Esme – POV
Dawn crept across the skyline. I had only an hour before Liam would wake.
I stood alone in the alley, a small jewelry box in my hand. Inside was a fake ring. I felt the shift in the air before I saw him—a tall figure approaching. It wasn't Lady Margaret. My body tensed as I slid a hand toward the sword hidden in the waistband of my dress.
"Easy there," a gruff voice said.
I tried to make out his face, but it was hidden beneath a heavy cloak. "I'm Lady Margaret's servant," he added.
"I don't trust you," I said flatly. "How do I know you're not a thief?"
In response, he made a hand signal. A crown of thorns. Lady Margaret's sign. She gave all her followers an iron pendant with that symbol. She'd given me one too—but I'd thrown it away.
"Hand me the parcel. I don't have time to chat." He extended a hand. On his calloused finger was a golden ring engraved with a phoenix.
"Give it," he demanded impatiently.
