The maid's expression softened, but she still shook her head. "I understand you want to help, but it's dangerous out there, Miaa. We need to find another way."
"I'll go by myself," Gwendolyn said firmly. "I'll sneak out and find my own way to Devil's Ridge."
The maid's eyes widened in alarm. She bit her lip, conflicted.
"Miss, you'll get yourself killed," she protested.
"Please, Dorothy," Gwendolyn repeated, desperation lacing her tone.
"If we let you go, it's treason against the realm," the maid said, her eyes widening.
"I don't care," Gwendolyn declared. "He went to find answers for me. I will do the same for him. Please, I must try. I can't sit here and wait for him to come back, or worse, hear news that he's...gone."
The maid was silent for a long moment, her brow furrowed in thought. "Well, if you insist on going, I will ask some guards to go with you," she finally said.
Gwendolyn's face brightened. "Really? Thank you."
