Page 19 of Kingdom of Crowns and Daggers

More buildings are spread before us, but in the dark, it is hard to tell what they are. They remind me of the nobles’ houses though. Although not tall, they are wide, with imposing, arched roofs that reach towards the Imperial Mountains that surround the palace.

It seems colder here, but far more ethereal.

“Come on,” Orion murmurs, pulling my gaze away from the many buildings. I follow his surprisingly soft steps across the grass to a paved path. “You’ll need to catch up and quickly, so let me give you a quick rundown. The palace is separated into many buildings, with the throne room being the centre. From the main gate on your left, there is the guards’ barracks and training area, as well as the stables. Farther back are the servants quarters.” He points to our right, past the western gate we just entered through. “If you keep going this way, you’ll reach the concubines’ palace, which is where we are headed since it’s sealed up. Joha has not chosen any and it’s empty. Beyond that is the lake from Lanide River and the Imperial Mountains. If you follow that around, we have the royal hunting ground, the king’s palace, the queen’s palace, Windfall Hall, forests, waterfalls, the Queen Mother’s palace, the temple, Frey Hall, kitchens, gardens, and the greenhouse. There are also the scholars’ buildings and school. It’s basically a city within these walls, so try not to get lost. You must learn your way quickly.”

“Understood.” Luckily, I’m quick at picking up locations and adapting—part of the trade.

I hurry after Orion silently as we move down the path towards the concubines’ palace. I find it interesting that Joha hasn’t picked any yet. Usually, concubines are chosen shortly after a king is enthroned, but that’s typically after marriage, so I guess that explains it. Will Joha pick concubines after our fake marriage?

It would make it easier to sneak around because I could use them as distractions or my own little spies. I remind myself to speak with them about that later.

The walk from the western gate to the looming concubine palace only takes us ten or so minutes, but it’s clear Orion is afraid we will be exposed. The palace itself is a huge one-story building with lots of windows that are currently covered, and stone steps lead up to the main entrance.

“This way,” Orion mumbles as we cross from the path and head around the back. We avoid any patrolling soldiers as Orion gracefully climbs up and swings over a low wooden balcony leading to sliding doors at the back of the palace.

He turns and reaches out to help me, but I gracefully leap and land on silent feet at his side, and he retracts his hand.

Putting the lantern down, he grabs one of the sliding doors and opens it, gesturing for me to enter the darkness beyond. It would be a good way to trap an assassin, but I walk past him with a shrug. He glances around before he picks up his lantern and steps in, shutting the door.

Leaving him with it, I tread deeper inside.

The flooring here is made from a hardwood only found in the Lunaris Empire, lined with fur rugs, and from the dim light, I can see opulent decorations in the hall we stand in. Sliding doors take up the entire long passageway.

A small light in one farther down catches my eye, so I pull my blade before I head that way. I move through the darkness, leaving Orion behind, and I hear him hiss my name, but I open the door and roll inside, coming up with my blade at the person’s throat.

Joha blinks at me, wearing nothing but a grand purple robe. A small candle is set on the low table before him where he’s crouched. “We have to stop meeting like this.” He grins.

Rolling my eyes, I put the blade away. I drop my bag and sit opposite him, reclining in the cushions as Orion hurries in. He glares at me as he shuts the door. Orion leaves the lantern there, and it’s clear they don’t want to light too many candles or lanterns to give away our position from the windows.

I glance around the room as Orion huffs in annoyance. It’s elegantly done and clearly awaiting its new mistress.

A small seating area surrounds us, with tapestries and paintings hanging on every wall. A huge candle chandelier hangs above, and to the right through a separator, I see a wooden octagonal tub and dressing area. On my left, through another separator, is a wooden bed, all done in purples and greys.

Joha’s colours, I’m guessing.

“I’m glad you came,” he says, and my eyes move back to him. He’s sitting upright with his hands on his knees—a habit, I am sure.

“I wouldn’t go that far,” Orion mutters under his breath.

“So mean, big guy.” I wink at him and focus on Joha. “I’m here, so tell me what I need to know.”

“It’s late, and we must be up early to execute our plan, so I will get straight to the point,” Joha replies. “You need to discover who is trying to murder me. I will present you as my queen-to-be tomorrow, since it will not give Queen Mother or any other enemies time to deny the request or kill you. After that, you will be placed in the queen’s palace and free to roam. You will be assigned teachers and ladies-in-waiting to accompany you and help your transition while they prepare for a royal wedding. It will no doubt make the scholars and council members wary, so be careful. You will also need a background, a story that is both believable and untraceable, otherwise we will not be able to go any further.”

“Leave that to me,” I tell him, my voice sure. His eyebrows rise as I lean back, not bothering to explain my confidence.

After all, I’m not just any assassin from the Lowers. I have an advantage no one else does.

I was born in a noble province.

Chapter

Twelve

ALYX

“So, whom do you suspect?” I ask, getting right down to business.

Orion heads our way, dropping to his knees. He immediately pulls out his sword and starts to clean it as Joha focuses on me. It’s a threat, but I ignore it and focus on the king. After all, I’m here to do a job, and I wouldn’t be here if Orion could do his better.

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