After that, Aurora went to find Smiling John. The castellan was sitting at a long table, a mug in one hand and a portion of eel pie in the other. Soldiers had gathered around him, telling stories of campaigns. They stopped abruptly as Aurora approached.

She didn’t have time to do more than pull him aside and explain the situation briefly. He didn’t like the idea of her riding alone in search of her godmother, and he liked the knife even less, but he eventually agreed to her plans. At least he accepted that Nanny Stoat was in charge, and was willing to reluctantly execute the rest of Aurora’s orders.

Lady Fiora was waiting for her as she walked away from the soldiers. “Everyone is looking for—What are you doing in those clothes?”

Aurora almost laughed. “I’m afraid I must go.”

“No, wait,” Lady Fiora said. “Stay. I hope this has nothing to do with Phillip. There is something amiss. My brother, he—”

“Nothing to do with Phillip,” Aurora said, cutting her off. “And I really, really have to go.”

Aurora led her horse out to the cobbled road in front of the castle and made ready to swing up onto her back.

“My lady,” said someone with a familiar voice. It was Count Alain, leading his own horse from the stables. He had a slim sword swinging from his belt.

“What a surprise,” Aurora said. She wondered if he’d come to intervene on behalf of Lord Ortolan, although he wouldn’t need a horse for that. “I just ran into your sister. You’re very good to see me off.”

“I understand that your godmother is gone,” he said. “You believe she came to misfortune.”

“Her raven is going to lead me to her,” Aurora told him, “whatever has happened.”

“You can’t be thinking of going alone?” he asked.

She put up her chin. “I am.”

“Let me come,” said Count Alain. “No matter what I think of the Fair Folk, I know that no one should ever head into danger without a friend by their side.”

Aurora considered his offer. She thought of all she knew about him, all she feared might have befallen her godmother, and all her godmother’s warnings. But Aurora had already sent Phillip away. She didn’t have it in her to send away anyone else.

“It would be a great kindness if you would accompany me,” she said.

Chapter 24

Maleficent woke to pain worse than the iron net had caused, worse than iron chains. Her body burned. Every breath scalded her lungs. There was a spasming tightness in her muscles, and her head pounded so loudly she had difficulty thinking past it. She was in a prison of iron: the floor, the walls, and the bars were all made of the stuff.

“Maleficent?” a voice said, familiar but unsteady. “Is that you moving?”