The Tiger at Midnight (The Tiger at Midnight Trilogy #1)(92)

He weaved his way through the other rebels, who ignored him in turn. It was a mark of dedication, or solid training, that no one even batted an eyelash at his intrusion. Though he had been invited, he felt as if he had sneaked in—privy to the workings of the rebels’ inner circle.

It was both terrifying and exciting because he knew the deeper he got, the harder it would be to leave, or escape. He tried not to take note of the number of recruits, or the strength of their fighters—things he would’ve tucked away to report back to the Fort.

As he drew closer, he caught sight of Esha, who was adjusting the foot positioning of one of the twins from the jungle who had long hair that brushed his collarbone. His twin was to the left of him, imitating the change in footwork.

They both regarded Esha with a curious intensity, hanging on to her every word despite looking to be about her age.

Esha was dressed for training, in a cotton blouse, loose cotton dhoti, and thick-soled leather sandals. Leather forearm guards were laced up both arms and her hands were wrapped in linen. She hadn’t caught sight of him yet and he took the moment to observe the group.

A tall girl was on the other side of Esha, with dark brown skin and short hair. She was going through the motions of a block and jab combo with Bhandu. Kunal admired the move for its simplicity and brutality.

Bhandu blew out a breath with the ferocity of a boar, his eyes suddenly on Kunal.

“Oi, cat eyes. Come over here,” Bhandu said, calling loudly for him over the sounds of clashing swords, swinging maces, and grunts of pain.

Kunal sighed, shaking his head as he walked over.

“My name is Kunal, not cat eyes,” he said in response, taking up the spot next to Bhandu.

The girl’s eyes snapped to him, pausing her demonstration to give him a once-over. He felt himself flush as her gaze raked up and down his body. She seemed to approve, giving him a small nod.

Bhandu laughed, a sound like a roar. “Kunal, then. Despite being a ‘former’ soldier, you’ve got the makings of a person I might like. Let’s see if you pass the test. Arpiya, toss me your sword.”

The girl—Arpiya—shook her head. “No, challenge him and measure the length of your swords later, on your own time.” She smirked. “I have to go back to the new recruits anyway, so this is the only time I can show you this move, and if you’re not somewhat decent at it by the end of training, Esha will give us that look.”

Bhandu grimaced. “I hate that look.”

“It makes my insides churn and feel like jam,” Arpiya said, her hair bouncing as she shivered visibly.

Kunal looked between the both of them. “Esha’s on your team? I thought she worked alone,” he said carefully, thinking back to his earliest assessment of the Viper.

Bhandu looked at him sidelong. “You shouldn’t even know that, cat—Kunal. She’s not on our team.”

“She leads our team,” Arpiya cut in. Bhandu frowned at her interruption.

Kunal looked over at Esha, watching her line up her toes to the chalked line on the ground, notch her arrows, adjust her fingers, and let the arrow fly. It landed just outside the center of the target. An impressive shot from where she stood, and with a bow that looked to be too big for her.

When he had known her, she had spent more time in the libraries and with the visiting performing troupe than at the sparring courts. But she looked like a natural. Once again, it hit him how much ten years had changed the two of them.

“She never mentioned that,” Kunal said, his voice quiet.

Bhandu rolled his eyes. “And why would she? Give away her secrets to a soldier? Even if you are on our side now.”

Bhandu didn’t notice his hesitation, having already turned his attention toward the twins. He was shouting some obscenity at them.

Arpiya gave him a sly look, having caught him looking at Esha again. He kept his chin high, trying not to let on how his thoughts had begun to turn in another direction entirely. He had noticed the way Esha’s clothes contoured to her body, her hair blowing softly around her face as her brow creased in concentration.

It was an arresting image, and havoc on his mind and body after their kiss.

She wore her conviction like armor. Right now, Kunal wished he had his own set of armor. At that moment, Esha looked over and a smile lit her face as their eyes met. It disappeared just as quickly but Kunal took note of it, tucking it away in his mind.

Arpiya poked him, pointing toward where Esha, the twins, and now Bhandu stood. They walked over.

“Glad to see you up and doing well,” Esha said, her voice light.

Kunal cleared his throat. “Yes, I’m feeling much better.” He couldn’t help his voice softening. “I was told that was thanks to you.”

“And me,” Bhandu interjected. Esha rolled her eyes but laughed, a low chortle.

“We helped too,” one of the twins chimed in. He reached out a hand to Kunal. “Aahal. And this is Farhan.” He pointed to his twin brother. “Don’t worry if you get us mixed up, it’ll only devastate us slightly.”

Already, Kunal could see a difference. Aahal had a twinkle in his eye while Farhan looked more serious, considering Kunal with all the friendliness of a prowling panther.

Kunal bent his head toward them both, repeating their names. “I’ll try my best,” Kunal said.

“I certainly hope so,” Farhan replied, his voice no friendlier than his demeanor.