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“Absolutely not,” Thane said.

Leif threw up his hands. “There’s no servants’ entrance and only one way up and that’s the stairs in the foyer. So unless you want us to start a battle…”

“Oh, I’m fine going on a killing spree rather than putting the girls at risk like that,” Thane said with a growl. “I recognize some of these guards and I remember what they did to me.”

“Then Brunard might sneak away,” Layala said and nibbled on her bottom lip. If Brunard heard them coming, they could lose their chance at the stone. She couldn’t believe she was going to say it but, “I’ll do it.”

Piper’s mouth dropped. “Layala.”

“No, you will not.” Thane’s jaw tensed and he shook his head. “For one, he might recognize you. I doubt he would forget the face of the elf who ripped apart his city with her magic.”

“Then I’ll go,” Piper said. “He won’t know me. I’ll get him to tell me where the stone is.”

“You going to screw him for that information?” Fennan asked, a slight edge to his tone. “You can’t just ask him.”

“You’re a real prick sometimes,” Piper snapped, with flushed cheeks. “There are other ways to persuade someone.”

“You’re not going by yourself,” Layala said, folding her arms. “Even if Brunard thinks my face is familiar he will never suspect Layala Lightbringer, Thane’s betrothed, to come into his room as a harem maiden. And if he does, well, then Piper and I will knock him unconscious.”

“I’ll go with them,” Leif said. “Snag me a guard’s uniform.”

“First of all, you have tattoos all over your forehead,’’ Thane said. “No one in Calladira does that. And—” Thane’s face was all shadows and fury. With a sharp huff, he said, “I’ll be the one escorting you dressed as a guard. All we need to do is get to his room.”

Some of the others grumbled. Fennan stepped forward. “If anyone will be recognized, it’s you.”

“Then I’ll wear a hood. Some of them do.”

With a grunt, Fennan waved a hand and turned away. “Do what you want. You always do.”

* * *

After one ofthe cooks gave up the location of a changing room where the maiden’s risqué outfits waited as well as spare male uniforms, Piper, Layala and Thane stood in front of a large floor-length mirror. Layala’s lingerie could hardly be described as anything more than scraps of fabric. A sheet of white hung over her buttocks and front barely reaching the tops of her thighs, held up by a thin piece of string around her hips. The top wasn’t more fabric than her bralette with floral lace, and for show, she tied a gold chain with moon and star symbols dangling around her waist. Piper’s bodice was a deep purple, high cut over her hip bones and a plunging neckline that reached her navel. The straps over her shoulders were thinner than a finger and the back was left completely open except for a narrow crop of fabric over her behind.

Thane’s eyes traveled greedily over Layala’s form. “This should be—interesting. I think you might take that with you when we leave.”

Piper folded her arms over her chest. “When the other guards mention something about our looks, and they no doubt will, keep your temper neutral. I know you won’t like others touching or even looking at Layala.”

Keeping his eyes trained carefully on Piper’s face, he said, “I will stay perfectly calm.”

“Uh huh,” Piper murmured. “Remember, us finding the stone and not starting a massive battle depends on you staying in character.”

Thane held up his palms in surrender. “I’ll be a good boy.”

“And you,” Piper said, shooting a finger at Layala, “No throwing a tantrum if someone grabs your ass.”

“We understand our roles.” Layala put a hand on her chest. “Submissive harlot and,” she gripped Thane’s forearm, “Brunard’s prick of a guard.”

With a satisfactory half smile, Piper tugged open the door. On the other side waited a grand foyer, with gold trim around the doorways and floors, and ornate fixtures. Gaudy framed paintings and chandeliers gave the place an air of royalty. The crimson carpet running down the center of the room led to a set of stairs at the end.

Piper stepped out first and a guard immediately moved into her path. His gaze stuck to her like honey and then a smirk pulled up. “Well, hello there beautiful.” With a sharp intake of breath and a dry throat, Layala glided up beside her. She didn’t want Piper to feel alone while she was ogled. He shifted his attention, mostly to Layala’s breasts which were quite a bit larger than Piper’s. “Maker above, you two are as sweet and sultry as pixieberry pie. Mm, mm, mmm.”

Thane brushed against the left side of Layala. “Lord Brunard wanted the new maidens to be brought up.”

With raised eyebrows, the dark-brown-eyed guard made a kissing noise with puckered lips at Layala. “I’m sure he did.”

She gave Piper an annoyed sideways glance. This was going to be harder than she thought. She might very well kick someone else in the balls for that. Keeping in character, Piper kept her eyes low.

Another guard, this one with eyes blue as the sky, left his post from across the hall and sauntered over. “New recruits?” Blue Eyes asked.