---- think that is?" The Duke stared at me, deep in thought.


    His expression grew more serioushe only needed a few seconds to piece it together.


    "That donkey used to stay in the pen we inspected, which is why there was more manure piled up there, and why it naturally tried to go back in, "he concluded.


    Smart man.


    "Exactly!" I eximed, pointing a finger at him.


    "Duke, someone tipped off that worker that you wereing fora surprise inspection.


    They moved the animal to the pen where theyre hiding the stolen grain and left the other one open and suspicious.


    Who would ever think that under the donkey is a hidden underground stash?" Iid out my theory, and he stroked his chin, silent, deep in thought.


    Minutes passed, and tension filled the air.


    Did he believe me? "How sure are you?" he finally asked.


    "Um...


    80...


    maybe 50...


    uh...


    45%?" My confidence dropped as his eyebrow arched higher.


    Damn it, his tyrant face made me nervous! "Fine.


    45% is good enough for me." He nodded and knocked on the roof of the carriage.


    "We''re going back to the ntations!" he roared, waiting for the driver to turn us around.


    But before we could move, the entire carriage shook violently.


    Ilurched forward, and the Duke caught me.


    Outside, the horses neighed wildly, and shouts filled the air.


    ---- What...


    whats happening?" "Damn it! Rosse, do not leave this carriage!" He grabbed my face, making me look at him, his grip firm.


    He made me promise.


    "Dont step outside.


    No matter what happens." His voice was urgent.


    I could only nod, my nerves on edge.


    Outside, I heard the unmistakable clinking of met fight.


    Elliot barely cracked the carriage door open whenwhoosh! "Ah!" I mped my hand over my mouth to stop myself from screaming.


    An arrow pierced the wooden door, inches from his face.


    He immediately leaped out, mming the door shut behind him.


    I didnt dare peek outside.


    Through the curtains reflection, I saw him whistle for his horse and mount it swiftly.


    Torches flickered wildly, illuminating figures darting between them.


    shes of swords, the grunts of battle, and, eventually, the bang ofa gunshot.


    That had to be Elliot.


    Only nobles had ess to firearms.


    My heart pounded frantically.


    Why would anyone attack the Duke on his ownnds? Night had fallen, and in the darkness, everything was more chaotic, harder to see.


    Anoise too close forfort made me freeze.


    I held my breath, straining ---- my ears.


    Then I heard itsoft footsteps on the roof.


    Ipressed myself against the seat, staring upward in fear.


    My hand fumbled for somethinganythingto defend myself with.


    My fingers brushed against the bread knife on the side table.


    I grabbed it, my grip trembling uncontrobly.


    Someone had climbed onto the carriage.


    I could hear their breathing.


    The slight shift of their weight above me.


    What do I do? Run into the chaos outside? Wait for the Duke to save me? Or try to fight back with...


    a bread knif.