Page 128 of To Kill a King

Jalius raised his eyebrow.

“I know, right? Sneaking out of a royal wedding.” She shook her head. “They’re lucky Malkov didn’t notice.”

Kord glanced over from where he stood watch by the front window, catching Karlee’s gaze. “Any exits on the mezzanine?”

Aliya shook her head. “I don’t remember any but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there.”

If only she hadn’t been so focused on stupid things, like fitting into the Royal Court.

“Where will Malkov most likely be midafternoon?”

She shrugged. “I’m not sure. I wasn’t around long enough to get a sense of his daily routine when there weren’t any wedding festivities to attend. I would think he’s either meeting with his council in the throne room or going through proposed legislation or missives in his study. But that’s a really big guess.” Kings had a lot to demand their time.

“I think I can help,” Kord said. He raised his arm. A falcon flew from the warehouse rafters to perch on his leather glove.

Aliya scanned her memories. “There are several windows high above in the throne room, near the ceiling. This time of year, they’d likely be open to keep the interior cool. A bird could sit in the windowsill and escape notice, if it kept quiet.” It was too bad she’d never mastered flying.

The mage nodded. He blinked, stilling as his eyes went white. The raptor stared at her for a few heartbeats before lifting off. The silence stretched for several minutes.

Aliya shifted her weight from side to side while she waited for the hammer to fall.

“Kord can see through his falcon’s eyes,” Jalius whispered.

She’d figured. Aliya bit back the retort. Jalius was just trying to be considerate.

“Malkov’s at court,” Kord said, blind eyes still staring off into the distance. “There’s a commotion. Many people are gathered around a map, yelling.”

“What are they talking about?” Aliya asked.

Silence stretched until it seemed the aloof mage wouldn’t answer. Finally, he opened his mouth. “Hard to say. Sky doesn’t know much Common.” He inhaled. “They’re arguing about food and the army, we think. Some of the men are shouting at each other, and the King is pacing back and forth at the head of the table. He’s yelling, too.”

“Now seems like a good time to make our move, while Malkov’s distracted,” Jalius said.

Aliya nodded. “So, what should we do? How do we get inside?”

“Sky returns now.” Kord blinked and shook his head. When he opened his eyes, they were back to their normal brown color. The mage gave Aliya a hard look, crossed his arms, and resumed his sulking vigil at the front window.

Aliya’s pounding heart was loud in her ears. “I am not very good at strategy or tactics,” she said, looking at Karlee and Jalius, pointedly ignoring Kord. If he was going to give her the cold shoulder, she’d return the favor.

Karlee glanced between Aliya and Kord, frowning. With a sigh, she squatted next to Aliya and studied the map. “If you’re certain the king’s guards will bring you to him, even in the middle of a Council meeting, then that’s the most reliable way to get you where you need to be. Jalius is too old,” she looked at the gnome in apology, “but Kord and I should be able to sneak onto the Mezzanine. We can wait until you distract Malkov, then attack from behind.”

Kord shot the other mage a hard glare as he ground his teeth.

Jalius put his arms on his hips. “What’s the matter, Kord? You didn’t have to come, and you can still leave if you’re not going to be helpful. What is your problem today?”

“My problem?” He stabbed his finger at Aliya. “Her mountain elf friend killed Therolis, and nearly beat Karlee to death, and you’re all pretending nothing happened!”

Aliya’s stomach crashed to the floor. She opened her mouth to deny it, but snapped her jaw shut as she caught the expression on Karlee’s face. Elessan was an elven spy. Who knew what he did or didn’t do? She turned on Kord. “What are you talking about?”

The weight of Karlee’s hand settled on her shoulder. “Don’t worry about it.” She glared at Kord. “That was hardly her fault.”

“Since when is a royal not responsible for the actions of those beneath them?”

“She wasn’t there.” Jalius’ calm voice cut through the tension in the room. “Can’t you see her face? Her Majesty had no idea until you brought it up.”

Aliya stood, focusing on the soreness in her knees rather than the ache in her heart. “This Therolis was a friend of yours?”

Kord nodded.