The Uncrowned Prince (Legends of Abreia Book 5) by Kenley Davidson

Author:Kenley Davidson [Davidson, Kenley]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Page Nine Press
Published: 2023-07-24T23:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 12

It was a foolish idea—the worst idea, in truth—and the fact that she’d agreed to it did not make Karreya any more resigned to its execution.

“I have agreed to help you, but I am not willing to die for this preposterous and ill-advised scheme of yours,” she warned. “We must begin with a plan.”

“The risk,” Niell argued, “is quite small. There will be a reception tomorrow evening for the Garimoran ambassador. A relatively small affair, with local dignitaries in attendance. Afterwards, there will be music and dancing, while the most important among them quietly withdraw to discuss state business in private. We will sneak in at the height of the festivities, when it will be easiest to hide in the midst of chaos.”

“They will be doubly on their guard, looking for intruders,” she pointed out. “The ambassador’s safety will be their primary concern, and they dare not fail, as it would make them appear incompetent and irresponsible. Possibly even provoke hostilities at a time when they most require stability.”

Niell looked impressed at her assessment. Thankfully, there was no need for him to know that she’d been quite thoroughly educated in all of the most effective ways to destabilize a provincial government. Most of which involved the assassination of key linchpins—toppling countries with the least possible bloodshed. It was probably not the sort of thing proper Abreian ladies bragged about over their disgusting cups of tea.

“Then we will make every effort not to look like intruders,” Niell replied, looking far too cheerful about his utter lack of a plan. “I have a friend in the palace. Perhaps I could ask her to acquire you a servant’s uniform and sneak you in through the kitchens. It should be relatively easy, from what I have observed.”

Was that really the extent of his preparation? A vague idea littered with hopeful improvisations and optimistic maybes?

“So you propose to provide only one of us with a disguise, based on the assumption that their staff is large enough no one will notice a stranger.” Karreya did not bother attempting to hide her skepticism. “Even supposing it were to work, of the two of us, I am far more likely to go unseen, with or without the need for subterfuge. How do you intend to gain entry for yourself? In the same manner? And once you do, how will you proceed? How do you plan to ensure that you are present when they discuss these important affairs of state? What makes you think they won’t notice you immediately? And how exactly is a servant’s uniform going to go unnoticed while sneaking around high-level diplomatic meetings?”

Niell listened patiently to her enumeration of the flaws in his plan, but without any real sign of worry.

“I have my ways.” He followed this incredibly irritating pronouncement with a nonchalant shrug, but that gesture… It was a lie. Whatever he intended to do, he was very worried indeed, and he did not want her to know it.

“You mean that you have your magic,” she returned flatly.

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