Yvaine loosened the belt around Isabel’s wrists. ‘I will go in search of flowers for your hair. When I am gone, you are going to slip out under the canvas over there.’ She nodded towards the far end of the tent. ‘There are no guards at that end.’ Dropping the belt to the ground, she began unbuttoning Isabel’s dress. ‘You are going to the kitchen the long way, behind the sleeping quarters. You will see the guards along the fence line and will be tempted to turn back. Do not.’ She picked up the clean dress and began helping her into it. ‘If you stay close to the houses, they cannot see you.’

While it felt pointless changing dresses ahead of an escape, Isabel knew it was to protect Yvaine if she got caught. There would be questions.

‘When I return with the flowers, I will have to react immediately or the guards will be suspicious.’ She walked over to the tray and took the bread from it, stuffing it into the pocket of Isabel’s cloak, which was draped over the cot. Then she returned to her. ‘Count to fifty before you leave, in case the guards check in on you.’

Isabel searched her eyes. ‘We are coming for you. We are going to get all of you out, I promise.’

Yvaine hugged her briefly, then left the tent, informing the guards on her way out that she would be back in a few minutes.

Isabel stood there, her heart pounding in her throat, counting in her head as she eyed her escape route.

Fifty.

She snatched up her cloak and headed for the far end of the tent, tugging at the fabric in various spots until she found the best place to slip through the gap. She peered beneath it before doing so, certain someone would see her, but Yvaine was right. She escaped the tent unnoticed.

Tugging up the hood of her cloak, she looked around to get her bearings, then headed for the fence line as instructed. When she reached the first house, she stopped in the shadows, taking a moment to observe her surroundings. A guard strolled slowly along the fence line, staring vacantly ahead. Drawing a slow breath, Isabel pushed forwards, every muscle in her body tense. She passed the second house without an issue. When she reached the third, she pressed her back against the wall, working up the courage to cross the camp to the other side. She was just about to go when two guards stepped into view, forcing her back into the shadows. Flattening herself against the wall, she held her breath and waited for them to pass.

Now, she told herself. Go.