Page 104 of The Orc's Captive Bride
“I helped design the security protocols.”
Her eyes widened. “Of course you did.”
“Lasseran trusted me to keep the palace safe. Ironic, considering I’m now using that knowledge to escape it.”
“Is irony the right word? I feel like this is more… poetic justice.”
“Call it whatever you want. The point is, I know how to get us out.”
She nodded. “Okay. What do you need me to do?”
“Stay quiet and follow my lead. If I tell you to run, you run. If I tell you to hide, you hide. No questions. No hesitation.”
“That’s asking a lot from someone whose primary skill is asking questions.”
“Thea.”
“I know. I’m sorry. I’m just—” She pushed her glasses up. “I’m coping with humor. It’s a defense mechanism.”
“I understand. But out there—” He gestured toward the door. “Out there, hesitation can get us killed. I need to know you’ll trust me.”
“I do trust you.”
“Enough to follow orders without question?”
She hesitated, then nodded. “Yes. I trust you that much.”
Relief flooded through him. “Good. Then let’s go over the plan.”
He laid it out. The route through the palace to the library for the last few documents she needed. The servant’s tunnels he’d scouted weeks ago. The exit near the eastern wall where the guards changed shifts. A few simple hand signals for silent communication.
She listened attentively, making sure she understood.
She’s brilliant. Even now. Even terrified.
When he’d finished, she took a deep breath. “Okay. I think I’ve got it.”
“If we get separated?—”
“We won’t.”
“If we do,” he insisted, “head for the Temple of the Veil.” He led her to the window and pointed out the huge domed building. It would be impossible to miss. “Vorlag will help you.”
She nodded slowly. “The Temple of the Veil. Got it.”
“But we won’t get separated,” he added. “I won’t let that happen.”
She smiled and reached for his hand. “Then I guess we’re ready.”
Not even close, but saying so wouldn’t help.
He squeezed her fingers. “Stay close to me. Don’t make a sound. And remember?—”
“Trust you. I know.”
He pulled the hood of her cloak up, hiding her distinctive auburn hair. “Let’s go.”
They slipped into the hallway.
