Back in town we were gathered around a table in a bar. Kaz had spread out the blueprints to the Little Palace. Inej and Jesper were talking back and forth, trying to make the best route. I kept the secret tunnels to myself. That was my way in, and I didn't trust Arken.
Inej finally looked up. 'There's no way in.'
Kaz nodded. 'And no way out.'
Arken smiled to himself, standing up straight. 'Well, I thought this plan might not work...'
Suddenly, in the back of the club, the acrobat fell from the top of the silks she was spinning on, slamming onto the floor, the crowd around the stage gasping. We all turned to look, trying to figure out what happened. Arken scampered off somewhere.
Inej sighed, turning to Kaz, who looked as annoyed as ever. 'Got any plans up your sleeve?'
He barely even looked in her direction, still staring off.
Jesper pivoted towards us, knocking me away from him for a second, before adjusting and laying his arm around my shoulders. 'I mean, Kribirsk isn't the worst. We can open up a bar. Brew East Ravkan beer for the Westerners?'
We all collectively groaned, 'Shut up, Jesper.'
Jesper sighed against me, removing his arm, and turning away from all of us. 'I miss Milo.'
Arken came bustling up to them. 'Friends. This is Marko. Marko is the leader of the traveling troupe known as the Pomdrakon Players. They have been invited to perform in this year's winter fete.'
Marko stood next to him, tears streaming down his face. 'A lifelong dream.'
Arken nodded, patting his shoulder. 'Yes, yes. A chance to get us inside the Little Palace. But they lost their star performer due to an unfortunate freak accident. They are in desperate need of someone with the skills to replace their star performer, and as Ketterdam's premier talent manager, I had an idea.'
I smirked, turning to Inej. 'You're up, love.'
She sighed, turning to Kaz, unstrapping all of her knives from her body, placing them in Kaz's gloved hand, and following Marko to the silks.
---
We watched Inej at the top of the silks, twirling and spinning. I was grinning, watching her graceful movements as she tumbled up and down, flipping around. She slid down, before stepping to the side, raising an arm and taking a bow.
I cheered next to Jesper, who was clapping and laughing.
Marko approached Inej. 'The Saints must have sent you. Yes, the show will go on. Now, can you fit into this?'
He held up a colorful leotard. She hesitated, but Jesper stepped up, clapping her shoulder. 'Of course, she can! Those are her colors. But the thing is, Inej comes as part of a package deal.'
'No free rides. What are your talents?'
---
Jesper showed off with his rifles but when Marko turned to me and Kaz we both said we'd find our own way in. Kaz stopped me before we began the trek to the Little Palace.
'How are you getting in?' he asked.
I smile at him. 'I don't share all my secrets, Dirtyhands. Just know I'll be there, alright?'
He looks unconvinced but nods anyway. I didn't stay with the group on the way to the little palace. I went back for that unfortunate dress that would blend right in with the crowd and race towards the edge of town. My legs were aching, chest burning, by the time I landed upon the path I was looking for. The last time I was here was when Nikolai was helping me sneak out of the castle. Unfortunately, this will lead directly towards Baghra's hut.
