“Why Malakai?” I asked.
“Because Titus remembers his careless disposition from the Rapture and deems him the least threatening. The least important to watch.”
“Watch?” I asked. My gaze flashed over the quiet tavern.
“Titus likely already knows we’re here,” Cyph whispered.
“And he likely knows I’m meeting with the two of you,” Harlen added.
I turned back to the Starsearcher. “Why the theatrics, then?”
“Because it’s what he would expect. I don’t want him to think I know he knows. I’m certain I will receive a grand punishment for this, but it’s all part of my plan. And because his people are probably watching us closely at this moment, I’m going to take this bag”—he dropped a heavy burlap sack on the table, and the contents jingled—“and give it to you to have your friends bet on Cypherion tomorrow. Because I’ve earned quite a reputation these last few weeks for being involved in the fighting rings, so it’s only fitting I called a sure-fire contestant back here. And Titus fears we are working together to try to earn enough to purchase Vale from him.”
“She’s not something to be bought,” Cypherion said, but he grabbed the bag and tucked it under his cloak.
“Trust me, I know.” Harlen grimaced, but went on, “You said the future Engrossian king is your ally? He’s set to introduce his queen-to-be to Titus tomorrow evening.”
“That’s when this all happens, then,” I said.
Harlen had orchestrated all of this. Directing us to the bar upon arrival. Having the money for the bet ready. Even carefully placing Malakai as the one to break into the manor instead of me or Cypherion. It had all been strategically plotted.
“How can we be sure Titus doesn’t have someone reading this plan?” I asked.
Harlen answered as if having anticipated that question. “He won’t expose to anyone other than Vale and me that he isn’t able to read it himself.”
The chancellor’s own pride would be our biggest ally. At the corrupt thought, a slow, savage smile split my lips.
Harlen matched it.
“While Malakai gets into the manor to find Vale,” I said, “Barrett will keep Titus out of the way.”
“Yes. And you?—”
“I’ll be taking care of something for the Angels.”
“Vale didn’t give me any details, but she said there’s something specific she’s trying to read when Titus isn’t using her. That the readings are powerful. Whatever you have to do here, Revered, I assume it’s tied to that.”
I nodded. “We’ll take care of it while they get her out, Barrett distracts the chancellor, and Cypherion keeps himself very visible in the rings since Titus’s people will be watching him closest.”
Cyph grunted in agreement, crossing his arms.
“Precisely.” Harlen leaned forward, and the bruises shadowing his face gave him a haunting impression. “Let’s discuss the details, shall we? This plan can’t have any holes in it if we’re going to succeed.”
After Harlen left,we lingered in the tavern for appearances. It was late when we finally stood, and I asked Cypherion, “You trust him?”
For the first time in days, he grinned. “I’d already worked out his entire plan. I’m surprised you hadn’t, Ophelia.”
“I would have!” I crossed my arms, fighting the urge to hit him for not divulging what he suspected. “When you went quiet as he started telling us his idea, I had a feeling you were two steps ahead, but I’d been so focused onyou, I hadn’t had any time to scheme.”
“Come on, Revered. If we’re going to lead the Mystique Warriors, we need to add scheming into our schedule.” We bothlaughed, but then his expression softened. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I wanted to see what Harlen had to say organically, without anyone else guessing.”
I waved off the apology. “Damien knows I haven’t always shared my plans. We all just want to make sure you’re okay. And Vale.”
I still didn’t know what exactly had changed between them when they traveled alone to Starsearcher Territory, but it seemed too intimate to ask.
“This plan is strong,” he said, reassuring himself as much as me. “We’ll get her back.”
“I swear on Damien’s unholy dominion, tomorrow night, we’re getting Vale back and leaving here with Valyrie’s emblem.”
