Assassin Queen by Chandra Ryan Page B

way to the servants’ quarters to steal a uniform. There might not be many guards, but there were enough for him to be concerned. Once he had the uniform on, however, he was virtually invisible. It was comforting for his purposes, but he made a mental note to tighten security once Lilly took over. He couldn’t believe the king had allowed his men to become so lax.
    He made his way to the prince’s quarters but found them empty. Disheartened, he went out to the practice yard. But he didn’t see the prince sparring with the handful of knights who were fighting. As much as he hated to risk detection, he was going to have to ask someone.
    An elderly man who was busy checking the horses’ saddles for the knights seemed like the best option under the circumstances.
    “Excuse me, good sir.” The man looked up at the sound of Kirin’s voice.
    “I’m supposed to give Prince Malak his lessons in five minutes’ time, but he doesn’t seem to be in his apartments. Have you seen the lad loitering about today?”
    Every boy he’d ever met seemed to poke and dawdle. He hoped the prince would be the same.
    “Don’t think I have.” He looked at the keep proper and scratched his chin. “But the Mistress Silverwood usually keeps him busy with his letters until after lunch.”
    He smiled, even as he wanted desperately to curse. Of course he was with the mage. Nothing ever came easily to him.
    “Many thanks.”
    “I can guide you to her quarters.”
    “Thank you, but I believe I can find them on my own. I’d hate to tear you away from your duties.”
    “Of course.” He looked down at the saddle and then back up at Kirin. “And what did you say you were teaching the prince? I don’t believe I’ve seen you around before.”
    He kept his smile warm. “Hand-to-hand combat.” It was one art form Kirin would have no problem demonstrating to the old man if pressed.
    “Thanks be to the gods.” The man threw his hands up in praise. “It’s about time she allowed that boy to learn some fighting skills.”
    “Aye.” Kirin breathed a sigh of relief at the man’s happiness. “And hopefully she’ll allow me to teach him war strategies after I prove my skills to her.”
    “Not a moment too soon, if you ask me. Our neighbors are watching us like vultures since the king has started keeping to his quarters.”
    Since his family was one of those neighbors, he had little doubt in the truth of the words. Still, that was a problem better addressed after Lilly retook the throne.
    “Then I best not be dawdling.”
    “Godspeed and best of luck to you.” The man smiled and waved at him.
    “Thank you. I have a feeling I’m going to need all the luck I can muster.”
    By the time he found Silverwood’s quarters, a small ball of unease had formed in the pit of his stomach. The nervous ball shifted to dread, however, when he saw the small brass token cast casually to the side of the door. It was such a small innocuous coin to bear such a momentous message. But, regardless of size or shape, it told him what he hoped and feared at the same time. Lilly had been granted access to the mage’s chambers.
    He took a deep breath and tried to dismiss the jumble of nerves. They had successfully completed hundreds of assignments together. He had no doubt Lilly would do her bit brilliantly. She always did. The ball of unease didn’t seem as convinced, however. It continued to grow until his stomach felt heavy with it.
    He tried his best to ignore the sensation. The last thing he needed was for the worry to poison his thoughts until he was overcome with panic. But, when he reached out for the handle of the door, the heavy ball of nervous energy exploded into a full plume of fear. The door had been shielded with magic. There was only one reason he could think of for Silverwood to take the time and energy to shield it. She knew they were coming. They’d somehow lost the advantage of surprise. If that were the case, Lilly would need more than just