The Ink Of Versailles.part two.

Elise did not lower her brush. She stared into Raymond’s sharp, calculating eyes, trying to gauge how much he truly knew."The true map does not exist," she said, her voice a low, steady whisper. "I only fix my father's mistakes.""Do not insult my intelligence," Raymond countered. He set the lantern on the edge of the table, the light carving deep shadows into his face. "Your father’s eyes have been failing for eighteen months. He couldn't tell a river from a mountain ridge on parchment anymore. You have been navigating the western provinces by memory and secret letters sent to this palace."He reached into his vest pocket and pulled out a small, leather-bound notebook. He flipped it open to reveal columns of numbers—latitudes, longitudes, and dates."You aren't just hiding refugees," Raymond said, his voice dropping to a harsh murmur. "You are tracking the movements of the King's musketeers. You know exactly where the gaps in the border patrols are. I don't care about the Huguenots, Elise. I care about what lies past the border."Before Elise could answer, the heavy latch on the outer door rattled.Footsteps echoed in the corridor outside—the heavy, rhythmic thud of the palace guard's boots. The midnight patrol was turning the corner early."Decide now," Raymond whispered, leaning in close. His breath smelled of bitter almond wine. "Hide with me behind the curtain, or explain to the guards why you are holding a vial of corrosive acid over the King's master chart."Elise looked at the door, then at the damp parchment. If she ran, the acid would pool and ruin the entire map, instantly exposing her sabotage. If she stayed, she was at Raymond's mercy.She made her choice.