I knew better than to argue with her. But before she dashed away to plan and prepare, I pulled her in for one long, final kiss.
Chapter 43
Word spread quickly in the camp that there would be a wedding in the coming days. Luard, of course, was overjoyed, and declared loudly that he would be helping Beata plan it. When we gathered for breakfast the next morning, he pressed each of the soldiers for hidden talents, determined to have music and dancing.
"Hagan can strum a lute, but Mother knows he's rusty," Luard said. "Everything must be perfect for my Kitty Kat's wedding."
I let him dither and pester people, as it seemed to lighten the mood. In the meantime, I busied myself with preparing for my trip to Neveri. It had been a few weeks since I'd felt the weight of a slingbag against my back, but I was eager to get back under the mask. It was grounding, almost, a reminder of all that I'd accomplished with it.
The problem was Felix.
"I'm going," he announced when I walked into Nicolasa's hut.
I barked a laugh. "Like hell you are. You're in no shape to ride, let alone help me in Neveri."
"I feel fine," he said. "And Nicolasa said I could go."
I turned to the Nestori, who was a few paces behind him. "Well?"
"He is well enough to travel, but not to fight," she said.
I put my hands on my hips, staring daggers at him. "Felix, I know you want to come, but I can't babysit you."
"I'm not asking you to," he said, walking over to me. "I promise I'll stay out of trouble. But I need to find something to do or I'll go crazy."
"You could help plan the wedding?" I said with a saccharine smile.
"Please," he said. "Let me help you."
I sighed, pursing my lips. It was hard to argue with his large, brown eyes.
"You stay outside the city," I said, pointing my finger at him. "If trouble rears its head, you run. Understand?"
"Yes, Your Majesty." He saluted me with all the gusto of his former position, but the smile on his face was nothing if not sarcastic.
I had a feeling I was going to regret letting him come, but I didn't have the heart to argue with him. So together, we joined the rest of the soldiers at the front of camp. I waited for Jorad to say something against him, but he just jumped onto his horse and nodded to me. The other riders included my vigilante trainees Malka, Orman, and Narin, whose shoulder had clearly healed. Their excited grins reminded me of Aline's grin when I'd left her in Forcadel.
I gave the signal and we took off, serenaded by the sounds of whistles from the scouts in the trees above us. It would be half a day before we'd get to Neveri, perhaps even longer with the leisurely pace of the horses. But for once, I wasn't in any hurry. There was a cool breeze, I had something of a plan, and Felix was riding next to me. It didn't escape my notice that the other riders gave us a wide berth, perhaps knowing that we hadn't had much time to catch up since his arrival. So I entertained us both with a recounting of my journey, making sure to embellish the more embarrassing moments, just for his amusement.
"Naked?" Felix said. "You fell naked in front of Luard?"
"My robe slipped," I said with a grin. "But he was gentlemanly about it."
"I'm sure he was."
"He's a very complex man, much more than I realized when I first met him back in Forcadel," I said. "I hadn't been able to see the resemblance between him and Kat. But now? Especially when he's urging me to think more strategically, I see it."
"I'm glad someone got through that thick skull of yours," Felix said. "Perhaps I'll have to ask him to teach me his ways."
"I think it had something to do with me being completely out of my depth," I said, remembering that first night in Linden, when I'd still been waffling on my path. "Kings and queens and wars are not my forte."
"They seem to be now," Felix said.
"Okay, now I know you're up to something," I said, glaring at him. "Why are you buttering me up? Trying to get on my good side?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about," he said, offering an innocent look. "I'm merely making observations."
"I'm not letting you go with me into the city," I said.
"Why? Afraid I'll show you up?"
"I don't want all Nicolasa's hard work to go to waste if someone knifes you."
He just laughed. "I noticed she still calls you Larissa. Surely she knows your name by now."
"Habit, maybe? Locke does the same," I said. "Sometimes, I even think of myself as Larissa. It feels better, you know? A name I chose for myself, not one I was given. Larissa was the girl who survived in Celia's camp, the one who returned to Forcadel and made a name for herself as The Veil. I guess I just like that version of me better."
He scrutinized me. "I can't see it. You'll always be Brynn to me."
There it was again, that shortened version of my name. "Why do you call me that?"
"What?"
"Brynn."
"It's your name, isn't it?"
"My name is Brynn-a," I said.
He knitted his brows. "Just a faster way to yell at you, I guess. If it bothers you, I can stop."
"No," I said. "Besides, when have you ever listened to me anyway? And you didn't answer my question. What are you up to?"
"I am merely enjoying a long ride with my queen," he said with another innocent shrug. "So what happened after Linden?"
I continued my tale of traveling under the mountain, seeing the ond stores, and the talk Luard and I'd had about making hard decisions. About Kulka, Neshua, and Ammon, and walking through the marshlands—earning me a whispered prayer from Felix.
"The Mother's hand was surely on your shoulder," Felix said. "And to have Riya and the soldiers there in Neveri, too."
I straightened in the saddle. "Did Kat—"
"She did," he said with a solemn nod.
"Felix, I'm sorry…" I looked down. "I didn't even have a chance to… It just…"
"She would've been proud to have given her life for you," he said. "At least her sacrifice wasn't in vain."
The doubt had returned to his voice, and I had nothing to say to erase it that wouldn't fall flat. I knew the sting of failure, of working hard to achieve something only to realize it had been for nothing. The only way I'd gotten out of my funk was when Celia had practically dumped me on the front steps of the city. Maybe it wasn't the worst thing for Felix to find some purpose again.
"You put your life on the line to protect the city as The Veil. That was brave," I said.
He made a noise and looked away.
I thumbed the necklace I wore, and the two Forcadelian crests that hung from the chain. "I've been wearing this since, just to remind myself of what I've lost."
He nodded, then did a double take. "Isn't the other one mine?"
"Um…" My face heated up, remembering what he'd said when he'd given it to me. I'll dream of you every night. Had he? "Do you want it back?"
"No, you can keep it," he said, wearing a knowing grin. "I'm just surprised that you still have it after all this time. Through the mountains and over Kulka, you wore my pendant. If I didn't know any better, Your Majesty, I'd think you had a crush on me."
I opened my mouth to argue with him, but all I could do was sputter idiotically.
"Wow, I didn't think that was possible," Felix said with a satisfied smirk. "I've rendered you speechless."
It would be easier to infiltrate the city at night, so we found a spot far enough from the city to set up a temporary camp. For once, I wasn't nervous about the impending mission—and neither were my soldiers. There was an infectious, excited energy that rustled between us.
"What's the plan, Your Majesty?" Malka asked, rubbing her hands together. "Are we going in together?"
"First, we need to case the city," I said. "Our scouts say he's taken over Maarit's old office, which I've infiltrated before, but I'm sure their security is a bit different. I'll be scouting first then coming up with an engagement plan. I want two of you on lookout—anything or anyo
ne coming, whistle. The other three, I want nearby on buildings. I shouldn't need backup, but in case I do, you'll be it."
"And what if you need more than that?" Jorad asked. "We have swords. We can help."
"That's why we've got scouts," I said. "You know the code. Come if we call."
He smiled. "Will do, Your Majesty."
"But I won't engage unless I need to," I said, sharing a look with Felix. "Trust me, I'm not going to risk my life just to have a chat with Ammon."
"Very well," Jorad said with a frown. "We will stay and ready the camp for a hasty exit."
"Be careful," Felix said. "Ammon has an entire army, and I'm not convinced he's as much of a coward as Luard says."
"And you are—"
"Staying here."
I nodded. "Good. Jorad, I'm leaving him in your care. Don't let him try anything funny."
Jorad saluted. "Yes, Your Majesty."
Felix attempted to salute as well but grabbed the side of his ribcage with a hiss. "Just imagine I saluted you, okay?"
"Are you all right?" I asked, my hands itching to reach for him.
"Fine," he said. "Nicolasa sent me with some medicine. I should take it and rest so I'll be ready to ride back." He straightened, giving his troops a nod. "Good luck to all of you. I have faith that you'll be successful."
He walked away, limping slightly, leaving me confused. He wasn't forcing himself to go with me? Did that mean he was in more pain than I thought, or was there something else going on?
"Can I have a word in private with you?" I said to Jorad, and he followed me out into the open field. "I'm not convinced he's going to just stay put after coming all this way, so restrain him if you need to."
"I think he'll stay," Jorad said. "He and I agreed as much."
I quirked a brow. "You what?"
"We spoke before we left. I wouldn't say a word against him coming, and he wouldn't attempt to follow you to the city."
"That still doesn't explain why he came all this way for no reason," I said, frowning. "I feel like he's up to something."
"I think his reason for wanting to travel here was clear," Jorad said. "He's in love with you."
My face grew hot, even in the cool air of the night. He'd said it once, but that had been months ago. Although we'd been flirting, love was more than just stolen glances. And we'd barely spent a few minutes together. "I'm not sure that's the case."
"He went to jail for you."
"Yes, but…"
I shook my head to clear my thoughts. This wasn't a subject I wanted to discuss with Jorad about. Katarine, yes. Maybe even Luard. Besides that, I had other things to worry about tonight.
"As long as he stays here, that's all I care about." I reached into my bag and pulled the black mask from the slingbag. "We will be back before sunup."
Chapter 44
The river water and swampland smell awoke memories of my time in Neveri. I had become nearly as familiar with this town as Forcadel's capital city. But on this visit, the memories were tinged with sadness.
There, we passed Norah's farm, which had become a little overgrown. Her animals were gone, hopefully taken by neighbors in the aftermath of Neveri's downfall. Though it was dark, I could still make out the raised patch of dirt where she had been buried. I whispered a small prayer of thanks to her, and hoped wherever she'd gone, she could hear it.
We continued along the path, which had been once been patrolled by Forcadelian soldiers, but was now unguarded. Our messengers had said Ammon kept a tighter perimeter to the south, but I still told my team to be vigilant.
"I want to get to Ammon without being seen," I said. "Stay to the rooftops and only engage when absolutely necessary."
I guided them up a stack of crates, then we took off. We resembled a caterpillar, with me as the head jumping first, and the rest following. These vigilantes had truly absorbed all I'd taught them, because they kept up without any issue.
We came to the farmer's market, and there we hunched down as Kulkan soldiers marched through the streets. They seemed a little more approachable than the Severians had been—until my gaze found a poster on the front of one of the buildings.
"Climb down and get that for me," I said to Orman.
He returned with the rolled-up piece of paper. I unfurled it for the group and scowled.
"Anyone caught wearing a mask will be lashed twenty times in the town square?" I read with a scowl. "What the hell, Ammon?"
"I saw one a couple streets back," Malka said. "Should we take ours off?"
"No," I said, rolling up the poster and handing it back to Orman. "New plan. I want all of you to go out and get yourselves seen by the guards."
"But you said—"
"I know what I said," I said with a thin smile. "But I'm changing the plan. That's what you do as The Veil. Once you get new information, you adjust. Clearly, Ammon is having a Veil problem, and I think if his guards find five of them out in the city, it might stir them up."
"And you want that?"
"I do," I said. "It'll be easier to sneak into the barracks if all the guards are running around the city." I made eye contact with each one of them. "Don't get caught. Can you handle that?"
They all nodded, pressing their fists to their breasts and bowing. "Your Majesty."
"If we don't meet up, I want you back at the camp with the rest of the soldiers by sun-up." I grinned. "Go have fun out there."
They dashed off the rooftops and into the city. Within minutes, the guards cried out and called for help. I said a prayer to the Mother that these new vigilantes would run faster than their guard counterparts then set off for the barracks.
Predictably, by the time I got there, Kulkan guards were few and far between. Most of those on duty had been reassigned, chasing after the five vigilantes who'd made their appearance. I didn't even have to use knockout powder to get past the two who were there.
I swallowed my nostalgia as I walked across the patch of grass toward the barracks. I pointed my crossbow at the roof and fired, wincing at the sound. This was a special arrow, Kulkan-made, ironically, designed to pierce a roof beam and hold in place as I climbed. Ivan had promised it would be perfect for this job, but I still made sure to take each step carefully as I walked up the side of the wall.
When I reached the top of the wall, I peered inside the dark office. It was covered in Kulkan crests—including those of the royal family. With one hand, I cut the glue around the window glass, pushed it through, and opened the window, landing on the plush carpet. The office was much different than when Maarit had been in here. Now Kulkan crests and paintings lined the walls.
With a smirk, I sat down on the leather chair and put my feet up on the desk. Then I waited.
About half an hour later, I heard voices down the hall. I adjusted myself in my seat, crossing my feet over one another on the desk. When the door opened, light flooded into the room from the hallway, and Ammon came marching in.
"Evening, Ammon."
The Kulkan prince went stick-straight and turned slowly. For effect, I pulled a green apple—similar to the color of his eyes—out of my bag and slowly peeled it with my knife.
"Pleasure to see you again," I said, as Ammon's gaze fixed on the apple. "How are things?"
He took a hesitant step into the room. It didn't escape my notice that his hand went to guard his manhood, especially as I continued sliding my knife along the skin of the apple.
"Things are good. Why are you here?" Ammon asked. "Why not send an envoy to pass along a message if you had one?"
"Speaking of envoys," I said, taking my knife and slicing the apple. "I hear a couple of yours were in Forcadel recently. And they had Maarit with them." I pulled one slice out and placed it on the desk. "I thought we had an agreement."
He licked his lips and his green eyes darted around, looking for a way out. "Merely checking all avenues."
I put the apple on the table and stuck the knife in the center of it. "You betrayed me, Ammon. You can prett
y it up all you want, but you and I had an agreement and you backed out." I softened my gaze a little. "Not that I'm surprised, based on your past history."
"You're the first to run out on a treaty," he said.
"Oh Mother, will you let that go?" I said, glancing to the ceiling. "I didn't marry you. You're happy with your new wife. Why don't you just let bygones be bygones already?"
"Because it was highly embarrassing to my father and the court," he said.
"Do you know what else will be highly embarrassing?" I said, putting my hands behind my head. "Gaining Neveri, the stronghold you've been after for years, only to lose it to the very woman who took it for you."
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm talking about the army of soldiers I have waiting just outside the border of this city," I said, kicking my feet off the desk and coming to stand. "I'm talking about the bags of ond Ariadna's been kind enough to give to me for my cause. If you don't straighten up, I'll take a bag of ond and stick it on top of the barracks and light a candle."
His eyes widened.
"You know from the gates that it doesn't take much to make a big impact," I said, a grim smile coming to my face. "How many soldiers do you have sleeping in the barracks? Fifty? A hundred?"
The corner of his eye twitched. "You wouldn't."
"I don't want to," I said, making a face. "But you've put me in an odd position. You stabbed me in the back, and there must be consequences for it." I pressed my hand to my mouth. "What will your father say when he finds out you lost a hundred soldiers?"
I wasn't sure which would resonate—the father angle or losing the soldiers. By his pale face, perhaps both. "What can I do to make this right?"
"Our previous agreement was that you'd blockade the river," I said. "Now I want ships. Five of them—ocean-faring, too. And an additional hundred soldiers under my command."
"No way," Ammon said. "That's too much."
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