The Cursed Deal ✓

Chapter 55

Faine had never seen so many weapons laid out in one room. Anything from swords to daggers to crossbows and mace. Armories carried less, blacksmiths never received the privilege to live long enough and craft everything that Faine studied.

None of the weapons were there to draw attention or create unnecessary bulk. The most noticeable weapon, a battle axe, wasn't anything more than a sharp blade on the end of a wooden pole. Anyone unsuspecting would take that as a guard's weapon, exactly who that was assigned to.

Faine looked down at the piece of paper in her hands, listing who was going where and the names accompanying the positions. The gadigators and sinwolves were to dress as guards—pick from the selection of armor on the table in the kitchens, then choose which axe fancied their grip. It was all the same, the only one judging weight against size was Eliphas.

Before the entire process began, Faine had been the one to lead everyone in the right direction. Her first-held meeting as a member of Silver Willow and a sign that meant Celestia was trusting her to become a loyal and prized associate. No one balked when she announced their name and their positions to play at the high elf son's wedding, in fact, they were quick to grab what they needed and strap on their armor for testing.

Towards the middle of the list was her name, and farther down was Ilian and Ginevra. All three were assigned to the same job: crossbows in the rafters. Observe from a higher angle and shoot down anyone that attempted to step in the way of the celebration. But don't shoot if the guards on the ground floor can't handle it. Faine had been in the same position too many times to know exactly what needed to happen when she was lying on her stomach on a dusty shelf, hidden from everyone else in the room.

A sharp giggle disrupted the muttering voices in the kitchens, coming from Ginevra and Ilian in the corner. Her fladline lover accompanied them, though he resembled a tote standing next to her. Useless and undervalued, though he laughed out loud at Ilian's joke, nearly as noticeable as Ginevra's annoying hoot.

The only note Celestia gave Faine before waving her away to handle the positions was that everyone needed a partner. No groups of three and no single fighters. Someone needed to watch their backs at all times, and the same went for the other way around. Celestia would attend the celebration herself, disguised as an unnoticeable and undetectable guard or mortal servant, so she couldn't keep a sharp eye on everyone at all times.

She had her own duties to tend to.

As Faine watched Ilian pick up a crossbow from the table in front of him, she wondered who he'd choose. Her or Ginevra. First choices always landed on those a person knew longer, trusted more, and cared for the most. Faine was at a loss. No matter what she did or how close they came, she didn't have the potential to beat the way he cared for Ginevra. Not to say that was a bad thing, she was always Kaspar's first choice—Nalea's, too. It bugged her, though, that Ilian wouldn't pick her first.

"The longer you stare at that paper, the more confused you'll become."

Faine looked to an approaching Ametrine and forced a smile. "The trick is to memorize everyone's positions. I have to keep an eye on what everyone else is doing," she said, waving the paper in the air. "Celestia won't always have the advantage to stare down our backs."

"Of course, not." Ametrine took the paper and read it over. "Have you chosen a partner yet?"

Looking at Ilian one last time, Faine watched him aim the crossbow at the wall. At his side, Ginevra was aiming her own with a stellar hold. "Actually, I was about to ask you if you'd like to be my partner. I believe everyone else is already paired away."

"Celestia wanted two of the same class to pair up. Since I'm a scout, you must find someone else." As someone was calling her name, Ametrine handed the paper over to Faine and backed away. "Try Ilian. You two are always together as it is."