Page 72 of Splintered Shadow
“I flatter myself when I say the security systems are robust, because I designed them, but any network can be compromised,” Luca added. “Even mine.”
“The king remains at the palace, which points to Lady Cassana as the mastermind. Even if she compromised the security system and took over the network, she is still confined to the palace.”
“How?” Sarah asked. “If she controls the network—”
“It is a different system,” Vekele said. “Only Baris or I can release her shackles.”
She found that unlikely. “And your brother is incapable of being coerced?”
Vekele’s lips pressed together. “It does not matter. Baris is at the palace. We go there.”
Vekele
“This is all we could muster?” Vekele frowned at the tablet.
“That is every garrison able to respond in an hour,” Kenth said.
“It will do.” They needed to act now. If they waited, Cassana would cement her hold over the palace and convince Baris to do something foolish.
Like marry that traitor Joie Starshade.
They were exhausted and injured. Rushing could be disastrous but waiting for reinforcements meant they would face even more unfavorable odds.
It had to be now.
He and Kenth coordinated with the garrisons and guards still in the capital. A direct assault proved impossible. They had to be devious.
“There are disused utility tunnels under the palace,” Vekele said, highlighting the tunnels on the screen.
“Those are sealed,” Kenth said.
“Not all entrances. Here and here. Those connect with the capital’s stormwater and sewer system. Baris and I discovered these when we were children.” Vekele pointed to the two unsecured entrances.
Through the bond, he got the distinct impression that Pitch did not want to go into the tunnels. He reached up to stroke her beak. She caught his finger in her talon and croaked, too cranky for affection. He understood the sentiment.
“Princes should not play in sewers,” Kenth said, scandalized by the prince’s youthful misbehavior.
“I apologize for the personal insult, but it serves us now. We enter here. Luca has the skills to bypass any codes. Kenth, you will coordinate from the ship. Sarah, you will remain with Kenth.”
Sarah opened her mouth, as if to protest, then nodded. “Is there anything I can do? Let me help.”
“You will help by remaining in a secure location, so I will not worry,” he said. Her eyebrows drew together in that way that declared her unhappiness, but he spoke the truth. He could not afford to be distracted.
“I will need extra eyes on the screens, Princess Sarah,” Kenth said.
“I can do that.”
The rest of the plan fell into place. It was reckless. Rash. They did not have enough equipment or guards.
They waited in low orbit for the rest of the guards to arrive.
“Are you certain this is the way?” Sarah asked, placing a hand on his arm.
He blinked, tearing himself away from the tablet in his hands. Footage of the disastrous signing ceremony replayed. “I must—”
“Doyouhave to go?”
He tensed. If she thought him incapable, because of his injury—
