Page 28 of Kingdom of Crowns and Daggers

The fabric is itchy and tight and not easy to move or fight in, which is not a good thing for a profession such as this. It offers hardly any protection from the elements or blades and has nowhere to hide hidden weapons. The fools, it is clear the guards are mainly for show. When I find a hidden corner and make sure I’m alone, I cut away some of the material, hide daggers and wire within the uniform, and give myself more room for movement.

Despite being new, my forged lineage and papers afford me a higher rank, leaving them unsure what to do with me. It’s perfect and means I am able to wander around the palace as they figure out my position. I don’t see Alyx or the king, so I make a map in my head of every exit, entrance, hiding spot, and darkened corner or secluded area while wandering around, trying to force my expression into one of awe and neutrality when all I feel is rage.

I was never good at lying with my expressions, but I didn’t need to be, not in my role as king of the thieves, but it’s a skill I try to utilise now. I’ll need it if this is going to work.

Does she even know I would put myself in this position to keep her safe?

I guess she will soon. Once more, my mind circles back to her reasons, unable to stop thinking about the decision that brought us both here.

Alyx has always had a mind of her own. I had no hopes of taming or breaking it, nor did I ever want to. It’s one of the reasons I care so much for her. She challenges me, thinks for herself, and utilises her brain as another weapon in her arsenal, but for a moment, I can’t help but wish she were a little less ambitious and calmer.

I almost snort. Alyx? Calm? The thought is comical, and I find myself smiling.

She would gut me for thinking so.

Unlike the night I first met her, Alyx has grown into a formidable woman, but even then, on that dark, rainy night when I followed the sounds of sobs into that darkened alley in the province and found the small, red-haired girl covered in blood, there was already a flame in her eyes. When they lifted to mine, an emerald hue brighter and rarer than any gem I’d ever stolen in my short thieving career, they glittered with glassy tears and pain, but under it all was a flame, a will to live, and a determination to right wrongs.

That flame grew into an inferno until I was left breathless when I peered into them.

It doesn’t stop the protectiveness that rises within me, though, one that began that stormy night. Alyx has grown, but part of me always sees that blood-covered rich girl who was lost and alone, looking at me like she waited for me to end her life.

She was so small back then, so defenceless, but as she peered into my eyes, waiting for the blow to land, there was something there.

Before my mother passed of Cregin’s disease, she’d often told me stories of the old gods, and one has always stuck with me—a person created in their guise with their blessing, possessing knowledge beyond their years and a destiny, a soul to rival even the gods themselves.

A blessed soul.

As I stared into those bright orbs, I knew instantly that what my mother had spoken of was true, even if I hadn’t understood until that night.

Alyx changed my entire life, even if she didn’t know it. I had been alone since my mother passed when I barely reached my tenth name day, but that night, I had a new purpose, a new person to protect, and that’s exactly what I did.

I just never expected that person to become the sword behind my shield or come to mean as much to me as she does.

A platoon of soldiers passes me by, saluting me since the stripes on the shoulders of my uniform mark me as a higher rank. I keep my eye roll to myself and nod at them, and when the sounds of their heavy, booted feet no longer fill my ears, one of my little rats pops up in front of me.

I flooded the palace with them. If she is determined to do this, then she is going to need intel to keep her safe.

Hence the flickering eyes and nervous twist of the lips of the man before me as he lowers his gaze out of respect.

“Sir,” the rat hisses as he glances around anxiously. It seems I’m not the only one unused to working within the bright light and open green areas of the palace versus the darkened alleys of the Lowers. “I have found her.”

“Where?” I demand.

“Behind the throne room.” I dismiss him with a flick of my hand and head back that way. I only get lost once, the internal map I created helping in the sprawling palace. Unlike the Lowers or provinces, I never had reason to learn this area. I never needed the intel, but I kind of regret that now as I slow my steps.

I walk out of a sheltered building, facing the back of the throne room, only to freeze.

For a moment, Alyx is all I see.

I have seen Alyx in many costumes to complete her jobs, but this might be my favourite. I love her leathers, since they remind me of home, but seeing her glide in a long, sheer cream gown dotted with flowers, I realise just how truly beautiful she is.

The old gods definitely created her in their image because standing in the sun is a goddess wearing the face of my oldest friend, my family . . . my love.

She turns for a moment, and I swear our eyes meet. My heart stops, restarting only at her grace. I want to drop to my knees and beg her to run away with me back to our home so no other can ever see the beauty that is my Alyx. When she frees me from her gaze, however, I stagger back and suck in a harsh, uncertain breath.

The possessiveness inside me is not letting up, just as it hasn’t since that night.

I wonder what she would think if she knew everything I did for her. She would probably kick my ass, and I can’t help but smile at that.

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