Rise (The Order of the Krigers #1)(68)

We rejoined everyone, and Vidar took control of the meeting as if he’d done this a hundred times before. One man laid designs for the interior of the castle on the floor. Everyone gathered around the papers and started brainstorming ideas on how to sneak in and free the Krigers. Sitting on the outskirts, I watched as the men spoke passionately with one another.

Anders sat on the ground next to me, handing me a loaf of bread. “Sorry it’s a little hard. It’s all I have.”

“Thank you.” Leaning against the wall watching everyone, I yawned, trying to stay awake.

Anders’s leg nudged mine. “How are you holding up?”

“I’m fine.”

He studied me a moment before scooting closer and speaking in my ear. “Each of these men is in charge of a different section of the capital. Those two over there,” he pointed to two guys who had beards and were warmly dressed, “are from nearby cities. They snuck in for this. When we’re done, they’ll send runners back to their hometowns to report and gather forces if necessary.”

“You communicate with other cities in Nelebek?”

He nodded. “It’s one of the main reasons Vidar and I live where we do. We are only a few days’ journey to all the major cities in the kingdom.”

“Are the two of you the leaders?”

Anders grinned. “Vidar is. Like I’ve said before, I’m bound to him.”

“What does that mean?”

“That is a conversation for another time.” He reached out and squeezed my hand, sending a smidgeon of warmth through me. I turned my head toward him, and my breath caught—our faces were mere inches apart. I’d never wished to kiss a man before. However, sitting here next to Anders, I wanted to kiss him. My face warmed, and I leaned forward. One little kiss wouldn’t hurt … just the feel of his skin, his lips.

“What do you think, Kaia?” Vidar asked, making me jump. Several men turned and looked at me.

I hadn’t heard a word that had been spoken in the past five minutes. “I don’t know. Please explain it one more time.”

Vidar’s eyes narrowed. I gave him my full attention, ignoring Anders and the expression of shock written across his face.

Vidar said, “We’ll send in men here, here, and here.” He pointed to the map. “Then you and Anders will enter through here.” He pointed to another spot on the map. “The two of you will make your way to the dungeon while everyone else keeps the soldats distracted. Once the guards are neutralized, you’ll use your power to break the magical ward keeping the Krigers there.”

“What if Kaia is captured?” Anders asked, his voice low.

“Aren’t you the one who’s always telling me how strong and capable she is?”

“The plan sounds simple enough,” I said, interrupting them. “Let’s do it.”

Anders stiffened beside me. “Are you certain?”

“You’ll be there with me. What could possibly go wrong?”

***

“Kaia,” Vidar said, gently shaking me awake.

“Where’d everyone go?” I sat up and looked around the empty room. My back was stiff from having slept on the hard floor.

“After finalizing plans, everyone left. It’s just you and me.” He pulled me to my feet.

“What about Anders?” I’d fallen asleep with my head on his shoulder and his arm wrapped around my lower back, holding me tightly against him.

“He has a few things to take care of before tonight.”

“Is there time to practice?” I stretched my arms above my head. My bo staff rested against the wall, calling me.

Vidar smiled, and his eyes sparkled with mischief.

“What is it?” I asked.

“Your father wants to see you before tonight.”

I ran for the door. The thought of seeing Papa during this trip hadn’t occurred to me.

“Wait,” Vidar said, laughing. “You can’t walk on the streets carrying a bo staff.”

“I’m not leaving it here.”

“Fine,” he mumbled, taking it from me. “I’ll put it under my shirt and pants like before.” He slid it under his clothing.

“Thank you.”

His finger tilted my chin up so I was forced to look into his eyes. “Do you not want to marry me because you have feelings for another man?”

My breath caught—he couldn’t possibly think I was in love with someone else because that was preposterous.

“Kaia?”

“I’m only sixteen and not ready to marry.”

“Are you refusing me?” he asked in disbelief. “Knowing that Grei Heks said all will be lost if our bloodlines aren’t mixed to produce a child before Morlet is killed?”

“We need to focus on the Krigers right now.”

His hand dropped from my face. When I was around Vidar and he pressured me about getting married, it felt wrong. It couldn’t possibly be because I was developing feelings for another man, could it? Because if Grei Heks said Vidar and I were supposed to be together, then surely it would feel right—like using my bo staff did.

“Let’s go,” he muttered.

We left the apartment building, neither one of us speaking. I kept my head down as we traveled from the south end of the capital to the western sector. Vidar led me to a gray four-story building. We entered and climbed two flights of stairs, went down a hall and into a small, musty room. Several beds were shoved haphazardly against the walls, a table stood in the middle of the room, and shelves filled with food and books took up the remaining wall space.