24

We left the hall and the dancers behind, slipping through a corridor near one of the drinks tables into a tiny room beyond. The three of us sat in a small grotto, our faces lit and shadowed by the half-dozen candles set amid its stones, the stars winking overhead.

Across from me sat Gretel.

The leader of the Waldleute was a beautiful girl, tall and black-skinned with an ethereal cloud of black hair around her temples. The sable chiffon of her gown complemented her skin perfectly, and its swoop and drape emphasized her elegant neck and lean, strong arms.

I knew immediately I didn’t weight my side of the table as she weighted hers, but I had to try.

“I’d heard you were courting a young lady, Hansel, but I must say, I’m impressed.” Gretel crossed her arms. “I’d figured you were one for a submissive little wife, given the way your father treats his daughters. I wasn’t expecting the type of woman who’d seek me out.”

“I think by now you ought to know that I’m not my father,” Fritz said. His even tone impressed me; the comment would’ve made me angry—though, once upon a time, I almost never got angry. Bolder emotions had tended to escape me then.

But anger was becoming a familiar friend to me, in the way many strange new things were growing comfortable. Black dresses and forbidden places and meetings arranged without a protocol officer in sight.

Poor Perrault. He’d be so worried if he knew. Yu and Homer would be proud.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Gretel,” I said carefully. “Though I’m sure that’s not your real name, any more than his is Hansel or this is a woodcutter’s cottage.”

“It’s all the name you’re going to get.” Her tone was light. “I’m sure you know what Baba Yaga does to the families of those who dare defy her.”

“I wouldn’t ask for more than you wish to offer.” I shook my head, glancing between her and Fritz. “Most of us want nothing more than to protect our families.”

I had practiced that line in my head as I’d buttoned my gown, as I’d pressed paint into my lips and kohl against my eyes.

It still brought with it a surge of memories and worries.

But I forced away thoughts of my father, of my stepmother, of my new little sibling, of home. There was no time now.

Gretel shoved back from the table. “Not this again.” She frowned. “Hansel, we’ve discussed this. I feel for little Leirauh, I do. But we’re fighting a war. Can you imagine what my people would say if they heard we’d diverted our efforts to rescue a princess?”

“How can you justify ignoring her situation?” I countered. “You have resources. The worth of the gems and the gowns on your people in that room alone—”

“You can’t eat jewels,” she said keenly. “You can’t fight wars with them, either.”

“You can purchase food with them,” I said, baffled. “You can purchase arms.”

Gretel shrugged. “If there are any arms to be had,” she said. “If anyone will risk getting them to you. Transporting contraband—damsels in distress included—is a dangerous business.”

“Danger is everywhere here. You can run into danger on a stroll through town or a walk in the woods,” I snapped. “And speaking of risk, you’re taking one by throwing parties with deafening music every night. You could help her, and you’re choosing not to.”

Gretel planted her hands on the table. “Music is resistance in the Imperiya’s world of silence. And we aren’t responsible for these parties. We’re invited guests.”

“Fair enough,” I said. “But I’ve got more concrete rebellion in mind.”

She and Fritz watched me, not speaking. I felt the pressure of the weight I had taken onto my shoulders. I tried to let it steady me and not crush me.

“I didn’t come here to ask for favors,” I said. “I came here to make you an offer.”

This was it. This was my shot to rescue Leirauh. To show Lang and the rest of them I was not to be trifled with. To make everything—leaving Torden behind, abandoning my father to Alessandra’s manipulation, crossing into the Imperiya, all of it—worth it.

I straightened and readied my fire.

“My ship is carrying a large quantity of guns and gunpowder,” I said. “I’m offering it to the Waldleute, in exchange for your assuring Leirauh safe passage to a court outside the Imperiya. Or to another place of her choosing. Swear to set her up safely and the arms are yours.”

Fritz drew in a quiet breath.

I hadn’t told Fritz or his sisters my plan. Perhaps the cards in my hand were higher than even I’d hoped.

Gretel’s beautiful face had gone sharp. “Details.”

I racked my brain, thinking again over the memory of the day I’d seen the crates in the hold, not knowing what they were. I’d never asked Homer what kind of guns the zŏngtŏng had provided, or how many. I hadn’t thought to ask how much gunpowder we were ferrying.

The arms weren’t mine to bargain with. And I didn’t want to hurt Yu, or any of the rest of them, because the crew had never meant to hurt me. They’d agreed to their mission before they’d ever met me—before they could’ve cared what smuggling could mean for my safety, or for Potomac’s politics.

But this voyage was mine. It had been coopted. And I was taking it back.

I was taking it all back.

“Six crates of guns,” I said, praying I remembered right. I tried on a grin, felt its wry stretch over my red lips. “And enough gunpowder to blow my ship to the skies.”

Gretel gave a dry laugh. “Those are hardly details.” She paused. “Still, that’s more weaponry than we have on hand at the moment.”

I let out a tiny, tiny breath. “Do you need to confer with anyone else? Are you in charge of all the resistance—the Sidhe and the Rusalki and all the rest?”

“No. We’re too spread out to have a single leader. But the Waldleute will accept my judgment.” Gretel’s gaze narrowed on me again. “How do I know you won’t betray me? How do I know you’re not with her?”

“My ship’s on the Reyn. I can take you there tonight, show you the goods, and you can do with them what you will—as long as you take Leirauh with you. I don’t want her coming back to the castle; Margarethe packed her a bag, and she’s ready to go.”

Fritz glanced at me, startled. But I had taken no chances tonight.

“Fascinating.” Gretel’s deep brown eyes were inscrutable.

I watched her weigh my offer, praying fervently, thumbing the rosary beads in my pocket.

Finally, Gretel smiled.

“Agreed.” She raised her eyes to the heavens, looking like a queen. “We move now. I want it done before sunrise.”