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Kadin
MY MEN AND I slipped into the city of Hodafez unnoticed in the chaos and festivities. Fireworks sounded even though it was still daylight. Children ran about with sparklers and ribbons.
“Good sir,” I stopped a man headed toward the castle dragging along a toddler while his wife carried the baby. “Where are you headed on this fine day?”
“Haven’t you heard?” He hiked the child higher as he walked. “It’s Summer’s Eve—” My spirits lifted as he hoisted the child, but then he added, “and the royal wedding is tonight at sunset! The whole town is invited. We’re going to get in line now.”
I let the man go ahead, slowing as that sunk in. Had Arie agreed to the wedding then? I’d tried not to think on it too closely, but somehow, I’d hoped she’d find another way.
I picked up my pace. “Looks like we’re going to enter the castle the old-fashioned way.”
“In broad daylight?” Bosh whispered loudly as he caught up to me. “How are we going to do that?”
“What about ‘Ladies-in-Waiting’?” Ryo offered. “That might work during the day.”
“I am not wearing a dress,” Daichi argued. “‘Ghost in the Stable’ would be better.”
“There’s twice as many guards during the day,” Ryo replied, smacking him on the shoulder. “Not to mention the sun. They’d never fall for that.”
Twice as many guards. The wheels turned in my head as they argued and Naveed signed, all vying for a different scheme.
“I was thinking ‘Pick Your Poison,’” I interrupted.
Ryo scratched the stubble on his chin and mumbled, “That could work.”
Naveed nodded, and no one argued, which was enough for me. “Let’s get to work.”