Red Hood's Revenge

You think Roudette will simply give up and go home? If threatening Charlotte doesn’t lure me into the open, Roudette will keep killing until she finds someone who will. At least this way we know where she’ll be.”
    “Never let the enemy define the battle,” Talia said. “Choose your own battlefield. Make her come to you, on your terms.”
    “Talia is right.” Beatrice pushed herself to her feet, leaning heavily on her staff. “You cannot go. Roudette would likely kill you if you tried to save your stepsister. You’re Princess of Lorindar. Think of your people. Think of your husband and child. You know what it’s like to lose a mother. Would you do that to Jakob?”
    “That’s not fair,” Danielle whispered.
    “I know.” Beatrice took her hand. “Snow and Talia will go to Stone Grove. They will save Charlotte if they can.” That last was spoken with a stern look at Talia. “However, their first priority will be to protect you by stopping Roudette.”
    Trittibar cleared his throat. “I would like to accompany them, Your Majesty. Assuming Talia will allow it. The Lady of the Red Hood has tormented my people for many years. Those I serve would be pleased to see her punished for her actions.”
    Talia looked as though she had eaten something sour, but she said nothing.
    “So my friends risk their lives while I stay safely hidden behind these walls?” Danielle knew Beatrice was right, and she hated it. Snow had magic enough to protect herself, and Talia had fought Roudette before and lived. What could Danielle do? Summon a mob of squirrels to pelt Roudette with nuts?
    “I understand how you feel,” said Beatrice. “What do you think it’s like for me each time I send you out? But this is what must be done.” To Snow and Talia she said, “Stone Grove is less than a day’s ride. You leave tonight.”
    Snow groaned. “We have until sunset tomorrow. Wouldn’t it be better to leave after a good night’s sleep? Maybe midmorning, after a nice warm breakfast?”
    “Giving Roudette time to rest while she waits for us?” asked Talia. “I’d rather face a groggy murderer, myself.”
    Beatrice smiled. “Go and prepare for your journey. And be safe.”

CHAPTER 3

    T ALIA UNSTRAPPED TWO FLAT KNIVES from her right thigh, where the hem of her tunic had hidden them from casual view. She handed both weapons to Danielle. They were simple single-edged blades. Not great for throwing, but with Danielle’s aim, that hardly mattered. Talia had sharpened both knives herself less than a week ago, and they should serve Danielle well if she was attacked in close quarters. “Your sword is good, but you’ll be safer with a few extra blades hidden away.”
    “Assuming Jakob doesn’t get his hands on them.” Danielle examined the sheathed knives. “Snow’s wards should keep Roudette away from the palace.”
    “Do you want to trust your life to magic?” Talia opened the chapel doors and checked the courtyard. “Do you want to trust Jakob’s? Better to be safe, Princess.”
    Danielle nodded and hiked up her gown so she could strap one of the knives to her right leg, below the knee. Talia helped her attach the other to her forearm.
    “Stay in the palace until we return,” said Talia. “If you sneak after us, thinking you can help, I swear I’ll kill you myself.”
    Danielle pulled the sleeve of her gown over the knife. “I won’t. I don’t like the idea of letting a killer confine me to my home, but—”
    “Roudette is no ordinary killer.” Talia tugged Danielle’s sleeve down, then studied her to make sure the weapons weren’t noticeable. “Do you remember what I told you when your stepsister tried to kill you in your room?”
    “Forget dignity and scream like a frightened child,” Danielle recited, smiling slightly. “I’ll be fine, Talia. I’m more worried about you and Snow and Trittibar.”
    “Don’t be.” Talia escorted Danielle back to the northwest tower, making sure the extra guardsmen were at their posts. She grabbed the closest by the sleeve. “Princess Danielle is to go nowhere without armed escort, by order of Queen Beatrice.”
    He gave a quick bow. Unlike Danielle, Talia had never been friends with most of the palace staff, but they knew who she was and that she served Queen Beatrice directly.
    Danielle sighed. “Talia—”
    “Remember, if you evade your bodyguard, he’s the one who gets disciplined for losing you.” Talia hurried away, heading for the royal