After the servant left, Anais stared at Pelios. He met the judgment in her eyes without a hint of guilt. “I haven't tumbled her, if that's what you're thinking.”
“No, I am not interested in your bedmates. Just be careful. Your people won't thank me if you don't make it back.”
His eyes softened. “I'll keep an eye on her while I'm out there.” He stood, then murmured, “They're your people, too.”
A practiced, casual smile lightened her expression. “Of course.”
Her hand slipped into a pouch and caressed soft wood. If they were her people, she would be protecting them, not chasing after a single man.
She should be in council right now, making promises, threats, keeping the peace. Duchess Satryani occupied her throne instead. If she were to walk into the Great Hall this moment, would her aunt hand over the crown? The Queen was still the Queen. The army still belonged to her. How much chaos was Satryani willing to risk in order to keep her power?
She should be in Coriante Castle right now, slipping through the cold stone halls, following the echoes of screams. Castien was so close. If she stepped outside the tavern, she could see the castle – the red star, the towers, the parapets. The map was clear in her mind. Each floor, every angle. Was he still in Yelena's playroom, down in the dungeons two stairwells beneath the northern corner of the castle? Was he being displayed in the throne room at the center of the third floor?
She finished her meal and settled into a bath. Lady Isabel was right about one thing. Baths were sorely missed. When she was finished, she stood watch for Jerome. She had the suspicion that he didn't protest only because he wanted to keep her close. Leaping out of the bath naked would certainly give any attackers pause. She snickered.
Pelios returned only a few hours later. He found her in her room as she examined the map again.
The rebel shook his head.
As expected. Anais folded up the map. “Then we proceed with my plan.”
His lips pinched. “There's something you should see.” He extended a piece of paper.
All are invited to the Queen's Consort Tournament!
The Queen's champion this year shall be a most esteemed guest from Drantar: the High House of Shadows’ best-trained courtesan, the Prince of the Night, a former Escort and close companion of Queen Anais Renebris of Drantar…
Castien FitzUmbra!
Will a whore sit beside the throne? Will a Drantarian earn a place in Nadraken – and a name that none have yet claimed: Consort to the Queen Yelena Thalissa…
Castien Thalus
Chapter 21
Anais
Consort.
Her vision went red. The bitchdared. She scanned the infuriating announcement. Three days. The tournament would be in three days.
“We need to get him out. Now.” Her blood roared, thrumming with urgency through her entire body. Castien was hers.Hers.
Anger and rage rode her steps. Single-minded purpose made every action efficient. Weapons slapped to her belt, slammed into her boots. Dressing like a servant would gain her entry into the castle faster. They had procured clothes on the way to the tavern. Loose pants went over her leathers. A tunic. She tied back her hair.
“What are you doing?”
Vern shut her door. She had been aware of Pelios leaving and Vern entering. Jerome had stepped inside as well, his back to the door, his arms crossed.
“Good,” she said while slipping on gloves. They were designed to disguise claws, though not very well. Her fingers would look stiff. She only needed them to get into the castle. “You're here. We're going now. If Isabel did not lie, Castien should be in his room at this time of day. That's where I'm heading. Vern, go–”
“The plan is tomorrow,” he said in a low, deceptively calm voice. “We should wait for Pelios’ contacts. We should wait for the change of guard in the morning. We shouldnotrush in without thinking this through.”
She scanned the room. Lockpicks were in her belt pouch. Poisoned darts, throwing knives, a wire garrote that could double as bindings, cloth for gagging…
As she took inventory, she said, “Pelios had no luck. There won't be any help from that direction. The girl might be useful – No, she should stay here with her brother. We’ll kill the guards if we have to. That was always the plan. Jerome, I want you–”
“Anais, stop.” Vern strode to her. “We agreed to a plan. This is too dangerous already. We leave in the morning, not now.”
