Chapter81:

As if in answer to her silent question, a thunking sound hit the other side of the door, rattling the wood, though the bar stayed firm. Kit took a giant step backward as it hit again. “He’s trying to chop through the door! I need a weapon! Where’s a sword?” Pierce shouted, looking around the room frantically. Kit knew he wouldn’t find any. Her mother was afraid to keep weapons in the room for fear one of the Representatives would kill the princess in her sleep. It had seemed like a ridiculous worry—until now. Grabbing ahold of Pierce’s forearm, she shouted, “In here!” and pulled him over to the wall. “In where? Isn’t there a sword? Why is he using an ax?” Pierce seemed completely confused, like he couldn’t believe this was real. Kit had practiced opening the secret door into the safe room dozens of times but never with her hands shaking. Behind her, Merek continued to attack the door. There were shouts in the hallway, and she was certain she heard Eli giving commands. Just about the ti