The Catalyst

Chapter 67

Tessa's chambers had been converted into mission headquarters. Midday sunlight spilled in through large windows as the women tried on gowns of silk, satin or velvet under Kitera's supervision.

Earlier, Jaden and Alexa had visited Kitera's chambers, apologizing for interrupting her rest. After showing her Tessa's message, and explaining that Alexa indeed had a plan, Kitera had insisted to lead the mission. Of course, Jaden had argued, saying how she was injured and recovering.

"What? No," Kitera protested. "It's only a scratch."

"We only came to you for advice on which castle guards to recruit for this," Jaden replied.

"You, more than anyone should know that I need to keep busy right now. Every time I close my eyes, I see my mother's face. Why do you think I can't sleep?"

In the end, Jaden had yielded. So Kitera sat now in a burgundy corseted dress, black ankle boots and matching velvet gloves. Golden earrings dangled from her earlobes and thick kohl lined her eyes. One of Alexa's girls was styling her dark brown hair, so that half was pinned up and the rest fell in waves and curls over one shoulder.

"There, all done!" She beamed at Kitera. "You look so pretty now!"

"Great." As she rose, she dutifully ignored the pain lancing her stomach and cast her gaze around the sunlit room. It looked like Ivy was almost done getting ready too. Her auburn hair cascaded down her back over a dark grey dress with black lace sleeves, as she stood in front of a glass applying makeup on her lids and lashes.

Similar scenes played out all around. Fifteen people would partake in the mission – four female soldiers selected by Bastian, two from the King's Arrows, five castle guards including Ivy and Liandris, Zemisha and Kili, as well as of course Alexa and Kitera.

Noah chose this moment to emerge from the adjoining room, walking in with widening eyes. "Whoa, am I still dreaming?" he muttered to himself as he came to stand next to Kitera. He ran a hand through his sleep-tousled raven hair. "What the hell are you wearing?"

"I borrowed it from your mother, actually," said Kitera.

He looked at Alexa, who stood tall and elegant in a violet dress and shimmering makeup, her long black hair done up in twists and rolls. One would think she was Noah's older sister. Right now Alexa was lacing Kili's corset. Picked out from Tessa's collection, the delicate pale blue dress fit Kili perfectly. Her green-black waves tumbled to the small of her back, and the glittery powders around her eyes made them seem even darker and bigger. Kitera couldn't blame Noah for staring.

Only Zemisha came close to rivaling Kili's beauty. The Azurian girl was seated on a windowsill with Jaden, and they spoke in hushed tones. The cold silver of Zemisha's sleeveless dress offset her warm, golden brown hair and skin, especially as she sat bathed in the sun. Jaden's skin looked eerily pale in contrast as they held hands. Kitera's chest tightened. When all this was over, she needed to have a serious conversation with Jaden. Anyone who dared toy with her little brother's heart would first have to go through her.

Her attention darted back to Noah as she sensed his growing confusion. She'd better start explaining, otherwise he'd burst out and say something really stupid.

"Jaden showed you Tessa's message?" she asked, and Noah nodded faintly. "Well, Alexa says that in times of war, it's common for a Madam and her working girls to . . . make the most of the situation." She nearly laughed as his frowning green eyes filled with dawning realization then horrified disbelief.

"We're not going to whore ourselves, you moron. We're trained soldiers in disguise, and" – her gaze brushed over Kili and Zemisha – "and volunteers. We'll go to the Princess of the Millennia, and once we get close enough . . ." Her gloved fingers reached inside her corset and drew out a tiny knife.