Page 28 of The Barbarian King's Assassin (Magic and Kings 1)
I opened both doors wide and exited into the courtyard contained within the castle wings. I could see balconies ringing it, their room openings, some of them lit, covered by filmy curtains. Voices murmured and raised, and laughter broke out. I even heard the distant thrumming of an instrument.
The courtyard was the social aspect of the guest quarters which ringed it on three levels.
According to my paid informant, who’d offered me a breakdown of the interior, the Barbarian King had a suite of rooms on the first floor with direct access to the garden and its pricky roses. West side, which, if I’d not lost my bearings, should be to my left.
I kept to the dark paths formed between the lit ones, greatly aided in my subterfuge by the artfully placed shrubs meant to give privacy to those seeking it. It surprised me to hear so many out and about. I’d have thought them all at the party. Then again, once the expected announcement was made, the only thing left to do involved drinking and what some couples were skipping right to.
I took a great risk being here. If caught, I’d have no excuse. However, I’d come to realize to complete my task, I’d have to catch the king unaware. If that was even possible.
He’d have to sleep sometime. Hopefully, he’d pass out drunk. And when he did, I’d be there to finish him off.
While in the bushes, I finally changed, unable to stand my gross, wet clothes anymore. It didn’t entirely remove the smell issue or dry my hair, but it helped. I left my satchel deep in the thick bush and, beside it, my wet sewer clothes. I’d find a different way out.
I crept from the bushy area to one with statues, made deadly by the twining rose vines. Their thorns liked to snag.
As I moved from statue to monument, I took in the west garden’s layout. Three visible doors on the main level. Above, a single wide balcony and the level over that just windows. I could tell which belonged to the visiting king since a pair of soldiers in the barony’s colors stood outside it.
Of more interest was the door next to it, currently dark and separated by privacy bushes. When the soldiers heard something that turned their heads, I sprinted for the unguarded door. I made it to the concealing line of a stone-carved wood nymph before the soldiers turned back around.
The door opened, having not been locked. Even if it were, I would have picked it. I entered quietly and then eased as I realized the room had no occupant at the moment. Even better, as promised, it had a door adjoining to the next suite. I put my ear to the wooden panel and listened before I fiddled with the lock. I opened the door, ready to take out anyone on the other side.
No one attacked. Terrible security. There should have been someone not just outside the room but also within to ensure no foul play. Then again, I’d seen the man fight. Perhaps he didn’t feel a need for such close protection. Whatever the reason, it worked in my favor.
I moved quickly in case someone arrived or warning went out that the castle had an intruder.
The king’s room appeared no more lavish than the one beside it, the large bed made up with blankets and pillows. The furniture sturdy but not elaborate by most measures.
The decadence came in the pool of water from which rose steam and a fragrant scent. Unlike me. What I wouldn’t give to have enough time to submerge myself and warm my chilled bones.
Instead, I began rifling through the Barbarian King’s belongings. Not a ton. He had a small chest that held folded clothing and saddlebags filled with what one would expect from someone travelling. Flint, food, cloth for bandages. Rope.
The only weapon I found was the sword I’d sold him still in the same wrapping. The knots mine. Despite paying outrageously, he’d not opened it. I was tempted to take it and leave something else in its place. Before I could decide, through the partially ajar bedroom door, I heard someone enter the outer chamber set up as a sitting area in case a guest had someone visit. Voices murmured. I glanced at the bed then the tub. I dropped and rolled under the bed, only to run into someone else. They slashed at me, and I hissed, “Idiot. You’ll get us both killed.”
We both stilled as a familiar male voice neared. “You didn’t have to leave the party just because I did.”
“I don’t trust anyone here,” said a deep male voice.
“Smart man,” said Konstantin with a chuckle. I saw boots as the Barbarian King entered the bedroom. “At least that sham of a betrothal is done.”
“I can’t believe the girl never once lifted her veils. You could be marrying a horse,” the other man argued.
“I like horses,” Konstantin stated, sitting on the bed and making it creak ominously. He kicked off his shiny boots.
“If you say you like riding next, I will hit you. You should have never agreed to this farce,” the king’s friend argued.
“Nothing wrong with marrying for peace.”
“Do you really think that the grand vizier will let us live in peace? I’ll bet he’s the reason behind those patrols we’ve been catching on our side of the border.”
Ooh, this was interesting.
“The grand vizier is the one who wants this wedding. I’m curious enough to go through with it to find out why.”
Veryinteresting.
“What if it’s simply a ploy to get someone close enough to kill you?”
“Then we deal with it just like we have with every other attempt.”