Nyte reluctantly agreed.
“We need suitable attire,” he said, scanning the shops for any that might offer what we need.
“We don’t have any coin.”
“I don’t need coin.”
I cut him with a look, not enjoying the idea of thievery, but we didn’t really have a choice.
Thinking of Nyte wearing anything but black or dark colors made me grin. He rolled his eyes like he knew what I was thinking.
“How are we going to get inside Vermont’s palace?” I asked.
Even from here we could glimpse the expansive, prominent gold building that sat above the rest of the island.
“Balthezar said there’s a traveling circus due to arrive by the end of the day for Vermont’s son’s twenty-fifth birthday. They’re performing at a banquet tonight.”
“And what? We join the circus?” I asked sarcastically.
His pause of silence twitched a smile on his face.
“You’ll be a natural with how you can bend,” he said.
I blanched at the thought. “I’m not a performer,” I hissed.
“Sure you are; I’ve seen it. And I’m very much looking forward to seeing you dance again.”
Nerves bubbled in my stomach. “That’s an outlandish plan! They’ll have a set, choreography, routines! I’ll look like a clueless fool.”
“Not when I make the ringleader believe you’re his prized performer, who will have her own solo.”
I scowled at him. “And what might you be doing?”
“Looking for the trident, of course.”
“It could be anywhere.”
“I’m hoping a little rifling through a few minds will reveal it.”
I had to admit his ability was highly convenient.
“I don’t like this plan,” I grumbled.
Nyte smiled again, clearly enjoying himself. “I think you will.”
We spent the hours waiting for the circus observing the streets and keeping hidden. By the time the circus arrived in town I was giddy over our brash plan of infiltration.
When they stopped their wagons filled with flame throwers, dancers, magicians, and many more obscure and wonderful talents, Nyte easily lured a pair of dancers our way with the intention ofborrowingtheir attire. We had to take them into an inn, and as I couldn’t stand to trade away the magnificent custom leathers Nadir had gifted me, we had no choice but to leave them sleeping in a room in their undergarments. They’d likely wake and think they’d indulged in too much wine they didn’t remember drinking and ended up in bed together.
I harbored a twinge of guilt about it, but I figured it was a small price for them to pay toward the greater cause Nyte and I were trying to stop.
I was dressed in clothing that reminded me of those I wore at the manor. The fuchsia pink top was cropped below the breasts but had long, sheer sleeves.The skirt was sheer too but with a lining like underwear. The attire was elegant and lightweight. Slipping my feet into the thin sandals, I turned to Nyte. My hand immediately shot over my mouth to smother my laugh but it didn’t stop the air escaping my nose.
“Don’t ever mention it beyond this night,” he said flatly, fitting on a small hat with a pheasant feather sticking out of the side.
His pants fitted at the waist and ankles with loose material between that matched the color of my top. His vest was black, at least, but he was shirtless underneath. Aside from the ridiculous color of pink on him and the unique style of pants that would take getting used to, he was quite a pleasant sight to behold.
“Let’s get this over with,” he said.
