“If you’d ever like to talk more,” he said. She nodded, the curiosity in her face turning warm enough that Kunal looked away.
What in the Sun Maiden’s name was happening? Had the gods disappeared or were they secretly laughing at him right now?
Kunal grunted and hauled Laksh off. After two more corridors, Kunal let him go and wheeled around, only to see Laksh in far-off thought, his eyes dreamy.
It made Kunal even more irrationally annoyed.
“You said I had to get you into the palace. You do not get to interfere with other parts of my life,” Kunal said.
“Who is she?”
“None of your concern.”
“Now, Kunal—”
“No. If you want all the details, the full debrief, I’d give it to you. If you joined us,” he said mockingly, surprised at the depth of venom he was feeling. Esha would have been proud.
“Touché, friend,” Laksh said, some of his normal expression returning.
“What did you give her?”
“Nothing, a token.”
Kunal looked at him with disbelieving eyes.
Laksh sighed. “What? Every other person in this city is allowed to give a token of their interest but I’m not? I’m still a man, Kunal.”
“If you hurt her . . . ,” Kunal said, trailing off.
“You truly think you’re better than me—” Laksh’s voice rose, clear frustration on his face. “Just because you see everything in black and white doesn’t mean the world is that way. And what hypocrisy. You and the Viper—”
“Don’t you dare mention her, not after threatening her to my face. Oh and by the way, the lovely girl you met? She’s one of Esha’s closest friends,” Kunal said, enjoying the way the color drained from Laksh’s face.
“No matter. And by the way, my occupation doesn’t preclude me from being a gentleman,” Laksh said.
Kunal tilted his head. “We’ll see, Laksh.”
His old friend said nothing to that, merely grunting and picking up his pace to match Kunal’s.
A half hour later, Kunal made his way back to Arpiya. He had tried to follow Laksh but lost him pretty quickly in the maze of the palace. Thankfully, Kunal had shifted some of the Senaps’ posts to be near any of the important rooms or exits that night.
He might not know exactly what Laksh was up to, but he’d at least be safe in knowing he wouldn’t be getting mixed up in their rescue plans. Arpiya was still on lookout, and the only benefit of them meeting would be that he wouldn’t be able to slip by without her noticing.
She was facing the other way when he trotted up behind her.
“Sorry for that.”
Arpiya nodded but didn’t turn around from the open windows. To his relief, she didn’t ask any questions about Laksh. She was too intent on something that was happening outside, in the courtyard.
“What’s happening?”
“Nothing, so far,” she said. “But something looks off. The camphor lamps are doused in the west wing of the palace. The servants never douse them before the king returns to his quarters. But by the positioning of the guards down by the receiving hall, he’s still going strong at tonight’s party.”
Kunal peered out.
“We could find the others, see if they’ve noticed anything. The guards will be changing soon, and I’ve got a cleaner who’s now indebted to me and will alert us if anyone moves a mustache between the palace and the military quarters.”
Kunal did a double take, looking at Arpiya with a new sense of awe—and a little terror. If he let her stay here she’d be sure to spot Laksh, and he couldn’t afford it.
“I’ll keep an eye on it. Report anything odd at the team meeting tomorrow. Why don’t you take off?”
Arpiya cocked her head at him. “That’s kind of you.” Kunal flushed. If only Arpiya knew. “I would love to get some sleep. All right. See you tomorrow, Kunal.”
Kunal saw her off before turning back to the window. He hated to lie to her, but he had to protect Esha. Kunal scoured the darkness once more, looking for Laksh, hoping to the Sun Maiden that he hadn’t invited trouble.
But he had no choice.
And now that his hands were dirtied, he felt as if they’d never be clean.
Chapter 19
Esha hated waiting. She’d been stuck in this little corner of the street, for what felt like hours.
Her legs were beginning to cramp, and annoyance was beginning to crawl up her spine. Her contact had said the Falcon Squad would be returning from a meeting at this time and she’d been staking out this entrance of the garrison for the past hour, waiting for them to return.
Just as she began to consider leaving, she heard footsteps. Pairs of them, probably five or six in total. The squad.
Esha straightened, knowing she’d only a moment of time to capture their attention in this disguise. She’d get a proper look at them, determine which one had the honor of meeting her knife later. She should kill them all, but after the peace summit, she was going to play it closer to the vest. Plan better, be more cunning. The Viper’s territory.
Esha fixed the turban on her head, twirled the fake mustache she wore, and checked the gold pouch on her waist sash, the mark of a gambling den owner, before straightening her shoulders and strolling out of her hiding spot.
Kunal was late. He picked up his pace, patting his bag to ensure all the supplies they needed to case the citadel were still in there.
The citadel and garrison were nestled near each other, a tunnel and walkway connecting them for security purposes. The champions would be gone and Kunal had made sure the soldiers would be otherwise occupied. This time, Kunal was taking every precaution.
Kunal fixed the positioning of his Senap armband and tugged his cuirass, feeling more comfortable than he had in a while. He was close to the citadel when he heard a two-by-two cadence more familiar to him than his own heartbeat.
A Senap squadron, coming his way. But why?
The champions were in the palace for yet another party, and the soldiers’ exercises were being held in the palace courtyard. He sped up, turning the corner so that the garrison and the towering marble citadel came into view.
And in the distance, trailing a carousing group of soldiers in ceremonial regalia, was a small figure dressed like a gambling merchant, gold belt, mustache, unearned swagger and all.
But Kunal had seen Esha in enough disguises to immediately recognize her.
He broke into a run.
Esha was about to call after the laughing soldiers when something stopped her. The feeling of being watched, or worse—that feeling she got before something went wrong in a mission.
But this time, she ignored it. She was tired of waiting. It had been ten long years.
Her shoe snagged on a rock, and Esha tripped, slowing down. One of the soldiers, who looked the least inebriated, turned at the noise, and Esha thought she saw his owl eyes glancing back, skimming over her.
But she couldn’t be sure.
One of the other soldiers shouted and pointed at a nearby inn to a chorus of agreement.
She moved to follow them when arms enveloped her. Esha started kicking, but the person was strong, lifting her off her feet.
“Shh,” Kunal said. “Squadron of soldiers following you.”
Esha froze and then nodded against his chest. He put her down, and they moved to run. Kunal leaped ahead, turning the corner in seconds, but Esha wasn’t fast enough.
One of the soldiers broke off from the rest and sped after her, catching her arm as she rushed to escape. He yanked at it as she jumped to the left, trying to get out of his reach. Esha felt her shoulder pop out and bit her tongue hard to keep her scream inside her mouth, tasting blood.
She reacted by instinct.
Jab with her other arm, knee to the groin, and kick to the head. The soldier staggered back, a hand to his face.
Esha ran without a clear direction, realizing her exits were blocked. Kunal reached out and pulled her into a dark
corridor near the walkway that connected the garrison and citadel.
She took a ragged breath, dropping her head against his chest as two soldiers ran into the walkway. The soldiers stopped steps from where Esha had been a few moments ago, spears out.
They were trapped in this small alcove. Kunal held her close against him, waiting for the soldiers to pass.
To their left was the only way back to the palace, a tunnel that led to the throne room. It was completely blocked with two pairs of Senaps guarding the entrance. To their right were the walkways, leading directly into the heart of the military. Dangerous, but not more dangerous than four Senaps.
“No,” Kunal said, reading her mind. “I’m already letting in Bhandu, Aahal, and Arpiya. They’ll be waiting for me. I can leave the alcove, drive the soldiers away.”
“That’s stupid. We can’t be found together. And we’d be sitting ducks here. I do have some experience getting in and out of fortresses, soldier,” she said. “I’ll be fine.”
Despite her flippant tone, her breath came in a ragged burst. Her arm ached, not just due to her injury but from her memories of her last time at the citadel. She hadn’t wanted to enter this place, be inside. Again.
This wasn’t how tonight was supposed to go.
Kunal pulled her closer, taking care not to brush against her shoulder as he placed a tentative kiss on her fingertips.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, we’re wasting time.”
“Esha . . .”
Something in her broke. “The citadel, it’s where I was taken after my parents were killed.”
Kunal’s lips formed a firm line. “Then we’re definitely not going.”
The conch was blown, ten short bursts. The meeting time.
She didn’t have a choice. Esha took a deep breath, inhaling the crisp air and exhaling the dark memories. Esha was scared, but the Viper wasn’t.
“The squad will be waiting, and I’ll not be trapped here for them to find me in the morning, like some caught fish. You’ll help me into the citadel, take me into your room, and reset this damn shoulder. I’ll leave then,” she said.
Esha steeled herself, layering her armor back on as she untangled herself from his embrace.
She tilted her head at the passageway. “You go first, and I’ll follow.”
Kunal gave her a lingering kiss before pulling away and disappearing into the walkway to the citadel.
Esha appeared behind him, her small body pushed against his as they crept into the citadel. It was mercifully empty.
He had set up everything for their mission that night, making sure that they had a window between switches in patrol squads. Kunal had spent days putting this together and now, with Esha here, she could endanger their one chance to confirm Reha’s location.
Kunal ducked his head around the corner. “Stay here. The others are coming soon, and we only have a half hour before the patrols are reinstated.”
“Let me help, then,” Esha said.
“No,” he said. “You’re a liability.” He lowered his voice. “What in the Sun Maiden’s name were you even doing there, Esha? You’re supposed to be at the party with Harun, keeping an eye on the champions.”
Esha was silent. “There was a change in plans. I’m here now.”
“Yes, you are, and you’re going to stay right here—”
“If you think I’m going to let you have all the fun while I’m stuck—”
“I like her already,” a voice said, cutting through their whispers. Kunal groaned. Alok appeared around the corner, his mop of curls bouncing. His wide-eyed gaze drank it all in, his grin brighter than normal. “This is her, isn’t it?”
“And who is this, Kunal?”
Alok let out a slight gasp and gave her a little bow. “I’m honored to meet you, Viper,” he said, his voice low.
Esha bounced to her feet, her right hand going to her waist sash despite her injury, where Kunal knew she had both of her whips. He stepped in front of her, easing her hand away from her sash.
“This is Alok. Alok, who I’ve mentioned. Alok, who likes to stick his nose where it doesn’t belong,” he said.
Alok shrugged. “I figured you forgot to tell me about your secret mission tonight. I know you don’t enjoy partying, but I figured you’d at least be at tonight’s. Especially because your lady friend would be there. I thought you said I could meet her.” He threw an accusing look at Kunal, clearly having realized that Kunal had pulled one over on him about her before. “But she’s here now! Which is exciting. I suppose you both plan on casing the citadel together.”
“Stop. Talking,” Kunal whispered. He turned back to Esha, ready to explain himself, but she was only looking at Alok with a curious expression.
“He was planning on casing the citadel without me,” she drawled. “Which would’ve been a mistake. I’m excellent company.”
Alok gave her a knowing glance. “He likes to leave me out of things as well.”
“You were never supposed to be here. It’s not safe, and the only reason I brought you here is because you’re injured,” Kunal said, pointing at Esha. “And I still have to let Bhandu in.”
“Bhandu? Is he one of the Crescent Blades as well?” Alok asked.
Esha raised an eyebrow, looking between Kunal and Alok.
“Seems we’ve all been hiding a few things, haven’t we?” she said, her voice silky. She stepped toward Alok, putting four fingers to her chest in the Jansan greeting. “Esha. It’s good to meet you.”
Alok put his hands together and bowed in the Dharkan greeting. “Alok. Charmed. You’re far too pretty for him, you know.”
Esha chuckled and rested a hand on Kunal’s arm. His blood warmed where her fingers were—and at the look in her eyes. “He’s got a few things going for him.”
Kunal made a noise between a grunt and a sigh. “We need to move.”
“Is he like this around you too?” Alok said, whispering.
“All honorable and brooding?”
“Oh, I like that description.”
“Are you two done chattering? Can you please stay quiet?” Kunal barked. He sighed and put a hand to his head. “Please?”
Alok turned serious. “What’s wrong?”
“We ran into a squadron of soldiers, outside of patrols. It’s possible that—” He hesitated, looking at Esha. “It’s possible we’ve been spotted, but they shouldn’t know we’re in the citadel. They’ll most likely be covering the entrance to the palace. Either way, we need to be on alert. I don’t have a good feeling.”
Esha nodded, rolling her good shoulder. “Let’s move quickly, then.”
Chapter 20
Kunal and Alok helped Esha to the bed despite her best attempts to walk over herself. Once he was sure she was situated, Kunal ran to the window and slid open the shutters.
A large shape hit the window and rolled into the room with a thud. Kunal groaned at the noise and moved to shutter the window when a lanky figure slid into the room. Farhan.
“Took you long enough,” Bhandu whispered, shaking off his uttariya and throwing it onto one shoulder. He started at the sight of Esha. “Viperess, what are you doing here?”
“Long story,” she said. “Better question is, what is Farhan doing here? I thought Aahal was coming for this mission.”
Bhandu made a face. “Aahal’s stuck at the palace with Arpiya. One of their contacts is asking questions, so they’re handling it. Also, I tried to get rid of him.”
“I was getting bored in the library. And he was rather easy to follow. And to distract,” Farhan said. “You should work on that.”
“You should work on keeping your features together on your face because one punch and—”
“Boys,” Esha said, her voice stern. They both stood straighter. “You’re better than this.”
“That’s a neat trick,” Alok whispered to Kunal. Kunal grinned. He loved this side of her, the commanding, powerful leader. It made him want to stand up straighte
r too.
“Not a trick. She’s their team leader. They’d follow her unto death,” he whispered back.
“True, cat eyes. Very true,” Bhandu said, moving to stand protectively in front of Esha. “Which means you have a handful of seconds to tell us why you have another soldier with you. Isn’t one of you enough?”
Farhan stuck a hand out as Kunal rushed to speak. He wasn’t frowning at Alok like Bhandu was. He was actually . . . smiling. Alok caught Farhan’s steady gaze, his cheeks flaming.
“He’s not just a soldier, he’s my friend.”
Bhandu raised an eyebrow.
Kunal sighed, continuing on. “He’s one of my oldest friends. He’s been helping me, though the gods know I haven’t wanted him to. The patrols and squad movements? He’s been keeping an eye. He helped me arrange tonight. There’s no way I could’ve done that and be in the tournament at the same time.”
Kunal put a hand on Bhandu’s shoulder, and tilted his head at Esha. “I’m sorry for not letting you know sooner, but I was protecting you as much as him. He knows everything about me, but I’ve only told him the barest of details about our plan.”
Bhandu’s eyes narrowed, but he looked toward Esha. Farhan walked over to Alok.
“Alok, is it? I’m Farhan.” The tall boy put four fingers to his chest. Alok returned the gesture, unable to take his eyes off Farhan.
Bhandu grumbled, but Esha patted his shoulder. “We trust Kunal, Bhandu. Let’s trust his friend too. And we could always use an extra set of hands,” she said.
“Also might I remind you, we now have only twenty-five minutes to confirm whether Reha is here or not,” Kunal added.
“Fine. I trust whoever she trusts,” Bhandu said. “And if Farhan likes him, then . . .”
Something sparked in Esha’s eyes as she and Bhandu turned back to the other two men, whose heads were close in discussion.
“We need to split up,” Kunal said. “Bhandu, you’re with me. Farhan, look for any sign that Reha’s here in the upper levels. Alok, stay with Esha, make sure she’s all right after we—”
Without hesitation, Bhandu was in Kunal’s face, hands around his throat.
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