Chapter 8
She woke all at once, the night black around her, a hand covering her mouth. The hand eased its grip until a single finger remained, pressed against her lips. Pippa nodded to show she understood.
For she could hear the crunch of underbrush, the crackle of twigs beneath boots. Behind her, Prince Bennett gripped her shoulders and helped her sit, the move silent and slow. Then his lips brushed her ear.
“They are very close,” he said, his voice no louder than a whisper.
Pippa nodded.
“Do you remember where the pool is?”
She nodded again.
“On my mark, run there as fast as you can. I’ll create a diversion and meet you on the opposite side, near the old willow.”
That hand clamped over her mouth just as she was about to protest.
“It’s dark,” he said, as if he had anticipated wha
