Three days before the trial.
That was how much time Akshay had left.
Three days before the city decided whether its king was a criminal.
Three days before the conspiracy won.
Kai had no intention of waiting.
Neither did Andre.
Neither, surprisingly, did Zindine.
"Breaking into a prison is a terrible idea."
The hooded merchant adjusted his robe.
"Just making sure we're all aware."
Andre cracked his knuckles.
"Good thing we're doing it anyway."
Zindine sighed.
"I hate both of you."
By midnight, the three had reached the military prison.
Unlike the palace dungeon, this one sat deep within the mountain.
Built directly into the stone.
Guarded heavily.
Far too heavily for a political prisoner.
Kai immediately noticed it.
"So they're afraid he'll escape."
"No," Zindine replied.
"They're afraid someone will free him."
Andre grinned.
"Good call."
The plan was simple.
Which meant it was probably terrible.
Andre created a distraction.
Kai snuck inside.
Zindine handled everything involving locks.
And somehow it worked.
Mostly.
After several unconscious guards and one extremely angry prison warden, they reached Akshay's cell.
The king stared at them.
Then blinked.
Then blinked again.
"You actually came."
Andre punched the bars.
"Of course we did."
The cell door opened.
Akshay stepped out.
For a moment nobody spoke.
Then the king sighed.
"This is definitely treason."
"You're welcome."
Before anyone could continue, an explosion shook the prison.
The mountain trembled.
Dust rained from the ceiling.
Everyone froze.
A second explosion followed.