CHAPTER 16
Kadin
“THE PRINCES LIKE TOhave guests to dinner to show off their wealth,” I told Arie. We rode in the front seat of the wagon down the road toward the Aziz Castle.
She rolled her eyes, but was too focused on the road to come up with one of her usual fiery responses. Her fingers clenched the reins so tightly I thought they’d lose circulation.
I reached out and gently pried them loose, flipping her hands over and lowering them to rest in her lap so she could cradle the reins instead. “Don’t worry, the horses won’t rip them out of your hands,” I teased. “We got the nice ones.”
She snorted, but her posture softened slightly. “It’s not the horses I’m worried about. I can handle any horse. It’s this ridiculous plan.”
She didn’t even know the half of it.
Her frown deepened and no matter how much I teased her after that, she didn’t lighten up. Earlier, when I’d gone out on an errand, I’d mulled over how there was somethingoffabout her. Usually I could read people better than a book, but it felt as if Arie was written in a completely new language.
“Don’t worry about the plan.” I waved off her concerns when she asked about it yet again. “We could do this in our sleep.”
“Yeah,” Bosh chimed in from the wagon bed as Naveed and even Illium nodded. “We’re the best of the best. That’s why Kadin picked us, right boss?”
“That’s right.” I grinned at him. He wasn’t wrong actually. The kid could pick any pocket and pilfer any object. He could probably steal a spoonful of food directly out of a starving man’s mouth without him ever noticing.
“King Gaspar is hosting a dinner party tonight for all the nearby nobles and neighboring royals, so he, his guards, and all the castle staff will be thoroughly distracted,” I continued. “Naveed made sure to learn exactly how many guards will be on duty tonight. Illium came prepared.”
I didn’t need to check with him or even look back. Illium always came prepared. “Stop here.”
Arie pulled the reins and the horses slowed until the wheels stopped rolling. I hopped down and held out a hand to her.
“What’re you doing?” She didn’t move.
“I’m trying to help you down.”
“But, I’m the driver.” She scowled, tightening her grip on the reins.
“And you drove,” I agreed. “Now, you’re a walker. It’s the second stage in the master plan. Come on, trust me.” I leaned over the side so my hand was just inches from her own.
For a minute, I thought she was stubborn enough to challenge me further, but she set the reins on the holder and stood, clutching her skirt in one hand and placing the other in mine, before climbing down carefully. Once on the ground, she let go.
I hid my disappointment, taking my bag from Illium.
