Royals often have consorts, Zaya replied.
Yes. I agree. But they’re discreet about it. Napia hasn’t been discreet at all. She swept in with her giant entourage and took over my palace, flaunting all her Neptune ways in front of my people. I stupidly allowed it because I didn’t want any part in the planning, but she’s been introducing my kingdom to her culture… and forcing it down their throats.
I felt the truth of it in my gut.
Neptune was planning an invasion.
I just needed to prove it.
Come on, I said, pulling her toward the palace. I want to take a look around, see if my instincts are right.
And what are you expecting to find?
Battle plans, I replied. Anything tangible I can take back to my mother.
You don’t think news of an army will be enough?
I shook my head. No. My mother will want hard evidence, and frankly, so do I. Reacting on impulse has never been the Noxia way. We require solid proof before we act.
Okay, she replied. So we need to get into the palace.
Yep.
And where do you suggest we start? she asked.
I studied the walls, the amassing army, and the general exterior layout. An abundance of guards seemed to be protecting a certain gated entrance that led to a lone tower, more so than stood at the front of the palace. There.
Why there?
Because the guard ratio is disproportionate, I replied. The only reason for that would be if they’re securing something invaluable.
And how do you plan to get around all those guards? she asked me, incredulity coloring her tone.
I smiled down at her. I’m the future King of Noxia for a reason, baby. Watch and learn.
Now it was time to have some real fun.
And play with a few minds along the way.
Show-off, I thought at Grigory as he marched a series of guards away from the entrance with a simple mind trick.
He smirked but didn’t reply, his focus on the army moving beneath his mental compulsion. It really drove home how powerful he truly was and just how easy he’d gone on me.
There were so many times he could have taken advantage of my mind, yet he never did. The only exception was the night I attacked Yakariah, and even then, he hadn’t forced me to do anything extraordinary. He’d merely taken my knife, led me to his room, and then released me.
How long can you hold the guards? I asked him, curious.
I’ve merely sent them on a lap around the perimeter. They’ll be back in thirty minutes or so and assume it was their commanding officer who sent them on the errand.
They won’t suspect the manipulation? I wondered.
Not with the way I wove the compulsion, he replied. But it’s strange how easy it was to corrupt their minds. Almost as though they were sitting here waiting to be commanded.
I frowned. That’s not normal, is it?
He shook his head. No. There’s something very strange going on here. Let’s get inside and see if we can’t figure out what it is, hmm?
Lead the way, King Grigory.