Page 44 of Naga General's Mate

She completed her circuit and returned to where Brivul waited in the shadowed alcove.

“The east wall has the weakest security.” She smoothed her skirt. “There’s a service entrance where servants deliver supplies. Guards check papers, but they’re sloppy about it.”

“How many guards?”

“Two at each entrance, rotating every hour. But the ones at the service door are distracted. They barely glance at the servants’ papers.”

“Patrol timing?”

“Thirty seconds between passes at the main gate. Forty-five at the service entrance.” She touched the evidence hidden in her bodice. “The vines on the east wall could work too, if we need another way in.”

“Good work.” His eyes gleamed with approval. “Anything else?”

“The servants wear purple sashes. We’ll need those to blend in once we’re inside.” She glanced back at the estate.

Mila traced their planned route in the air, her finger following invisible paths. “If we time the guard rotation right, we can slip through the service entrance during shift change. The new guards always take an extra few minutes getting settled.”

“And the purple sashes?” Brivul kept his voice low, his scales gleaming in the shadows of their hiding spot.

“There’s a laundry line in the garden. Two sashes hanging right there.” She pointed to where fresh linens danced in the breeze. The memory of hanging similar items during her years as a slave made her stomach clench.

“Once we’re inside?”

“The servants use the back corridors. I’ve seen them through the windows. If we keep our heads down and walk with purpose, no one will question us.” Her heart raced at the thought. How many times had she used that same technique to avoid Kurg’s attention?

Brivul nodded, his eyes scanning the perimeter. “And Talis’s office?”

“Second floor, east wing. The windows have gold trim.” She’d spotted the ornate room during her surveillance.

“If we’re caught—”

“We won’t be.” Mila touched his arm. “I spent years learning how to be invisible. Trust me.”

“I do.” The simple words made her chest tighten.

She outlined the final details of their plan. They’d wait for the next guard rotation, grab the sashes during the changeover, and then slip in with a group of returning servants. Simple. Direct. And terrifying.

Chapter 20

Brivul

Brivul pressed against thesun-warmed stone wall, his scales scraping the rough surface. The guards’ boots crunched on gravel as they made their rotation. His muscles tensed, ready to move.

“Now.” Mila’s whisper brushed his ear.

He slithered forward, keeping to the shadows. The purple sashes fluttered on the line, rich and vibrant against the stark white of the other linens. His fingers closed around the silk, and the fabric whispered as he pulled it free.

“Here.” He handed one to Mila, wrapping the other around his waist.

A cluster of servants rounded the corner, their heads down and shoulders slumped from morning duties. Mila stepped into their midst, her movements precise and measured. Brivul followed, forcing his warrior’s stance into a servant’s slouch.

The service entrance loomed ahead, its metal door propped open to catch the morning breeze. Sweat beaded on his scales. One wrong move would give them away.

“Did you see what Lady Talis wore yesterday?” one servant whispered.

“Shh. Back to work,” another answered.

The group shuffled through the door. Cool air washed over them, heavy with the scent of cooking spices. Brivul’s tongue flicked, tasting the air for threats.

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