My grandfather had as much of a hand in raising me as my father did.
His death hurt more than I thought it would.
I would get revenge, and that started now.
“We don’t have much time to plan,” Lennox continued as she filled in the rest of our group on her plan. “Thefuneral is in two days, I think we should leave tomorrow and stay somewhere outside of Cel Nox.”
“I think we should avoid staying in the palace at all costs. We don’t know how deep Adreona’s grasp goes. We can’t put ourselves at risk.” Declan added.
“I agree,” I added. “We camp, go to the service, and leave as soon as possible.”
“Lennox, Luka, and I will attend the service.” Declan’s deep voice rang out across the room. “I think we should travel in two groups as well, we don’t want them knowing we’ve got friends sneaking around.”
“I think that’s best,” Zienna said from where she leaned against the wall. “During the service, I can go off by myself, no one knows I’m associated with you all, at least they shouldn’t.”
“I can come with you,” Nol stated.
“Nol—” Lennox started.
“No, I’m not staying sequestered here for the rest of my life. Put me in a disguise, I’ll be fine.”
“Me too,” Kara added. “That way Zienna can go off on her own if needed and Nol isn’t left alone.”
“I’m not a child!” Nol protested.
“I know you’re not, but I just got you back, I’m not letting you out of my sight,” Lennox argued.
Nol scoffed, glaring at Lennox as he crossed his arms over his chest.
“The big brother getting bossed around by his little sisters once again.” Luce chuckled.
Nol cut her a steely glare.
“That leaves Lucy and I on our own team.” Nico slung an arm around Luce. “The dynamic duo back again.”
“Don’t you ever call us a dynamic duo ever again or I’ll use a spell to shrink your cock.”
“If that’s how you like ‘em Lucy—OW!” Nico doubled over, clutching his stomach as Luce drew her arm back to her side.
“Anyways,” Luce drawled. “What time are we leaving again?”
27
LUCIANA
The temple where King Arlo’s ceremony was being held was filled to the brim. People filled the rows of seats and lined the walls, the crowd flowed all the way to the back of the temple and out the double doors.
Normally, I hated crowds, but it worked to our advantage today. Nico and I blended into the masses at the back of the temple, dressed to blend in with the Blood Court citizens here to mourn their king.
I wore a black gown in the fashion of the Blood court, it was fitted closely on my body, pushing up my breasts so they practically fell out of the bust. I had wound my braids into a large bun at the base of my neck and wore a black hat with a wide rim I pulled over my eyes.
No one in the Blood Court should recognize me dressed like this.
Nico had glamoured himself, his unique look too recognizable here. His hair was a deep onyx, the same color as his glamoured eyes. It was jarring to look at him, finding him without those icy eyes.
It was easier to ignore him.
Our intention was to see whatwe could gather before the ceremony started, before taking off into the city. We had filtered through the people gathered outside first, chatting with mourners, most of who were genuinely shocked and grieving over their late king’s sudden death.
