Page 44 of A Court So Dark
“Why in the name of Erilena would I need to change my appearance?”
“Because it will make you look like Kalyll.”
Slowly, Kryn lifted a hand and reached for the tiny bag. I could only see his profile, but I could tell his thoughts were racing to the right conclusion.
“The plan was for you to show up at the palace door and cause a ruckus, be seen so that Cardian thinks Kalyll escaped, so that—”
“Cardian goes back to Nerethien to see if Kalyll is still where he left him.”
“Exactly!”
“Why did you saywas? What changed?”
“Varamede is following me.”
Kryn’s emerald eyes cut toward the window. Where he stood, no one could see him from the outside—not unless they came very close and cupped their face against the window.
“But now you wanthimto see me,” he said slowly.
I nodded. “Cardian will be more likely to believe that someone saw Kalyll if that someone is his trusted thunderlord.”
“Good idea.”
“But I also need him not to suspect me, so this is what I propose. I’ll go back outside and take Varamede to that tavern where I was supposed to meet you. If I can find him, that is. Larina saw him, but I haven’t caught a glimpse of him. Anyway, if I get him to the tavern, I’ll sit somewhere near a window. Then all you need to do is walk by. If he doesn’t notice you himself, I’ll point you out to Varamede.”
He frowned. “That’s a weak plan.”
“What? Why?”
“He might still suspect you.”
“Well, I guess I’ll just have to risk it.”
“No. This is what we’ll do. I’ll go into the tavern and rough you up.”
“Rough me up? What are you talking about? You shouldn’t go anywhere near Varamede. He’ll kill you.”
“It’s the only way you’ll earn their full trust. I’ll act jilted, hurt that you’re with Cardian now.”
“No.” I refused. “That risk is far greater for you. I promise you I’ll be fine. All we need to do is instill a little doubt in Cardian’s mind, then he’ll go to Nerethien, and I’ll find a way for him to take me along.”
“If he doesn’t trust you fully, he will leave you behind, and all of this will be for naught.”
“Please, Kryn. He’ll kill you, and then Arabis will kill me for allowing it.”
His expression tightened. “Arabis? Has she said anything to you about…?”
“Don’t be an idiot. Of course, she hasn’t, but it’s not like I’m blind.”
“You think… she cares about me?”
“God, Kryn. I guess you’re the one who’s blind.”
“But she—”
“We don’t have time for this. Now, just do as I said. And if this doesn’t work, we go to the original plan, and you show up at the palace gates and make a ruckus.” I whirled and left him behind. Larina caught up with me before I exited and hid behind my veil again.
As I went past the peeved-looking attendant, I crinkled my eyes and said, “I will be back for one of those beautiful bodices.”
