Page 53 of Wrath of the Dragons
“I’m yourbestspy,” the man…Alexus, answers.
I retract my knife and hoist my skirts to sheath it on my thigh again before rounding Alexus to get a better look at him: fair hair on his head and jaw, and light green eyes. Not a deep shade like Cayden’s, closer to a lily pad floating atop a lake. “You snuck in here so I’m not going to apologize.”
His eyes scan me from head to toe, widening slightly when they return to my face. Not in a way that makes my skin crawl. He’s too earnest in his perusal. “That’s enough,” Cayden says, tucking me against his side. “I’m assuming you’re not here to gawk at my betrothed.”
Alexus clears his throat, his cheeks reddening. “Yes, sir.” He pulls a small silver key from his pocket, swinging it around his finger. “Lord Xantheus is hosting a dinner at House Baelyn, which several lords are invited to. I stole the spare key to Lord Xantheus’s office from the head butler’s chamber, and you’ll want to come with me tonight.”
Chapter
Twenty-six
Cayden
“I still have no idea whyyou’re wearing that,” Ryder grumbles.
“Because it’s pretty.”
“We’re going on a stealth mission. You don’t have to dresspretty.”
The sweet smile is evident in Elowen’s voice. “No need to tell me. Your choice in attire makes your beliefs apparent.”
“Cayden,” Ryder growls. “Can you please step in here?”
I rest my head on the back of a tree, looking to the sky for a bit of strength. “I’ve been ignoring this entire conversation and will continue to do so.”
“Your betrothed is wearing light blue!” Ryder exclaims.
“Would you calm down? There’sblackembroidery and beading.”
“And she looks beautiful,” I reply without looking at either of them, scanning the back of the Baelyn estate we’ll be infiltrating once Alexus gives the signal. From the corner of my eye, I see Ryder look to Finnian for support, but he wisely raises his hands and shakes his head, also wanting no part in their argument.Smart move, Finnian.
“Anything yet?” Elowen asks as she moves to my side, and I hook an arm around her waist to pull her back against my chest. It’s like a reflex at this point.
Elowen could wear the brightest shade possible and still keep tothe shadows better than someone dressed in all black. Her skills would be unnerving if we weren’t allies. She can move without sound and stand directly behind someone without them being any the wiser. She changed before we left so it would be easier to move while on the mission, but Elowen is always dressed in something feminine and elegant. I doubt I’ll ever see her in anything that doesn’t complement her. The light blue tunic trimmed in black fur to match her cloak hugs her frame perfectly. A panel of fabric stretches just below her knees, and another in the back, leaving her knife-clad legs on full display and the waist belt adding more definition.
“No.” I don’t remove my gaze from the servants’ entrance. “Alexus is probably waiting until they’re deep in their cups before slipping from the room.”
“I think we should split up once we’re inside.”
Not happeningis the first thing that flashes in my mind, and even though she can probably sense where my thoughts have gone when my arms tighten around her, she doesn’t say anything. “Why?”
“Because if the nobles are gathered and drunk then they might voice some thoughts about us. Maybe they’ll reveal something useful. You don’t need me to infiltrate the office, and you’ll know what to look for better than me.” She cranes her neck, but I don’t look down. “We’ve been in worse places than a lord’s house, and you know I can handle myself.”
She can do more than handle herself. It’s me that’s the fucking problem. Not having her by my side is unnerving and divides my attention, which is something that’s never been an issue before. My missions have always been the most important things in my life, and clearly that’s changed. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and she’s told me she prefers spying and taking down a target from a distance. The thought of not being there if she gets overpowered makes me wake up in a cold sweat some nights.
“Keep Ryder and Finnian with you.” The words taste like acid. “It’ll be easier for me to navigate the halls without them.”
All those working in the household will be focused on keeping thelords happy and won’t be bustling around the halls as much as they normally would, but it’s still best to limit our exposure.
The back door opens, and I monitor the sight like a hawk, releasing Elowen once I see the white cloth waving from the small crack. “I’ll find you inside once I’ve completed my search.”
Her lips quirk up. “Don’t you always?”
“Damn right.”
After making sure nobody is watching from any of the windows, the four of us creep from the tree line and slip into the dining area reserved for the servants. Alexus presses a finger to his lips, jutting his chin toward the archway leading to the kitchen. The pots and pans clanging along with orders given in raised voices is a dead giveaway. We keep quiet, following him up a staircase at the end of the hall, and pause on the landing.
“The office is on the top floor, but I’ve cracked open three windows in the dining room. If you want to spy, you’ll have the best luck hiding in the room directly above it,” Alexus mumbles.
