64 A Ruse in Shadows (2/2)

Hilde took the last few moments before they were to leave to turn to Gisela, who was behind her, also surrounded by other Prince's Guards. ”Stay close to me,” she said, thinking only that, with her body somewhat well again, she could help protect her cousin in case something goes wrong.

”I think not, Princess,” answered Lady Ilse, short-tempered due to anxiousness. ”If things go south, where do you think the danger would brew the thickest? If anything, we need to keep you two as far apart as possible.”

That had not occurred to Hilde. It seemed she did not give ample thought for what might happen in case this plan failed, and she silently gave thanks for the existence of a mother's instinct, glad to inadvertently receive its benefit in that moment.

”I understand, Lady,” she said. ”Would you mind moving to the middle of the line, then?”

Her aunt gave a single, curt nod, then waited while Gisela hugged her tightly.

”I still don't like it, Hilde,” said her cousin by her ear. ”You're risking too much.”

Hilde chuckled as she returned the hug just as tightly. ”Everyone keeps forgetting, I don't actually have much to risk.”

”Be serious!” Gisela ended the hug so she could meet Hilde's eyes under the dim, flickering light of a nearby torch. ”Keep yourself safe… please? No matter what.”

It occurred to Hilde that Gisela might still be worrying that her riding accident wasn't an accident at all. From her point of view, this dangerous ruse must seem suspicious too.

She did as her cousin asked and dropped the put-on humor. ”I'll be very careful, cousin,” she replied, taking her hand and giving it a squeeze. ”You do that too, do you hear me? No matter what.”

At her soft nod, Hilde released her. She and her mother moved back with their assigned Guards to the center of the column, where the more exhausted people were placed. Seemingly by chance, they stopped beside Sieglind, Theodar, and their mother, whom the twins were supporting between them.

As ready as they could ever be, now, they began to move forward. Their silence had an almost eerie quality to it, broken only by the sound of shuffling feet, rustles of clothing, and blazing of only ten torches, spaced far apart. Even before the parade of deception began, it seemed everyone was just waiting for the moment they'll get caught.

The people downhill were ready for them. Some citizens with foresight and initiative had brought their own torches, so even though the aides and soldiers had been given none, there were a few damning sources of illumination below.

While they were still descending, one torch had been allowed to shine on Hilde, and through the gaps between her Guards, many pairs of eyes had been able to catch a glimpse of her. She and her sister already bore strong resemblance with each other, and with the enhancement of distance, they might as well have been the same person.

After enough time had passed with no reaction from the crowd except the mutterings that still bore a hint of discontent, the tall and black-armored soldiers in front and to her sides closed the gaps in tandem with the movements of the soldiers below. Some of them moved forward to begin parting the crowd, some prepared to flank either sides of the column, and some – including the Queen's Guards still present – joined those who were shielding the Queen's stand-in from a closer view.

The lone torch that had been in front of Hilde edged back until all that could be seen of her face were shadows.