mysterious. Lucas led the way, his posture alert as they navigated narrow paths.
"Stay close," he murmured, glancing back at her. "Sounds carry far here."
Emilia nodded, her senses on high alert. Every snap of a twig made her jump, but Lucas's calm demeanor kept her grounded.
After what felt like an eternity, the trees thinned, and a dim light flickered ahead—the tavern, nestled at the forest's edge.
Lucas dismounted, tying his horse to a post. "Stay here. I'll check inside."
Emilia shook her head. "I'm coming with you."
Lucas's gaze hardened. "Not this time. You're staying—"
A low whistle cut him off. From the shadows, a figure beckoned urgently.
Lucas's head snapped toward the sound. "Stay hidden," he whispered, drawing his sword.
Emilia's heart pounded as he disappeared into the darkness. What had he seen? She strained her ears, but the forest's noises swallowed everything.
Minutes ticked by. Where was Lucas?
Suddenly, he reappeared, his expression tense. "Emilia, come. Now."
Emilia's pulse spiked. She dismounted and followed him toward the tavern's back entrance.
Inside, the air was thick with smoke and hushed conversations. Lucas led her to a dim corner, where a hooded figure waited.
"Edward?" Emilia breathed, her voice barely audible.
The figure pushed back his hood—Edward, his face bruised and weary.
"Emilia," he whispered, relief flickering in his eyes. "What are you doing here?"
Emilia rushed forward, hugging him tightly. "I came to warn you. The crown knows about your meetings with the rebels."
Edward's expression turned grim. "I know. I was trying to lay low until—"
A loud crash echoed from outside, followed by shouts. Lucas's head snapped toward the sound.
"It's a raid," he growled. "We need to move. Now."
Emilia's heart pounded. They were trapped.