“Then what?” Bosh glanced back to make sure none of the guards had spotted us.
I shrugged. “Stop the wedding.” I licked my lips, wishing I had a piece of grass or something to chew on. “Whatever it takes.”
We took off, separating until there were a good dozen paces between each of us. The crowds made our job easier. No one looked at a guard twice; they were too busy celebrating. I took the lead, weaving past cheerful dancers and drunks, and didn’t look back.
As soon as I stepped through the enormous castle doors, which were propped open, I found the foyer filled with people from the city. They milled about, chattering in hushed tones, waiting for the feast.
I cleared my throat and commanded the nearest man, “Direct me to the wedding ceremony.”
He blinked, startled, pointing across the room to tall, wooden doors. “In the Great Hall...”
I shoved through the crowd, hoping my men wouldn’t lose sight of me. On the other side, four guards stood at the Great Hall entrance. My uniform now had the opposite affect that I’d originally intended. They spied me coming long before I reached them. Stepping up to the two on the left side of the door, I placed my back to the wall, imitating their stiff stance, and didn’t say a word.
Though I received a sidelong glance, their focus was on Bosh who followed close behind me. I tilted my head toward the opposite side of the door. The kid took the hint, stepping into position beside the other two guards.
Daichi arrived next, and this time the guard beside me spoke. “We don’t need you here. Go guard the entrance.”
Daichi turned to go, but I clapped a hand on his shoulder and shrugged. “We were told to come here.”
“Well, I’m telling you to go,” the guard snapped, stepping out of line. “The ceremony has already started. Now do as you’re told or lose your post!”
Out of the corner of his eye, Daichi glanced at me and I nodded, yelling, “Now!”
He punched the guard in the gut. The clang of his fist hitting armor resounded. His face twisted and he groaned as the guard tackled him.
I spun to face the guard still by my side and threw my full weight into knocking him down.
Wrestling on the floor, I pinned him, but he fought back, flipping me off and punching me in the face.
I fell back into the crowd.
They stared down at me gaping, unsure whose side to take when both fighters appeared to be the king’s men.
The guard who’d thrown me climbed to his feet.
Behind him, my men fought bravely with the other three guards.
I scrambled to my feet as well.
We were outnumbered.
Bosh crumpled to the ground, knocked out cold.
Daichi roared and rushed his attackers, taking on two at once.
I ducked when a fist came at my face, turning back to the guard before me, narrowly missing the next punch.
I swung wildly.
The lack of aim had me hitting his shoulder, but it was enough to knock him off balance. One swift kick to the back of his legs and he fell.
I used the weight of my armor and dropped on top of him.
The breath whooshed from his lungs.
Placing my hands around his neck, I cut off his air.
Though he struggled, he couldn’t free himself.
