“How’s my brother?”
Lerek stiffened. He knew Ren well enough to know when her voice went all soft and sweet, it wasn’t a good thing.
“He’s in the dungeons still. I’m working on something to get him out but I wanted to tell you about it first. Because I need you to play a part.”
“Distraction?”
“Aye.”
Terena stared back at him before moving away, her eyes roving about the room once more. Casually, she glanced at him over her shoulder.
Lerek cleared his throat. “As I said, my father is hosting the succession dinner in two days’ time. I need you to blend in with the City Watch—don’t worry, I’ll have Xoran supply you with the rest of the uniform—and then make your surprise appearance. You’ll confront my father, keeping him and his Guard busy while I slip out and free your brother.”
“And Orry.”
Lerek hesitated.
Shit. He’d known she was going to bring it up, but still he’d shoved it away, hoping she’d just agree to the plan and they could deal with their friend later.
Swallowing, Lerek lifted his head. “High Cleric Christos has Orry.”
When Ren’s head swiveled around, he held up his hands to forestall her. “Look. It happened before I even heard about it. Christos went directly to my father and Orry was transferred within an hour.”
“Transferred? Transferred where?”
“He’s at Thanoras House.”
Lerek waited for her reaction. Thanoras House was the cleric college, where acolytes and scholars go to become clerics or priests. Orry matriculated at the House years ago and Lerek hoped it would assuage her anger, at least.
“He has plans for him,” Terena said under her breath, but he caught it as she neared him.
“Aye, knowing Christos, of course he does. But at least he’s safe.”
Ren gave him a doubtful glance before turning away.
“So. I go in and, all by my lonesome, I distract your father with all the royals and dignitaries in attendance.”
“Not to mention the Imperial Guard and City Watch.”
Lerek frowned as he shot a glance at the behemoth mercenary. The blank stare the man looked back at him with made Lerek shudder.
“Aye, thank you Gabe.”
“Something tells me you won’t have a problem with them,” Lerek muttered.
The woman snorted and Ren flashed her a grin.
“Orry is still a problem.” Ren shook her head as she looked at the ground in thought. “We’ll just have to get him out after I deal with your father.”
“Ren,” Lerek started, then cleared his throat. “I know this isn’t the time?—”
“No,” Ren said as she pivoted. “It’s not. Get me the uniform and I’ll do it. I’ll be the distraction. Work with Xoran on the details of your end. But they include Vassori and Gabriol,” she said with a wave of her hand at her friends.
Taken aback by how short she was with him, Lerek simply stared back at her. When she tilted her head expectantly, all he could do was nod.
“Good,” she chirped, striding past him to the door.
“And, Lerek?”
