“Introducing, Duchess Amelia Goldhart of the Wells,” the announcer bellowed.
T he entirety of the ballroom seemed to turn their gazes upon the duchess. Amelia looked as poised as any royal might. Narra envied her that as she followed the duchess down the few steps to the ballroom floor. Her palms were slick with sweat, especially as she clutched her hands together at her waist, mimicking poses of the other handmaidens.
Once they reached the ballroom floor, four of the handmaidens went off to either side of the room, disappearing into the crowd.
“We take turns switching off to keep the duchess company,” Srah whispered in her ear.
Narra nodded. That made sense.
Amelia glided into the two-story ballroom packed with what had to be nearly a hundred people. They were all dressed as decadently as Amelia, save for the servers that flitted throughout the crowd.
Narra looked for Erik, but couldn’t find him in the thick throng of people. Her heart raced with anxiety. What if he hadn’t made it inside? Who would pickpocket the keys then?
She bit her lip. Narra could take them, but she wasn’t nearly as practiced in pickpocketing as Erik. If she made one false move, the High Priest would be alerted and it’d all be over .
“Take a breath,” Srah said. “There’s plenty of time.”
Narra did as she said, sucking in a deep breath of air before letting it loose. She continued to follow Amelia around the ballroom, scanning everything as she went.
Security was placed all over. Every entrance was covered, even the double doors to the patio outside. A few guards meandered around the edge of the room, and she was sure a few were hidden in the crowd from the rapiers at their hips. Though it was common for those of high military standing to carry one even on such an occasion as this, she couldn’t help but be suspicious by the large number. There couldn’t be that many high ranking military invited, especially when Marina wasn’t in good standing with her army.
She continued to watch the crowd, nerves making her nauseous until her gaze finally landed on a head of scruffy brown hair, styled as carefully as it could be when the hair was that thick.
“Erik ,” she sighed in relief. “Srah, I’m taking my leave.”
Srah glanced at her and smiled. “Remember not to touch your face.”
Narra nodded. “I will.”
“Best of luck, Narra.”
Narra gave Srah a small smile before she slipped off into the crowd. Her best friend walked carefully around the room with a silver tray balanced on one hand. It was covered in glass champagne flutes with gold and copper trim around the base and neck of the flute.
Erik held his arm to his waist just like the butler had, a silk napkin wrapped around it. Suddenly, she understood the reason for the napkin. It was in case anyone were to spill the wine. Then why had the butler had one? She sighed. She’d never understand the customs of the upper class.
Narra slipped through the crowd, careful to appear as serene as the other handmaidens until she reached the banquet tables lining the left side of the room. They were full of decadent chocolate, mouth-watering pastries, foreign fruit, and savory snacks.
She faced the table as if she was looking at what was offered. Erik walked near, and she barely restrained her grin as she remembered: Erik had no idea it was her.
“Excuse me, Miss,” Erik said. “Can I offer you champagne?”
Narra smiled. “I don’t think tonight is the right time to get tipsy, Erik.”
Erik took a half step back, his eyes widening and his mouth dropping open. He composed himself a moment later and forced a smiled.
“Who the hell are you?” he asked in a low voice.
Narra couldn’t help but snort. “It’s me , Erik.”
Erik looked at her dumbfounded for several long seconds. “Narra ?”
She chuckled. “Yes.”
“But how ? You don’t look like you at all.” Erik inspected her face with awe.
“Magic,” Narra said.
Erik froze. “It’d have to be. This is unbelievable.”
“I know.”
“Have the others seen you yet?”
Narra shook her head. “No. You’re the first person I found.”
“Ahh.” He smiled, finally recovering from his shock somewhat. “Last I saw Grayson he was holding up the wall on the other side of the ballroom. Your pirate friend is around the center floor somewhere.”
“Good,” Narra said. “I’ll find her first.”
“All right.”
“You remember where the drop spot is?” Narra had to be sure.
Erik rolled his eyes. “You’d never let me forget.”
She smiled. “Good.”
Erik stepped away from her before they could draw any attention.
Narra turned away from the banquet table and nearly ran head first into a tall man with his lapel covered in pins depicting his many military victories.
“Evening, Miss,” the man said gruffly.
Narra looked up into his deep brown eyes. His graying hair was tied back at the base of his skull, and he had one hand on his waist, dangerously close to his jewel-encrusted rapier.
“Evening,” Narra said. Her heart raced. Had she spoken to Erik for too long? How had they found her out? Not even Erik recognized her with this magic disguising her.
“You’re one of the Duchess’ handmaidens, yes?” he asked.
Narra glanced down at her attire. Obviously . “Yes.”
“Excellent.” He smiled, revealing handsome dimples in his cheeks. “I was hoping to get the chance to speak with the Duchess this evening about securing a route near the Wells for navy training exercises, but it seems she’s very busy. Would you be able to pass on my request to meet before she returns home?”
Narra blinked in surprise. Thank Srah , her cover wasn’t blown. “I will pass that along.”
“I should give you my name, as well. Apologies, I can be so impolite sometimes. Too much time out at sea will do that to you.”
Narra nodded and forced a polite smile.
“I’m General—”
“Narsa!” Srah said. She stumbled to Narra’s side and clung to her arm. “Apologies, Sir, but the Duchess needs to speak with Narsa immediately.”
“Oh.” The general’s eyes widened in surprise. “Certainly. I will find you later Miss Narsa.”
Narra nodded slightly as Srah dragged her away from the banquet tablets and back into the crowd. “Thank you,” she said.
Srah smiled. “You looked too uncomfortable not to save.”
Narra took a steadying breath. Her pulse had escalated the longer she spoke with the man, even if he clearly had no idea who she really was. Each second she spent next to a military man was another one closer to being found out.
Once they were far from the general, Srah slowed and released Narra’s arm. “I’m heading back to the Duchess. Be careful.”
“I will. Thank you again,” Narra said.
Srah gave her one last small grin before she disappeared, leaving Narra to wade through the sea of foreign delegates and ambassadors in search of Avalon.
Narra found her standing next to a spiked punch bowl with an unimpressed scowl on her face. Two men stood before her, motioning adamantly as they spoke. Avalon smoothed her hands over her voluminous red skirt in an attempt to keep herself calm. Narra could only imagine what the men were saying to badger the pirate so fiercely.
“Excuse me,” Narra said as she slipped up to the group.
Avalon raised an eyebrow and gave Narra a curious once over. The two men stopped talking and turned to face the newcomer.
“Hello,” one said.
“Apologies for the interruption, but I need to speak to the Ambassador.” Narra was careful not to use Avalon’s name. She had no idea if the pirate was using a false name while at the party.
“We were just in the middle of a conversation about the pirate crisis facing the southern shores of Rupa,” the second man explained.
“Apologies, gentlemen, but I’m needed.” Avalon flashed a quick smile before taking Narra’s arm. She all but dragged Narra away from the punch bowl until they were hidden next to a large potted plant. “Rheka, is that you?”
Narra startled. “How did you know?”
Avalon raised an eyebrow. “Your eyes.”
“Even Erik didn’t recognize me,” Narra said, still stunned that this pirate had recognized her in her disguise over her own best friend.
Avalon flashed a devious smile. “I know a gorgeous pair of blues when I see them.” She trained her finger down Narra’s arm suggestively.
Narra’s cheeks heated, and she cleared her throat as her head spun. “I just wanted to make sure you knew who you were meeting.”
“All business then.” Avalon sighed. “A pity. This is possibly the most boring party I’ve ever attended. ”
“Avalon,” Narra said.
“I know, I know. We’re meeting at the back western corner of the ballroom.” Avalon motioned towards it, and Narra grabbed her hand. She looked around quickly to make sure no one saw. Thankfully, no eyes were turned on them.
“Be careful,” Narra snapped. She threw Avalon’s hand down.
“Apologies.” Avalon held her hands up defensively. “Have you found Grayson yet?”
Narra shook her head. “Not yet.”
Avalon turned toward the far end of the room. “I saw him awhile ago hiding behind a pillar. I don’t think he likes parties much.”
Narra smiled. “That doesn’t surprise me.”
“You should go. It’s almost time, isn’t it?”
Narra’s heart lurched with surprise. She fished for the inside pocket of her cloak until she pulled out the antique pocket watch her father had once owned. She’d nearly forgotten she’d brought it. “Yes,” Narra said on an exhale. “I need to find Asher. It’s time.”
Avalon nodded. “Good luck, Rheka.”
“Thanks.” Narra took off at as slow a pace as she could manage. Every nerve in her body wanted to run across the ballroom and find the general. If he didn’t know she was inside, he wouldn’t cause a distraction. There would be no point if Narra didn’t make it in.
Her heart raced as she made her way through the room, scanning the shadows between pillars until she finally found the man she was looking for. Narra slipped between banquet tables, around a few potted plants, and came up behind the pillar.
“Asher,” she snapped.
The general whirled to face her, hand on his rapier.
Narra took a step back. There was hardly a foot between them, and he wanted to draw his sword? She scoffed. “Put that away.”
Asher’s eyebrows furrowed. He tilted his head as he inspected her face “Who are you?”
Narra sighed. This was far easier with Avalon. “It’s me. Rheka.”
Asher’s eyebrows rose. He stepped closer, awe spreading on his face. “What kind of magic is this? ”
“An illusion spell,” Narra said. She didn’t know any more than that and hoped he wouldn’t ask.
Asher reached forward, his hand cupped slightly as if he was going to brush his knuckles along her cheek.
Heat rushed to Narra’s face, and her breath flew from her lungs. And then she remembered. “Stop!” She stepped out of his reach. “The spell will be broken if you touch it.”
Asher’s eyebrows furrowed and he looked at his hand in confusion, as if wondering what he was about to do himself.
A lump formed in her throat, and Narra struggled to clear it before speaking. “It’s time,” she said. Her voice still sounded strained.
Asher nodded slowly and turned back to the room. “Give me two minutes.”
“All right.” Narra took another moment to collect herself before she slipped back out the way she’d come. The moment she was out, she scanned the room for Erik. Her gaze landed upon Avalon, who was again being accosted by two men. Her attention was on Narra though. They exchanged a quick nod before Narra continued her scan.
Erik stood close to the royal party not fifteen feet away. He served champagne with a smile, but his calculating gaze eyed the robes of the High Priest who spoke with the same general Narra had met not long ago.
Narra glanced back in search of Asher at the same time she slipped through the crowd toward the far side of the room where she was meant to meet Erik.
A scream broke through the music, and everyone spun to face the way she’d come from.
“Fire!” a man shouted. The music stopped abruptly.
Narra barely held back her smile as she escaped the crowd and found the shadowed spot she was supposed to meet her best friend.
Several panicked voices rose in the crowd, which lurched back away from the bright flames licking the fabric of a tablecloth. Guards rushed across the ballroom, trying to squeeze through partygoers in their large suits of armor .
“It’s all right!” Asher bellowed. He stepped out of the crowd, grabbed a pitcher of water and tossed it over the growing blaze. The flames were out before they’d even reached the next table. “See? Everything is fine!”
Relieved murmurs spread through the crowd.
Asher plucked a flute of champagne from a passing waiter and smiled as he held it up in a toast. He met Narra’s eyes across the ballroom and for a moment, his smile faltered. “To the crown!”
“To the crown,” the crowd echoed.
The music started up again, and the partygoers went back to their chatter.
“Hey.”
Narra spun at the voice behind her. Erik flashed a sly grin as he dangled a set of ancient-looking bronze keys in front of her. “Got ‘em.”
She slapped his arm. “Don’t sneak up on me.”
Erik chuckled. “You’re losing your edge.”
She narrowed her eyes and snatched the keychain from his grasp. “I was distracted.”
Erik laughed. “Good luck.”
Narra nodded. “Be safe.”
Erik disappeared back into the crowd, plucking his discarded tray from a banquet table. He resumed his regular route while Narra pocketed the keys and made her way to a side exit she’d already mapped out. The guards were gone, having run across the room at the first shout. All was going according to plan.
She pictured the route she needed to take in her head and her heart raced with anticipation. It wasn’t far now. With the keys to the vault secured, all she needed to do was steal the crown.
Narra smirked as she slipped into the hallway. Her revenge was so close she could taste it.
“ L eft. Right. Left. Left,” Narra whispered instructions to herself as she walked through the halls of the Imperial Palace. Her heart raced as fast as she wished her feet could. But with guards patrolling the hallways, and partygoers stumbling in and out of their rooms, it was hardly the time to be running through the halls.
No. She had to blend in. They had to think she was one of the duchess’ handmaidens until this was all over. If she could manage to get out without disrupting the illusion, all the better. But she wasn’t counting on that. Her grappling hook would be the thing to save her if things went south. She could fly out the nearest window and disappear into the night before anyone was the wiser.
It was the one bulky item she’d insisted upon bringing with her. Without it, she’d be afraid. She hated to admit it, but she relied on that piece of equipment. If she lost it, she was doomed to the gallows.
“Hello there pretty girl,” a male voice slurred.
A hand grabbed her elbow and Narra spun to face two drunk men with half-closed eyes and dopey smiles.
Just what she needed.
“Hello,” Narra said. Her pulse pounded in her ears. It was only two drunks, not a guard accosting her in the hall. These two she could deal with.
“You’re fr’m the Wells, eh?” the man who grabbed her elbow held t
ight, much tighter than she expected from someone so clearly inebriated.
His whiskey breath warmed her face, making her recoil, and her nostrils flare. “Yes,” she snapped. “Please release me.”
The second man stepped forward, and for the first time Narra realized they both wore military uniforms. Their lapels were decorated like any high-ranking soldier, but from what she remembered of military rankings, the small number of flags on their shoulders meant they were only lieutenants.
“Hey, hey now,” the man holding her arm whispered softly like he was trying to placate a startled animal. “We just wanna see what’s under that veil of y’urs.”
Narra stepped back and pulled on her arm. The lieutenant tightened his grip until she winced. “Let go,” Narra commanded. She’d had enough of this. They were wasting her very precious time.
The second man stepped closer. He smelled more of wine than whiskey. “Or what? You gonna tell on us?” He giggled drunkenly and snorted.
Narra clenched her fists. She could still get out of this, but she had to keep her head. “Yes. I will be forced to report this to the duchess, who if I remember correctly, is good friends with your next empress.”
It was a lie. Narra had no idea if the two women were friends, but she doubted these two drunkards knew that.
The men exchanged glances. While the man holding her elbow seemed to lose his nerve, his grip on her arm loosening, the second pushed forward, startling Narra by grabbing her throat and slamming her back against the wall.
Narra gasped and reached for his hand.
“You’re not telling no princess nothing,” he slurred. His wine breath flew up her nose and her eyes watered.
His large hand squeezed her neck, so hot it felt like it might burn. Narra ground her teeth. Emperor’s ancestors . He’d touched her skin. She felt the spell break like cold water being splashed over her face.
But they were either too drunk to notice, or they didn’t care.
The lieutenant grabbed her cloak and tore it open.
That was it. Narra was done trying to preserve Asher’s wishes of killing as little as possible. The man snaked a hand inside her cloak at the same time Narra slammed her knee into his crotch.
Clockwork Thief Box Set Page 64