After several minutes, he slowly stepped back and removed the fabric from around his body. He breathed in some much needed fresh air. Going over to the armoire, he tried to find where he’d gotten the fabric from. Once he finally located it, he returned the fabric and closed the doors. Making his way to the exit, he paused and listened. Voices came from the hallway. Intuition told him it was a group of soldiers and that they were heading this way. Did they suspect Savenek was inside? Or had they merely discovered he was no longer in his room? Perhaps it was something else. He threw himself under the bed, making sure the sheets hung far enough over the side to conceal his body.
A second later, the door flew open and a soldier entered the room. He said something in the Apethaga language. Savenek understood the word Zeram was the man’s name above him.
Zeram grumbled as he sat up on the bed. It sounded like he stood, his feet mere inches from Savenek. Zeram said something that sounded more annoyed than anything else.
The soldier responded. Again, he spoke a different language, so Savenek had no idea what he was saying. And then the man said the word Emperion. Panic flooded Savenek.
Zeram finished dressing and grabbed his sword, strapping it to his waist. He exited his room, closing the door behind him.
Savenek slid out from under the bed. He had only minutes to make his way back to his room.
A dozen different routes came to mind. He could use the servants’ passageways or rappel down the side of the palace using bed sheets. However, since time was of the essence, he went with the most direct path. Lifting the curtain, he shoved the window open and crawled outside. His fingertips were still sore from climbing up the building. He shut the window and began his descent. Once he reached the second level, he started moving sideways, going around the corner and over sixteen windows. Sweat trickled down his forehead, and he heard movement coming from inside the palace. His right hand slipped, and he leaned forward, regaining his balance. The window next to him opened. It was the window to his room.
“Hurry,” Ari whispered.
Savenek moved to the side and swung himself into the room. Ari closed the window and ran to her bedchamber.
Voices sounded outside Savenek’s door. He kicked off his shoes, yanked his shirt over his head, and jumped into bed. The sheets had already been pulled back—no doubt Ari’s doing. His head hit the pillow just as the door to his bedchamber flew open.
Lounging on the sofa in Ari’s bedchamber, Savenek took another bite of his apple, trying not to look over at her sitting on the chair across from him. She hadn’t spoken a single word to him since he’d entered her room fifteen minutes ago. Her right foot tapped the ground one hundred twelve times a minute. She was clearly upset, and he had no idea why. If he remained there long enough, she’d probably spit it out and tell him. So, there was no reason to ask. He took another bite of his apple.
“I take it you don’t plan to address what happened last night?” Ari finally said, her voice clipped.
“Nothing happened,” he said around a mouthful of food.
Her eyes narrowed, and he leaned away from her even though five feet of space separated them.
“You were almost caught.” She folded her arms, her foot still tapping.
“But I wasn’t.” He set the apple core on his plate and wiped his hands on his pants. “Is that what’s got you all in a tizzy?”
“I am not in a tizzy.”
He purposely looked at her foot and then back at her face.
“We had soldiers storm into our bedchambers last night to make sure we were in bed. Whatever you did, it didn’t work, and it was dangerous. I could have been killed because of your stupidity.”
Now she’d gone too far. “They were looking for Princess Lareissa, not for me.”
“The fact that they thought to look in your bedchamber says enough.”
“They looked in yours, too.”
“Exactly.” She stood. “I’m guilty by association.” She started pacing.
Savenek realized none of the rooms had any fireplaces. Maybe it never got cold in this blasted place. He pulled his collar away from his neck. It was always hot in Emperor’s City, but that was a dry heat. This heat was something entirely different. Almost as if he was swimming through bath water. It was disgusting.
“I’d hoped to use Princess Lareissa to gain some information, but she’s not going to be of any use. Too young, too wild, too unpredictable.” He rubbed his hands over his face. The older princess, Conditto, wouldn’t be easy to manipulate. She was far too rigid, and he didn’t think she’d warm up to his flirting. Something about the way she moved and presented herself led him to believe she was already in love with someone else. “Maybe one of Princess Conditto’s ladies-in-waiting can be tempted.”
Ari stilled. “Excuse me?”
“That’ll actually be a lot easier,” he murmured. “Then we can be in places we shouldn’t be, claiming a moment of passion.” He stood, ready to put his new plan into action.
“Have you no morals?”
“I will do whatever it takes to protect Emperion. If that means I have to flirt and kiss a woman here and there, so be it.” He turned and headed into his bedchamber to make himself presentable.
“But the princess’s lady-in-waiting is innocent,” Ari said as she followed Savenek into his room. “You can’t be charming, use her, and then drop her once you have what you want. It’s unethical.”
“No,” he replied, removing his nightshirt and going over to the small armoire to see what he should wear today. “It’s efficient. I don’t have time to wear Conditto down. One of her ladies will work just fine.” He grabbed one of the darker colored shirts and pulled it on. It suited his eyes nicely. “If Prince Patteon sends word that he wants to meet, find me so I can go with you. However, I think he will drag this out as long as possible, so I don’t expect he’ll want to meet today.” He turned and looked at Ari. Her eyes were closed. “You plan on keeping your eyes shut?”
“What?” she asked, opening them.
“I need to change my pants. I thought maybe you weren’t looking for that reason. But you can watch if you want.” He shrugged and started undoing the tie around his waist.
“I should have known better,” she said almost to herself.
He didn’t want to know what she meant. He had a job to do and couldn’t be distracted by Ari right now.
She turned and walked out of his room, slamming the door behind her.
Savenek found Princess Conditto sitting in one of the palace’s many courtyards, surrounded by five ladies and three gruff-looking men. Standing in the hallway, he watched from an open window, trying to get a feel for the situation.
The princess was talking softly with the three men. Since they spoke the Apethaga language, Savenek couldn’t understand any of what was said. Looking at the men in closer detail, he noticed that their skin was tan, their voices husky, and there was a restlessness to them. They were sailors. He was sure of it.
Princess Conditto stood and gestured toward one of the archways. She headed that way and the three sailors followed her, a dozen soldiers trailing them.
Now was Savenek’s chance. He rushed to the courtyard, reaching it just as the five ladies set out in the opposite direction. Scanning their faces, he looked for one to target, and found her. She seemed a tad bit younger than the other four ladies, had a coy smile on her face, and there was an air of defiance to her. Yes, she would work perfectly.
“Morning ladies,” he said, careful to speak slowly so they could understand him. His eyes locked onto his target. “I’m looking for the infirmary. Can one of you please point me in the right direction?”
“Is something the matter?” one of the ladies asked, no hint of concern in her voice.
He kept his attention on his target. “My sister isn’t feeling well. I’d like to get some ginger for her.”
“Karolena can show you where the infirmary is. The rest of us must go and wait for the princess.” The f
our ladies exited the courtyard, leaving his target—Karolena—behind.
“I’m sorry,” Savenek said, a slow smile spreading across his face. “I didn’t mean for you to be singled out.”
“I am used to it.” She started walking to the south end of the courtyard. “You are the man from Emperion?”
“Yes.” He didn’t recall seeing her at the ball the other night. “My name is Ven.”
“I know your name.” She glanced sidelong at him. “Princess Lareissa speaks highly of you.”
Damn princess. If Karolena believed him to be a worthless flirt, he’d never be able to woo her. Time to alter his approach a little. “The princess is very beautiful, but a little too forward for my taste.” He clasped his hands behind his back, making sure to keep a respectable distance from Karolena.
She led him into the palace and down a long corridor. “I hope your sister is not too ill.”
“I think she just ate something that didn’t agree with her.”
“It is kind of you to help her.”
Which was why Savenek had made the story up. They continued walking in silence for a couple of minutes. “Since my sister will be in bed today, I find myself without anything to do in this beautiful kingdom. Do you have a suggestion on how I should spend my time?”
Karolena smiled and stopped before a door. “The infirmary is in there. As for today, I recommend you visit the gardens behind the palace. They are magnificent.”
“That would be lovely,” he replied, trying not to choke on the word lovely. He never spoke like that. “However, I feel the experience will be better if I have an escort. Would you care to accompany me? That way you can tell me what the various flowers are called.”
She smiled warmly at him. “I think I can arrange that.”
“I’m not sick,” Ari argued as she held onto the door separating her room from Savenek’s.
“I know,” he said, standing in his room, facing her. “But I need you to remain in your bedchamber and pretend that you are.”
“And if the prince sends for me?”
“Tell him you’re under the weather.”
“Fine.” She slammed the door in his face.
He abruptly took a step back, blinking. Ari was even more beautiful when she was mad.
Shaking his head to clear it, he forced himself to focus. He was supposed to meet Karolena at the north exit of the palace in fifteen minutes. Looking in the mirror one last time, he made sure his hair was styled the way he liked, his shirt hung slightly open at the top, and his sleeves were rolled up. Casual, calm, handsome.
He decided not to ask Karolena anything of importance. Instead, he would spend the afternoon gaining her trust. Once the princess learned he’d courted her lady-in-waiting, he was certain Conditto would grill Karolena. And nothing—nothing—could call into question the innocent nature of his interest in Karolena.
Savenek spent a couple of hours walking through the gardens with Karolena, conversing about flowers, family, and her interests. She was easy to talk to, and when she asked him something, he made up most of his answers, trying to appeal to her. When they’d finished, he kissed the back of her hand and bid her a good evening. It was all very proper, mundane, and boring as hell.
On the way back to his bedchamber, he passed Prince Patteon in the hallway. Savenek stepped aside, bowing as the prince passed. Only, Patteon stopped before him.
“I hear your sister is ill,” the prince commented.
“She is a little under the weather. I am sure she’ll be fine tomorrow.” He hoped that this fake illness wasn’t used as an excuse to prolong negotiations even further.
“If she takes a turn for the worse, please don’t hesitate to use our healers. They are the best on the mainland.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.” Savenek bowed again while silently cursing the man. Emperion’s healers were far more adept than Apethaga’s. Fuming, he went back to his bedchamber. After lighting the candles, he knocked on the door to Ari’s room. She didn’t respond. He opened it and peered inside. She was stretched out on her bed already dressed in her nightclothes.
“Are you okay?” he asked as he went inside.
“Why do you care?” she snapped.
Good question. “Because I’m a nice guy?”
“I’m fine. Just doing my part in this mess.” She sat up, leaning against the headboard. “The servants came in making a big fuss about me not feeling well. So,” she shrugged, “here I am.”
Savenek sat on the bed next to her, above the covers. “Want some company?”
“Do I have a choice?” She scooted over, giving him more room.
“One week,” he said.
“Excuse me?”
“We leave here in one week. Whether the mission is accomplished or not.”
Ari pulled her legs up, out from under the covers, wrapping her arms around her knees. “Why?”
He didn’t want Ari here any longer than that. There was something about these Apethaga people that he didn’t trust. “If we aren’t successful by then, we’re never going to be.”
She tilted her head, resting it on his shoulder. “Okay.”
Should he put his arm around her? Would she bite his head off if he did?
“Are you going to marry that woman you’re seeing back home?” she asked.
“Hana?” He hadn’t thought of her in days. “I have no idea.”
“Do you want to?”
He’d thought so. But that was before this journey. Now, he wasn’t sure. He realized how little he really knew Hana. “I don’t know,” he answered honestly.
She chuckled. “Too many women for you to choose from, I suppose.”
Screw it. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, holding her against his body as they sat side-by-side on the bed. “That’s not it. I just…I’d like to marry someone who really knows me. Who knows what I do and is okay with it. What about you?”
“Thankfully, my parents haven’t forced the issue.”
“Will they let you choose?” A lot of noble families still arranged marriages in order to maintain wealth and station. What was her family’s stance on this?
“They will.” She lifted her head off his shoulder. “Do I need to pretend to be ill tomorrow as well?”
“No. Tomorrow the two of us will walk around the palace. We’ll make our presence known and send a reminder to the royal family that we are here for a reason.” And maybe while they were out walking, they’d overhear vital information or run into Karolena. If Savenek wanted to leave here within a week, he needed to start pushing the lady-in-waiting for information. He was confident she knew something valuable since the princess was conducting business in front of her ladies.
Strolling arm in arm with Ari down the hallway, Savenek discreetly peered into every room they passed, strained to hear the conversations of everyone they encountered, and kept a look out for members of the royal family. He also wondered why the Brotherhood didn’t enlist women to help them. While he understood Brotherhood implied men, there were definitely things women could do that men could not. Point in case: Ari. She would make a wonderful spy.
“Prince Patteon and Princess Conditto are straight ahead,” Ari whispered.
When they were close enough, Ari and Savenek bowed and offered the proper greetings.
“I’m glad to see you out of your room,” Patteon said to Ari, completely ignoring Savenek.
While Ari made small talk with the prince, Savenek looked behind Conditto to where her ladies-in-waiting stood; Karolena was not among them.
“I’d be delighted to,” Ari said. Savenek had no idea what the prince had invited her to do. “Brother,” she tapped Savenek’s arm, “you don’t have any objections to me going with Prince Patteon, do you?”
Bullocks. He wished he’d paid more attention to their conversation. He had no idea where the prince wanted to take her. “Of course not, sister.” Where was Karolena? Had something happened to her?
Ari kissed Savenek�
�s cheek and took the prince’s proffered arm. The two of them strolled down the hallway. Why was the prince taking such an interest in Ari now? They’d been here for over a week, and he hadn’t shown the slightest inclination before today.
Facing the princess, he smiled. “May I inquire after Karolena?”
“She is not feeling well,” the princess responded in a dry tone. “Perhaps she is afflicted with the same illness your sister suffered from yesterday.” She flashed an amused smile before turning and leaving, her ladies trailing behind her.
If the royal family suspected Ari and Savenek of not being completely forthright, then that could be the reason for Patteon’s sudden interest in Ari. Which meant she could be in grave danger. Savenek had to find her before anything bad happened.
Savenek forced himself to walk even though every instinct in his body was to go tearing through the palace. Prince Patteon and Ari couldn’t have gone far since they had a dozen soldiers with them. That realization made Savenek panic even more. Ari was literally in the hands of the enemy. If the prince so much as touched her, Savenek would kill him. And start a major incident between Emperion and Apethaga. Blasted. This was why Nathenek told him not to form friendships with anyone—even his fellow trainees at the Brotherhood.
Savenek needed to calm down and think rationally. Ari had proved more than once that she could take care of herself. Plus, Patteon knew better than to start something with Emperion. Savenek stopped dead in his tracks. How had he not realized that before now? The only reason Apethaga had allowed Ari and Savenek to enter their kingdom was to appease Emperion—not because Apethaga was interested in selling them weapons.
Running his hands through his hair, he tried to think of different options. Apethaga was playing with them, that much was clear. If they played along, Savenek might be able to do some more sneaking around and discover something of importance. Something that would help Emperion. He’d already told Ari he wanted to be gone by the end of the week. In the meantime, they would go on as if nothing had changed. They’d pretend they wanted to secure the weapons all the while trying to discover Apethaga’s underlying intentions.
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