Chapter 42

ELIZA’S POV Alyosha’s message had been short but enough to send a chill down my spine. Alexander and I returned to his private study in silence. As soon as we stepped inside, he shut the door behind us, locking out the noise of the palace. “We both know your father won’t change his mind,” I said, forcing myself to speak first. The words were painful but they were the truth. I saw it in Alexander’s eyes—he looked frustrated. He sighed and ran his hand through his hair. “I know.” He said “I can’t believe he thinks you’re a spy. How can he say that?” I paced the room. My mind raced with different possibilities. “There’s no time to dwell on that. If he’s not going to listen to us then we need another way. Because if those reinforcements from the Western Plains arrive before we’re ready, there won’t be a battle. There will be a massacre.” I turned to him. In that moment, I made my decision. “I have to go to the border.” Alexander’s expression hardened instantly. “Eliza—” “No.” I shook my he