Alice continued to practice with Ina, using her newfound "speed" to her advantage. There was some thrill in leaving her stepsister and Ace utterly floored at her ability to move from one spot to another completely unnoticed. Of course, she continued to use her smoke bombs just to keep suspicions at bay. She was more worried about Ace than Ina. He was very observant, and she feared that without the smoke as a shield, he might catch on to her trick.

It was several days after moving camp that Bill called for a meeting. All of the Swans gathered around the fire, and Alice searched for the fellow called Froggy. He was nowhere to be seen. Her stomach dropped thinking of what Bill might have done to him. Whatever it was, he was clearly no longer with them.

"All right, so we've got something like a plan," Bill said, clapping her hands to get everyone's attention. "We now know where the Rat and his band of rotten thieves are located. Before we can take any sort of action, though, we need to get an idea of what we're up against. So we're going to send a group to spy out the land, so to speak. We're keeping it small so as not to attract attention. Keet?"

A small girl jumped to her feet and saluted. "Ready, ma'am!"

"I want you and Ina—"

There was a collective gasp, and all of the Swans turned to Ina. She did not even bat an eye as she took in their venomous glares. Keet bared her teeth, her nostrils flaring.

"Listen," Bill said, trying to calm them all down, "I know you don't like it, but Ina has an advantage over us. Not only does she know where the camp is, but she's also known by the Black Swans. If we're caught, she can play along until she finds a way to get us out."

"Or she can stab us in the back just like her father did," Keet spat.

Ina's eye twitched ever so slightly, but she otherwise remained unfazed.

"It's a risk, I understand," Bill said. "But we don't exactly have another choice here."

"We could tie her up and leave her for dead," Bambi said nonchalantly.

Alice stepped closer to Ina. "As your supposed leader, I will not allow that," she said, her gaze fierce as she narrowed her eyes at Bambi.

The healer averted her eyes. "It was only a suggestion."

"If Alice trusts the girl, I think we can, too," said Dove as she considered Alice thoughtfully.

"I agree," Bill said. "Now, I'll be coming with you, so there's no need to worry. If the girl tries anything, I'll slit her throat."

Alice scoffed at such a reassurance. "Then I think I should come to be sure you don't accidentally maim my sister out of petty prejudice," she said, linking her arm through Ina's.

"No."

"But—"

"Absolutely not. If the Rat caught sight of you, there's no telling what he'd do. If he could kill your mother, he can surely kill you."

"I thought I was the Heir."

"You are. And I am still the one your mother put in charge of keeping you safe, so you're staying put." She looked over at a heavy set woman and a young man with scarred hands. "Enid, Myles, I want you to watch over her while we're gone. Don't let her out of your sight."

Indignant at being treated like a child, Alice refused to back down. "Wait, I don't—"

"Permission to accompany you, ma'am."

Both Bill and Alice turned to Ace. He was standing at attention, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "Pardon?" Bill said.

"I believe I could be of some assistance," he said, meeting Bill's gaze. "I'm the captain of the Queen's guard back in Hearts. Have been for some years. I also chased after this wily fugitive," he nodded at Alice, "and eventually caught her."

Rolling her eyes, Alice raised an eyebrow at him. "I got caught in a net set by a resident, and I'll remind you that you got caught—"

"I know how to work in stealth and silence. And I have experience in combat. In addition, I want to see Ina alive and well, so I'll be sure to watch over her in Alice's absence."

He gave Alice a soft smile, and his concern for her family warmed her heart. Still, the fear of something happening to him gnawed at her gut.

Bill considered his request for a moment, sizing him up before nodding. "All right, Ace will be joining us." She turned to the others. "We'll set off at nightfall. Best to work in the dark. Less chance of being seen, easier to lose them if we're chased. All right, now get some rest."

The crowd dispersed, and Ace put his arm around Alice. "Thank you," she said, though she was still sore about being left out and about Ace being put in danger.

"I'll take good care of her," he assured her.

"Be sure to take care of yourself, too."

He kissed her forehead. "Promise."

Ina appeared at her other side and bowed her head. "Thank you for your concern, Alice."

Alice playfully hit her on the shoulder. "It's what family does."

"I think I'd better have Bambi make sure this will be all right before I head out," Ace said as he pointed at his bandaged head.

"And I need to go over further plans with Bill," Ina said.

"Go, go, do your stuff," Alice said as she waved them away. "I'll be fine. I've got plenty of nannies to keep me company."

It was impossible to keep the sarcasm out of her words, and Ace gave her a sympathetic smile before making his way to Bambi's tent. Glancing about the camp, Alice took a deep breath. She slipped her hand inside her pocket and traced the ribs of the pocket watch. An idea formulated in her head, and she sucked in her lips to keep from grinning. Disappearing into the tent she shared with Ace, she proceeded to pull out the watch and follow the second hand with her eyes.

Tart emerged from her smol and gave a questioning squeak. She looked down at him, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Time is on my side," she said softly.