I expected lines of military poised and ready for intruders. I half expected hordes of Stryga standing guard. I’m shocked to find only a few armored troops posted outside the towering doors.
It’s bold, I’ll give them that. Either they’re negligent, or it means they don’t need to be cautious and they know it. Something tells me it’s the latter.
I shift, my features rearranging themselves and taking on a new appearance as Dover and Jace leap off the carriage. The females stir within, their concerned voices rising. I reach for the door and swing it open, but it isn’t me they see before them. Their eyes go wide as they take in the blue-green irises and unkempt jet-black hair.
“Prince Kai,” a few of them whisper, flashing me flirtatious smiles.
“Now, ladies”—I muster up one of Kai’s mischievous grins—“no matter what you hear, I want you to remain calm. Trust me when I tell you everything is alright. Can you do that for me? Pretty, pretty please?”
I’m answered with eleven enamored sighs. Ilayna gives me a curt nod.
Laying it on a bit thick, are we?Dover teases.
Better safe than sorry.On my count,I say as the driver and footman dismount, and two guards approach the carriage to escort the girls inside.
One. Two.
Dover and Jace pounce, leaping from behind the carriage like wildcats, attacking the approachingmen.
Three, I guess.
Jace takes down the two guards within a fraction of a second, slamming their helmets together with a sickening crack. The coachmen flee the way they came, tearing out onto the path leading up the long drive. That’s when I notice the two stable boys trying to sneak away.
“You there.”
They freeze, horrified asPrince Kaipaces up to them.“I want you to park the carriage close by. Then I want you to go to the stables, tie each other up, and gag yourselves so that you can’t speak. Wait there until I command you to come out. Understand?”
They nod and start toward the carriage as Dover helps the last of the females down the steps.
“Kinky.” He chuckles. We turn to see Jace undressing one of the unconscious guards. “And kinkier.”
Jace shoots him a dirty look as he slips on the polished golden breastplate and helmet. “Help me get rid of Tweedledee and Tweedledum.”
I grab one of the guards, and he takes the other, stuffing them into the empty carriage before the stable boys lead the horses away.
How are we looking?Mar asks.
So far, so good.
Don’t jinx it,Jace mutters.
With another flash of light, I shift again—same color eyes and raven hair, trimmed a little neater on the sides. Standing a few inches taller, I shove through the doors in a hunting outfit only Kylian would wear. I strip off the leather gloves and step inside with the ridiculous swagger of a king, announcing my arrival.
Ilayna leads the pack of courtesans away, but before they can veer off in the opposite direction, I take hold of her arm.
“Ilayna, you should go. Now. I don’t want you swept up in what’s about to happen here. Take one of the horses and ride to safety.”
“Zadyn, I?—”
Please.
But the girls?—
Will not be harmed. They knew nothing about this. If you get caught…just go. Please.
She takes one more look at the courtesans and nods, slipping the celmilline into my hand and squeezing tight. “Gods be with you.”
Servants cower and bow as I stride through the halls as Kylian, my heels echoing off the marble expanse. No one asks questions. Who would dare challenge a sadistic king who publicly beats his own brother for sport?
