I couldn’t claim to understand it, but I trusted him to watch my back. If all went to plan, we wouldn’t need magic. A set of forged papers and winning smiles would suffice.
Adjusting my hat, I pulled my veil over my eyes and turned to my partner. Percy looked entirely different, with his hair dyed black and makeup that mimicked the lines of his father’s face. Pulling the red-padded helmet over his eyes, he frowned at me like a lost puppy.
“You look professional.” I complimented, smoothing out his tabard.
“If these people have eversniffedmy father, they’ll know I’m a fake,” he insisted.
“Why? What’s he smell like?”
Percy paused, thinking. “Ham. Mm, or maybe charcoal.”
“I was joking, Percy,” I said, folding my hands on my lap.
Our carriage jostled over a bump in the road, and I grabbed the door handle to keep steady. Rows upon rows of trees streamed by outside the window, leading us toward the fort tucked safely inside their embrace. Seraphim sat in the driver’s seat, guiding the horses, while Eleos sat across from Percy and me, dressed as one of our soldiers.
“So, anything we should know about our quarry before meeting him?” I asked.
“I told you all that I know.” Eleos’ voice was muffled inside his helm.
“Seraphim is a tight-lipped lady. Maybe you’ve noticed?” Percy leaned toward me. “A dangerous chthonic; one who’s probably guilty of murder. Sounds like a pleasant fellow.”
“She wants him for a reason,” I said.
“Assuredly.” Eleos agreed. “She’s probably refrained from sharing because one of us will protest.”
“Or all of us,” Percy added.
“Ask for forgiveness, not permission,” I murmured. “Is that her motto?”
“More or less.” Percy nodded.
“I hope she knows what she’s doing.” I peered out the window as the carriage turned down a new road.
Two towers rose from the trees, shadows stationed in their turrets. A heavy gate and high walls barred the entrance to the courtyard; men in steel armor and red tabards patrolled the parapets.
Prisoners and guards would be plentiful inside to safeguard this place from the Empty.
“You know,” Percy whispered. “I haven’t asked.” His faded gray eyes bored into mine. “Are you seeing anyone?”
“No,” I answered quickly. “Why?”
“Well, it’s only polite to check. Serifos is a nice city, we could—”
“Run away and leave our woes behind?” I raised an eyebrow. “You should have asked earlier. By the time we reach the gates, we’ll have a wanted criminal with us.”
“We’re all wanted criminals, darling. It’s cozy in the shadows, besides.” Percy squinted. “You actually look somewhat like my mother, dressed like that.”
“Is that a compliment?”
“But of course. My mother’s a goddess. What son would say otherwise?”
Eleos laughed, the sound reverberating inside his helm. “Percy.Relax.”
“Right.” Closing the visor of his helm, Percy sat back.
I chuckled. Our carriage rolled to a stop, and Seraphim dismounted, knocking on our door before pulling it open. Her red braid was tucked neatly beneath a guard’s helm.
She saluted sarcastically. “Ready?”
