Ma’qas sheathed her sword. “Why this risky masquerade?”
Araceli and I exchanged glances. Even though she was one of the Twelve Avengers, Ma’qas was also a dwarf. I didn’t know how she’d react if she found out that we were planning to scam the dwarven kingdom out of the rights they’d won in the last World Games in order to protect our own nation. Nor could I think up a decent excuse.
“We’re turning the Blood Duchess into a dark lord,” Araceli explained. “After she becomes the target of the Conclave of Kings and hated by the entire world, we’ll swap their bodies back. She’ll never be able to survive.”
“Hmm.” Ma’qas tapped her chin. “A more vicious revenge than merely killing her. I approve.”
Either she didn’t have that much loyalty toward her kingdom, or it was outweighed by her hatred of the duchess. A lucky save either way.
“Of course, I’m still going to try to kill the duchess after we swap back their bodies,” Araceli said. “But she’s gotten out of seemingly impossible situations before.”
Ma’qas nodded. “She survived my poison the last time. In fact, she didn’t even notice I’d poisoned her. I didn’t think it would work this time—it just seemed worth a try. Especially since she wouldn’t notice if I failed, like she didn’t notice my last dozen attempts. She’s entirely too tough. But not even she could survive a full crusade from the Conclave of Kings.”
“Don’t you think it’s fitting, too?” Araceli grinned. “Duchess Hedri always skirted on the edge of what she could get away with. Sherda allows nobles to murder, as long as they don’t target anyone important. When she went after other nobles, she used assassins or framed them for treason. It would be satisfying to see her die, but even more satisfying to see her properly executed for her crimes.”
“I’ve always liked how you think.” Ma’qas grinned back. “Very well. My lips are sealed concerning this plan of yours. In exchange, I want you to let me help when you’re ready to kill her.”
I exhaled in relief. It seemed to be settled. I felt grateful for that first night when Araceli had tried to kill me, because I wouldn’t have lasted long in this masquerade without her. At the same time, I didn’t entirely like how Ma’qas smiled at Araceli, though I had no good reason why. It was a friendly smile, full of shared understanding from someone who clearly knew Araceli much better than I did.
“Have a Bookmaker create a pair of linked books for us,” Araceli said. “I promise to write to you. In exchange, will you help us find the real duchess?”
Ma’qas raised an eyebrow. “You don’t know where she is? Whoa, I am rapidly losing faith in this plan.”
“If I did, she’d already be in a dungeon.” Araceli shrugged. “It’s not an insurmountable obstacle. We’ve got her body. We have the gifted who caused the swap to begin with. But I confess that knowing where to find her stolen form would take a weight off my mind. Tie off one last loose end.”
“A very, very big loose end,” Ma’qas growled.
Although I knew she was right, I resented the tone of voice. I’d been careening from one crisis to another since I’d ended up stuck in this body. There had been no time for anything except survival. At some point, had I stopped even thinking about getting my body back? The realization unnerved me. I’d enjoyed some aspects of having power, but surely it hadn’t been enough to make me forget about my original goal. Had it? “Donya has been trying very hard to find Duchess Hedri. Surely she can’t cause that much trouble while stuck in my impoverished peasant body?”
Ma’qas crossed her arms. “You might be unpleasantly surprised. The duchess clawed her way up from minor nobility once before. I’d bet she has a few contingency plans in case she falls from power—allies or money tucked away. It’s strange you haven’t heard from her. Strange and worrying.”
“Then help us.” Araceli’s tone turned wheedling. “You were always better at tracking than me.”
“Flattery will get you everywhere.” Ma’qas shrugged. “I’m only agreeing to this because I can’t have my revenge if you two fools lose track of the Blood Duchess. I’ll have a pair of linked books made, and you get me a portrait of her real body.” She gestured at me.
“Done,” Araceli said.
“I’ll find an excuse to leave the delegation and stay in town.” Ma’qas turned away and vanished out the door.
Once we were alone, I said, “Nice. Fast thinking.”
“It wasn’t entirely a lie. I’ve given some thought already to how satisfying it would be to see the duchess face justice.” Araceli’s gaze became distant. “Even though I accepted it as unlikely a long time ago, I’ve always wanted to prove that she framed my parents.”
“Thank you for helping find my body, too. It’s been worrying me,” I admitted. Even worse, I’d been helpless to do anything to speed up the pursuit.
Araceli patted my shoulder. “I know. Do you want to get some food? I’m hungry.”
My stomach growled in response. “Before, I could barely eat for nervousness.”
“Then you deserve a treat. Come on.”
Back in my room, I sat in the armchair and Araceli perched awkwardly on a stool while we devoured strawberry muffins from a basket. “To a successful day,” Araceli said, toasting me with a muffin.
“Don’t boast yet,” I said. “We haven’t heard from the dwarven ambassador.”
“We’re just letting him fret. You terrified him. He’ll give us whatever we want.”
“Thank the Sun God that Ysabel came up with such a great plan, and she was there to cover for my poor acting.” I laughed. Ever since we’d been children, Ysabel had been a natural leader, and I’d been a natural follower. Even if I hadn’t been the younger one, our dynamic probably would have been the same. It felt like a relief to have her show up and take charge.
