PROFESSOR KNIGHT STRODE across the parlor, his boots clomping on the rugs. “You two smell like sweat.”
“And here James and I thought we smelled rather pleasant today.” I smirked and motioned for him to sit, and then, somewhat hurriedly, waved the guards to take their places in the hall.
This, at least, was one place they wouldn’t shadow my every move. I didn’t like the idea of a quartet of heavily armed men standing around while I slept.
When the door shut with a low click, I turned back to Professor Knight. “How are you feeling?”
The thick pad of bandaging made his sleeve tight, but when he glanced at the injury, he shrugged it off. “Better, thank you.” His chair creaked as he leaned back. “The physicians have done everything they can and the rest will just take time to heal. But there shouldn’t be a scar.”
“Thank saints.” I grinned and sat across from him. “Everyone knows how vain you are.”
He chuckled and turned to James, who was leaning against the table. “I had the pleasure of watching you fight earlier. You did quite well, as far as I could see. Everyone says you’re the favorite for the top positions this autumn.”
James bowed a little. “That’s kind of you to say, but I know I made mistakes today. I won’t make them tomorrow.”
“Good, because I’ve put some money on you winning. Don’t let me down.”
“Of course not, sir.”
“I hope you’re returning to classes tomorrow, Professor.”
“Indeed, I’ll be in our usual room at the usual time. But that’s not what I came to discuss.”
“Oh?” Finally. Maybe I could get some answers without even having to ask the questions.
“This won’t take long. I have errands to run before I return to the Academy.” He paused, as though regretting saying that. “I wanted to ask what you saw the night of your birthday party. Every detail.”
I knew a test when I heard one. He wanted me to agree it hadn’t been Lord Hensley who’d attacked him, but I wasn’t going to lie.
I covered my hesitation by pretending to be distracted by the ticking of the mantel clock. “Ah, well, I’m sure you’ve already heard about that.”
“Everyone knows that you had Gerald Hensley arrested and brought before your father.”
My face went hot at the memory.
“I’m more concerned with what you actually saw. You didn’t see the man’s face while he was in the house? Or after?”
“No, unfortunately.” Not that me seeing his face would have made a difference. I knew it was Hensley. “What about you? Any idea who he was?”
“I’m afraid not, though I’ve been assured that the Indigo Order is doing their best to find him. I’ve given as complete a description as I’m able, but that’s as much as I can do.”
“So you don’t think it was someone from the party?” I asked, and glanced at James.
“Oh, certainly not. I’d have been able to identify them.” Professor Knight leaned one elbow on the table, not quite managing to look casual. “I have to say, Tobiah, while I’m touched that you went to such lengths to apprehend my attacker, I’m a little embarrassed that it was Lord Hensley you caught. Of course he would never do anything to harm anyone.”
I wanted to ask how long he’d been practicing that denial, but that probably wasn’t the best way to get real answers. “What were the two of you talking about during the tournament this afternoon?”
Knight scowled. “You, of course. He knows we’re close and was hoping that I could persuade you to apologize for the allegations.”
“Lord Hensley doesn’t seem like the kind of man who requires an apology in order to live a satisfying life.” I didn’t add that apology-seeking wasn’t what Hensley had told me they discussed.
“I think you underestimate his respect for you, Your Highness. When you accused him, you hurt him quite deeply. Plus, his peers look at him differently. If you do not respect him enough to apologize for a simple mistake, why should they respect him at all?”
“Ah. I see. Well, I’m afraid I cannot offer an apology, as it would be insincere.” It was a risk, but I said it anyway. “I’m still quite certain it was Lord Hensley who attacked you. I saw the way you flinched when he touched your shoulder this afternoon. And when I saw him at dinner, he said he’d simply wanted to inquire about your health.”
Knight’s expression turned stormy. “Of course he wouldn’t admit to you that he wanted an apology, sire. And as for this afternoon, I think anyone would be jumpy when they were attacked just a week ago.” He shook his head. “I’m disappointed. I hoped you would see past your biases.”
“And I hoped you would be honest with me.” The words were out before I’d considered the wisdom, but I wouldn’t feel guilty. He’d been my professor for years and I’d always believed he’d never lied to me. He’d told me about his history of shine use, how he’d gotten into it, and why he continued. All the things I’d thought were the darkest parts of him.
But he wouldn’t tell me the truth about his attacker when I might be the only one who’d believe him? The lie made me question everything he’d ever told me.
“I’m sorry you feel that way.” Professor Knight’s face closed up as he pushed himself to his feet. “I’ll let you get prepared for bed. I need to go.”
“Why was Hensley leaving Hawksbill that late at night?” I stood, too.
“He’s working for your father. Of course. And I’m certain that if Hensley’s business was any of yours, your father would have told you by now.”
Knight marched through the room, not waiting to be dismissed from royal presence. Not that royal dismissal meant that much to me, but the insult in this neglect was clear.
I glared after him until he vanished out the door. My guards shot interested looks, but I let the door shut before anyone could get too nosy.
“That was harsh,” James muttered.
“Him or me?”
“Both.” James nudged me with his elbow. “Don’t let his jabs get to you. He’s scared. That’s why he said those things.”
That was true. He was scared of Lord Hensley. I’d seen that much this afternoon. Midnight, it had looked like Knight repeated. After I’ll do it.
Professor Knight had said he needed to run an errand. An errand for Hensley?
It was dangerous. Maybe stupid. But I know it was right.
I turned to James. “I’m going to follow him.”