Page 36 of A Taste For Lies (The Apex Kingdom #1)

Chapter 36

ALORA

T he key master meets us at the door of The Painted Mask, similarly ensconced in a dark hood. “Not here,” he mutters, pushing past us into the street.

Mei and I exchange a confused look. It’s not as if we’re conspicuous. We left the carriage back in the tony shopping district and made our way here on foot. I glance back at the Veridian Guild headquarters, pained to miss seeing Eleni.

But Harlan is already striding away without bothering to check if we’re following. With a growl, I chase after the key master, Mei fast on my heels. We wind our way through the cobblestone streets, passing stucco buildings painted various shades of blues, pale greens, and peach. Even with the chill in the air, greenery spills over the flat-topped roofs and from planter boxes. The palace is its own kind of mastery, but I prefer being here, exploring the city. I hope Eleni has had the opportunity to venture out more than I have, especially as we’ll likely need to flee in haste once this job is over.

As the crash of waves against the docks increases in volume, I realize we’re heading towards the marina. I pick up my pace and match strides with the aggravating key master. “Is this really necessary? ”

“Yes,” he replies shortly. We pass through an enormous gate, open wide, and under the high stone walls. The guards in city livery barely give us a passing glance, such is the volume of traffic heading in and out. To my surprise, Harlan makes a sharp right instead of continuing to the marina, making for the deserted shore where the aqueducts let out. The place where Taran and I first entered the palace under cover of night.

“Here we are.” The key master flings back his hood, settling onto a stone, his face tilted to the warm sun glinting off the water.

I follow suit, removing my hood and glancing around at the deserted cove. “You’re that concerned about being overheard?”

His strange eyes narrow. “You would be too if you had any sense.”

“In the palace, of course. But among your own guild members?”

Rule Number One: Trust in the Guild. And no one else.

He shrugs but doesn’t respond.

If this male really is an Apex, he’s perhaps the sole person who understands my predicament—the only other one who’s managed to maintain his anonymity and escape from servitude to the Elite. I still can’t be sure whether he’s Apex or even whether I am, but if it’s true, we share something few, if any, do.

He stares back, content to remain silent, as any well-trained guild member would. I’m the one who asked for this meeting—it is on me to make the first play.

“At the palace…you offered your services, should I require them.”

“I remember,” he replies. “In exchange for you wrapping up this job with haste and leaving this country.”

I start. “You said I needed to leave Ravenscrest.”

“I’ve since decided that’s not far enough.” The sun reflects off his yellow-brown eyes, making them shine. “Also, I require your silence and the continued silence of your…colleagues.”

“Lady Ashbourne, you mean.” I decide to just say her name outright, in hopes of determining whether he suspects I’m working with anyone else .

“ Anyone privy to your plans,” he replies evenly, spearing a pointed glance at Mei.

“I won’t say a word,” she whispers, barely loud enough to be heard above the nearby surf.

“No, you won’t. You’ll be silent as the grave,” he agrees, the threat clear.

“You promised to return Mei back to her family in Shanterra,” I cut in. “Or don’t you keep your bargains in the Veridian Guild?”

He scowls. “My word is good. As long as she holds her tongue, she’ll be returned to her family upon your departure from this country.”

That same ache throbs at the thought of leaving. The answers I longed for have brought me only more questions. How can I leave what might be my homeland without finding out more? The briny scent of the ocean, so different from the crisp mountain air, taunts me. How can I return to my life in Shanterra as a human thief when I might be a Veridian Apex? How can I stay, knowing discovering my creature means lifelong servitude to the Elite?

“What about Maeve?” I demand.

His eyes turn calculating. “How exactly did you wind up with the king’s niece as an asset?”

“That’s my business,” I reply coolly.

“Unless she’s your client,” he counters. “In which case, the Viper will be very interested to learn that you are indeed operating a job within her territory.”

“She’s not.” Rule Number Three: The best lies are mostly true. “As you said, she is an asset. Our interests…align. But you need not fear her speaking out of turn. And any deal we make would need to include her safety.”

He studies me for a long moment. “Very well. But I will be watching. If I even suspect she has shared secrets with—”

I keep my expression purposefully neutral. “She won’t.”

“Then I suppose the only point left to discuss is my payment.”

My eyes narrow. “I’ve already paid your Viper twice what her silence is worth. ”

“Ah, but can you truly put a price on silence?” A sly smile curves his mouth. “In any case, that coin went to the guild coffers. This deal would be directly with me. For my services.”

My brow furrows. What kind of guild is this? I would never consider taking a job without Xinlei’s knowledge or approval. Guild membership is its own form of protection and level of professionalism. For the first time, I consider that Harlan may have set those wards without the Viper’s permission. That he may be the only one with the knowledge of the amulet.

“Fine,” I snap. “But this is the last time.”

“I expect the same amount you gave the Viper. Both payments.”

I scoff. “Certainly not.”

He spreads his hands, his confidence irritatingly smug. “What are your other options, Lynx? You said it yourself—no one else can give you the access I can.”

I pretend to fume. I don’t care about the gold—no doubt Taran’s coffers are plenty deep. But if I were funding this venture myself, I’d at least attempt to negotiate. Appearances matter.

“I’ll let you take the tailor with you when you leave,” he offers, as if he hasn’t just thrown around the safety and personhood of my best friend as a deal sweetener.

And now my outrage is real. “Why, you little—”

“You must know she adores Veridia,” he cuts in. “Ravenscrest is just the kind of cosmopolitan city where a talented woman like her can thrive. The Viper is more than pleased with her services and would happily make her an offer to stay—if I proposed it.” His lips kick up into a sneaky smile. “I’d be willing not to, of course. Provided we can come to an arrangement today.”

His manipulation is no less effective for being obvious. Can I really take this opportunity from Eleni? The chance to stay somewhere her skills are valued, where her foreign heritage doesn’t hold her back?

“It’s her choice,” I grit out. “You’ll get your godsdamn gold, but it’s her choice whether to stay in Ravenscrest.” A plan begins to form. If Taran and Maeve can help secure passage on a boat to Thalassar, I’ll have something else to offer her when this job is done. Something beyond returning to our ill-fitting lives in Shanterra. An adventure.

“As you wish.”

I raise my hand. “Then we have a deal?”

He holds up one finger. “Not so fast. You haven’t yet told me what you’re attempting to access. I know it’s not the palace—clearly, you have no problems getting in or out of there.” He gestures to the aqueducts behind us, and I pretend to be confused.

“Is there a secret entrance to the palace? That might come in handy for my exit.” Especially as the passageways empty out nearby the marina and beyond the city walls. There’s no telling if Taran will be on hand to assist with extraction.

The key master’s mouth tightens. “We’ll discuss that possibility after you share the location you need access to.”

I turn to Mei, guilt tightening my chest. “Mei…”

She ducks her head. “Of course, My Lady. I’ll wait for you by the city gate.”

She scrambles out of sight, Harlan monitoring her. “Still don’t trust her, I see. Is that because she’s an Apex?”

Little does he know. “It’s because she’s your spy.”

“You’re about to reveal the location to me,” he points out.

I level him a direct look. “This is the location of my prize. The fewer people who know about it, the better. I expect you to keep this to yourself.”

He nods, a measure of respect flickering in his eyes. “Very well. And the location?”

I extend my hand again. “First, promise to keep the location a secret from anyone . Including Mei and the Viper.” And the king and the lord you set the ward for, I mentally add.

He rolls his eyes. “Fine.” He clasps my hand, shaking it once firmly. “It’s a bargain.”

Without letting go, I murmur, “The old throne room.”

That fast, the cool blade of his dagger kisses my throat. “Ah, ah, ah,” he tuts. “Don’t even think about it. ”

I hesitate, my free hand already on the hilt of my own weapon, tucked into my thigh sheath. Harlan presses the dagger harder into my flesh until blood trickles down my throat. With a huff, I release my dagger, raising both hands in the air. “You’re making a mistake.”

“Am I? Is your prize the amulet or is it not?”

My lips press into a thin line.

“Tell me what you know,” he demands. “Why do you want the amulet?” His eyes narrow. “Who are you trying to steal it for?”

“I told you, this is personal—”

“Personal?” His laugh is a sharp, mocking bark. “Yes, yes, personal business. I’ve heard that song and dance before, but I’m afraid it’s not going to work this time.”

“It’s the truth,” I hiss. “Now will you help me get into the throne room or not?”

We hold each other’s gaze. For a heartbeat, I think I see his piercing yellow-brown eyes glow with Apex luminescence, but it’s gone before I can be sure it’s not just a trick of the light reflecting off the water.

He finally lowers the knife. “Not. You’re on your own, Lynx.”

My heart skips, then speeds up doubletime. “But—”

“But nothing.” A door slamming shut. “And not that you deserve my advice, but I’ll give it to you anyway. For free. Forget all about the amulet.” His eyes turn haunted. “Nothing good will ever come from that cursed thing.”

“Your silence—”

He pulls up his hood. “We made a bargain. The location of your prize won’t cross my lips. But heed my warning, Lynx. Go back to the Shanterran Guild and your life as an infamous thief stealing pretty baubles from unsuspecting Elite. Pretend you never heard of that gods-cursed amulet.” He pauses, his figure silhouetted against the crashing waves. “Your life may well depend on it.”