Chapter 31

Away from Relda’s sight range, Anniston threw a blanket, concealing them. For now, anyway.

“Why’d you do that?” Sariah asked.

“They’ll come after you,” Anniston explained. “It’ll hold them off. Not for long. It’ll buy us time.”

Anniston dropped into her cot and crossed her legs.

“You’re pretty brave, Sariah,” she commented to a pacing princess.

Sariah made a sudden halt. She flailed her arms and thrust her toro forward.

“How’d you know my name?” She demanded.

Anniston stared into the distance.

“I saw you when they kidnapped you,” she told her. “We tried to get you.”

Sariah’s body went limp. She shifted from the prancing, pacing princess to a trembling frame that cowered in the corner. Memories flashed through her mind. She smacked the heel of her hand against her forehead until they went blank.

“I’m sorry,” Anniston whispered.

“Not your fault,” Sariah said with a grunt.