CHAPTER 18
Kadin
WE SLIPPED INSIDE THEcastle with the other arriving nobles without incident, walking up the steps alongside Azadi-Shah, his wife, and their daughter, who kept sneaking jealous glances at Arie.
Despite her reticence, Arie drew everyone’s attention like a fire on a dark night in her vivid red gown. Even as we entered the grandeur of the castle with its vaulted ceilings, ornate sculptures, and brightly painted décor, I found myself admiring her more than anything else.
She gripped my arm as if it was the only thing that kept her from drowning, and kept reaching a hand up to hide her face.
“You look beautiful.” I caught her hand and drew it down. “Stop worrying. You’ll stand out far above everyone else.”
Instead of reassuring her, her brows drew together and her hand flew back up to her face. “I don’t want to stand out. I shouldn’t be here. You don’t understand...”
I was at a loss. Was it the heist? Was she having second thoughts? “Help me understand then.”
“It’s nothing.” We passed through the enormous entrance into the grand dining hall where the tables were laden with a feast that could feed a thousand.
“It’s obviously not nothing,” I murmured under my breath as I smiled at those around us, searching the room for my mark.
“It’s nothing, because there’s nothing you can do,” she replied, lifting her chin. “Why have you brought me here?”
I let her change the subject. A distraction would help her get over the nerves. I leaned closer to explain as we walked, “Each night, the Captain of the Guard gives the men who stand guard over the treasury a code that only they and the King know. They guard the treasury at the end of a long hallway with an arrow notched and ready to point at anyone who tries to approach without this code. If we can learn tonight’s code, Illium can get close enough to use his sleeping powders on the guards. Without it, we may have to shoot them to keep them from raising the alarm. I’d like to avoid that if at all possible, which is why you and I are looking for the Captain of the Guard.”
Arie groaned.
I paused, turning to study her. She was pale and shaking now. Steering us through the crowds, I led her out onto the balcony, and found a corner sheltered by a potted palm where we could talk in private. “What’s going on?”
She pulled away, crossing her arms. “I just don’t want to be here. It makes me uncomfortable. This sounds like something you could do on your own.”
I stared her down. She was hiding something. I crossed my arms as well. “I originally planned to get the Captain alone and force him to tell me. But I thought if you were here, you could sweet talk him into giving up his secret, the way you charmed Gideon. And then we wouldn’t need to hurt anyone.” I shook my head as I spoke. “Never mind, it was unfair of me to expect that of you without asking. Go meet the others instead. I’ll handle the Captain.”
I turned to go back inside, but Arie’s hand on my arm stopped me.
“Wait.”
CHAPTER 19
