chapter 23

Abbie The stable door groans open, and our steps are hesitant, our shadows flitting against the wooden walls of the stables when I find Ivy sitting on top of an old wine barrel that has been turned upside down. The room, dense with the smell of hay and horses, suddenly feels tighter, more constricted when I see the saddened look on her face. They haven’t told us what has happened, only that we can spend a few minutes with her and wish her happy birthday. I’m so confused… I thought we were safe here. Gannon, whose gaze remains hardened, acknowledges our presence with a brief nod. He stands, his tall figure casting a long shadow, and murmurs a warning, “Don’t be long; I don’t want to be dragging you to the cells for disobeying the king.” His voice is cold and filled with anger. I have never seen him look angry. Clarice, her fingers trembling slightly, is the first to approach Ivy. She holds a frosted cupcake as if it’s a lifeline. Yet, it’s Ivy’s gutted expression that draws me in. Her e