Page 14 of Cage of Destiny
That she planned to kill Jana if shehad the chance. That she wished she was there right now trying toassassinate the evil woman instead of Odar. That she would protecther family no matter the cost.
“Okay,” Natheneksaid.
“What do youmean?”
“As I’ve mentioned before,your face gives everything away. I saw your reactions, youremotions, and I have all the answers I need.” He stood and headedtoward his room. Before he closed the door, he turned and saidsoftly, “I promise we’ll save Odar and kill Jana. I will protectyou with my life.” He put his fist over his heart, sealing thepromise.
Chapter Five
Allyssa scratched her back, the layers of clothingmaking her sweat. She wanted to tear the fabric from herbody.
“Stop it,” Nathenekmurmured. He peered around the corner of the building. Allyssarolled her eyes at his back, wanting to strangle the unbearableman. “Let’s go.”
She followed him into the BilarieMarket. The sun shone high overhead, beating down on them. Everyonewore clothing covering most of their skin. Walking side by side,Allyssa and Nathenek meandered past the various carts sellingfish.
“Up ahead,” Nathenekwhispered to her. “Do you see the three boys you stole thetangerines from?”
“Yes.”
“Good.” He leaned in closerto her. “We stick to the plan you outlined. But I’m making onechange.”
Of course he was.
“Instead of stealinganother six tangerines, I want you to return the ones youtook.”
Reviewing the plan in her mind, shesaw no reason it wouldn’t work. “I assume you have thetangerines?”
“I’ve already put them inthe pockets of your cloak.” It unnerved her that he could do such athing without her realizing it. “We better split up before we’reseen together.”
She nodded, and he melted into thecrowd and out of sight. As she approached the cart, she tried notto laugh at the irony of the plan. Walking with her feet wider thannecessary, she waddled, one hand on her protrudingstomach—compliments of a rolled-up blanket. She didn’t have muchexperience with pregnant women, but the few she’d seen had walkedthis way.
With the cloak on and the scarfwrapped around her face to conceal her hair, the boys shouldn’t beable to recognize her. She approached the cart. Two other customerswere already there. Perfect. Letting her hands fall to her sides,she felt the tangerines in the pockets lining her cloak.
“Good, fresh fish,” shesaid with a thick accent, eyeing the display. The smell made herwant to vomit. “I love that smell. I’ll take threetuna.”
“Yes, miss,” Larek said,grabbing three filets.
When he turned to wrap them, she slida tangerine out of the pocket and released it near her thigh. Itrolled down her leg, landing between her feet. She pretended to rubher back, squatting ever so slightly so the cloak hit the ground,concealing the tangerine. She quickly did the same with theremaining five tangerines. With them all on the ground, sheshuffled forward until she hit the cart with her fake belly. Usingher right foot, she lightly pushed the fruit underneath the cart,hoping none of them were too big to fit through the small slot.Thankfully, they all made it.
“Here you go,” Larek said,handing her the fish.
At that precise moment, Nathenekbumped into her.
“Ahh,” she cried out,clutching her stomach.
“I’m so sorry, miss. Areyou okay?”
“I think so. Could youplease help me sit in the shade for just a moment? I’m gettinglightheaded.”
“Yes, of course.” He tookher arm, ushering her to the darkened alley. Nathenek called overhis shoulder, “Keep her order set aside. She’ll be rightback.”
The second she was in the alley, shestood tall and hustled to the other end, removing her cloak,rolling it up, and tossing it to the ground. She unbuckled theblanket around her waist and threw it to the ground. Just beforeexiting the alley, she unwound the scarf and hung it loosely aroundher neck, exposing her hair and face. Turning onto the street, sheheaded south as Nathenek had instructed. Holding her head high, shewalked slowly and with purpose. When she passed the next alleyway,Nathenek slid from the shadows, joining her. He’d also changed hisclothing.
“I can’t believe thatworked,” she said. “I thought for sure one of the boys wouldrecognize me.”
“People see what theyexpect,” he commented. “Your job is to play the part.”
“Playing parts is somethingI’ve done all my life.” It was something she was goodat.
