Chapter Fifteen

 

“Grace. Lady Grace, you need to get up.”

Grace pulled the covers over her head, ignoring Marisa’s voice.

Marisa tugged on the blankets. “The prince requests your presence at breakfast.”

Grace glared at her. “I’m not feeling well.”

“You look just fine.” Marisa pulled the blankets down, and the cold air hit Grace. Grace huffed and rolled out of bed. She sat on the edge of her bed, staring out the window. The forest on the east side of the castle stretched out. She stood up and let out a breath. She felt fine. Her headache was gone. Her stomach had stopped stirring. She only worried about Dar and the position she’d put both of them in.

“The prince sent you a gift,” Marisa announced, motioning to a stunning blue dress hanging from Grace’s wardrobe.

“He did?” she asked.

Marisa nodded. “Isn’t it beautiful?”

Grace moved over to the wardrobe, where Marisa would dress her. She was getting used to being handled like a child by her maidservant, and she wasn’t sure that was a good thing. The dress felt like air around her, comfortable and loose, and it fell in all the right places. Why would William give this to her right after finding out about the love potion? Was it his way of showing forgiveness? Asking for it?

She went to the dining hall by herself. With each step, the burden on her chest seemed to intensify. She wrung her hands in front of her. They couldn’t do anything to Dar unless she did something wrong. The two of them would work together to get out of here. They’d be fine. She just had to figure out the men in the castle. What did Tisha and Kilar think of her presence here? What did William want with her? What was the king willing to do, if anything, to keep her and Dar safe? As soon as she knew where she stood, she could move forward.

At the bottom of the staircase, she paused and stared in the direction of the dining hall. There was no way to avoid this. She took a deep breath and walked forward. As she neared the corner, she heard footsteps and tried to step to the side to avoid being in anyone’s way. Queen Kate rounded the corner at a clip and nearly walked right into her. She darted back when she saw Grace.

“Oh, Your Majesty, I’m sorry,” Grace said quickly.

Queen Kate glared at her, pursing her lips. “Sorry for what, exactly? Sending my son across the country after you? Your friends storming the castle? Tricking him with your love potion?”

Grace’s mouth went dry. “I… yes, I never meant—”

“Don’t,” she snapped. “I told you I didn’t want to hear excuses. The Jolenians have a saying: ‘The act is more powerful than the thought.’”

“Your Majesty, I—”

She stepped closer. “My son and my country, what do those two have in common, Grace?”

“You care about them,” Grace whispered.

“Yes, that’s right. And you’ve become a spider in my bed. I’m finished with you.”

“But Your Majesty—” Grace began. What could she say? She didn’t want to be here anymore than Queen Kate wanted her to be.

The queen brushed past her, making a sound of disgust. “Don’t bother.” She strode off, her dark pink dress sashaying behind her like she was in a wind storm.

A wonderful morning so far, Grace thought.

She slowly walked the rest of the way to the doors of the dining hall. Her breathing was coming out in short pants, and she put a hand on her chest to steady her breathing. A servant opened the doors for her, but she wasn’t ready. She almost called out to stop him, but he motioned to her to enter, and she had no choice.

She straightened her shoulders and raised her chin, then walked into the dining room. The men seated at the table rose at her presence. Except for the king. Her gaze swept over them quickly, and she froze in her steps when she saw the man in the seat next to hers.

He was a tall, older man with short black hair and striking green eyes. He wore black clothes with rubies lined through it. Darkness seemed to emanate from him. An image flashed before her eyes: the vision from the cave, the man who spread his hands out over the map and sent an evil force of magic out across the world. This was him. The Thieran who’d cursed the Avialies.

Kilar’s chuckle broke through her thoughts. “Gregorio, you’ve frightened her.”

“My presence has that effect on some people,” Gregorio said. He smiled at Grace, his gaze sweeping over her body. “Especially women.” Bile rose up in her throat, and she swallowed it back. He strode over to her. Her heart pounded in her ears, and she took a step back. Gregorio chuckled. “My, my. I’m not that horrible, am I?”

Her mouth was dry, and she opened her mouth to say something, though she wasn’t sure what.

“She’s been sick for three days,” William said, walking over to them. He took her arm. “Please excuse her. Grace, this is Lord Gregorio.”

“I know who he is,” Grace said. Her voice came out low.

‘Lord’ Gregorio raised his eyebrows. “Fascinating. I didn’t think your abilities would extend beyond the cave.”

Her mouth fell open. Had he known the moment he saw her? Felt her presence as she’d felt his?

“Yes, I know what you did in that cave. Måljivea adëab—”

“Don’t you dare say those words,” she snapped.

“Grace,” William said, his grip tightening on her arm.

Gregorio took a step closer, making her crane her neck to look up at him. “I felt something else counteract my magic, my art, my creation… something that smelled like rotten Avialies. Even now, in your presence, there’s a strange… stench. I could smell if before you even came in.”

“You’d be very familiar with that smell since you killed hundreds of them.”

Gregorio laughed and took a bow. “And proud of it.”

“Come, sit and eat,” King Thomas said. He stood at his spot now, his hands on the table. “Can we not have one peaceful meal?”

Gregorio turned and strode to his seat. He hesitated, then walked around the table. “If it would make the lady feel more comfortable, I will sit over here.” He sat next to Kilar.

Grace didn’t even want to be in this room any longer, but William tugged on her arm and gave her a warning look. She followed him silently and sat next to him.

As the servants were serving breakfast, the doors opened and Sashe walked in. The men stood, even King Thomas, and Sashe moved to sit next to Grace.

“Wait, Sashe,” Kilar said, putting up his hand. “This is Lord Gregorio.”

Sashe inclined her head. “Pleased to meet you, sir. I’m Sashe.”

“He’s a Thieran,” Kilar said. Sashe glanced at the man, only a trace of surprise on her face. “Perhaps…” He motioned to Sashe. “Perhaps he could look at your womb, tell you how the child is developing.”

Grace opened her mouth to speak when she felt William’s hand on her knee.

“Do you remember what I said last night?” he asked, his voice soft.

She looked at him, pursing her lips.

“Just be quiet, for once in your life,” he whispered. His fingers tightened on her knee before withdrawing.

Her heart pounded in her ears as Sashe agreed, looking uncertain. Gregorio came to her side of the table, and Grace felt like the world was spinning around her. She forced herself to watch. If he did anything to Sashe, she’d kill him. Or she’d try, even if it killed her.

He touched Sashe’s stomach, and Grace bit down on the inside of her lip to keep from crying out. His other hand reached around her waist until the king cleared his throat loudly. The intruding hand joined the other one on her stomach, but no one could miss the smirk on the Thieran’s face.

“The fetus is developing beautifully,” Gregorio said, removing his hands from her body. “A very healthy boy.”

Sashe stared at him, her eyes shining with tears. “A boy?”

Gregorio smiled at her, patting her shoulder. “Yes, it’s a boy.”

The king stood and clapped his hands. “That’s wonderful!”

Sashe put a hand over her mouth with a half-laugh, half-sob.

Grace stood up and took her arms, a smile coming onto her face despite that horrible man’s presence. “Sashe, you’re going to have a son.”

Sashe smiled and pulled her into a hug.

“Oh,” Grace said, taken aback. She hugged Sashe back. Gregorio smiled at Grace over Sashe’s shoulder, and Grace’s own smile faded quickly. She averted her eyes from him. She wasn’t going to ruin this moment for Sashe by telling her who had just touched her.

The king and Sashe embraced next as Gregorio took his seat. The king thanked Gregorio profusely, then made a toast while Sashe wiped tears from her eyes. Grace sipped from her drink, glaring at Gregorio over the rim of her goblet, unafraid of showing her disdain.

“Another son,” King Thomas said, beaming. He let out a deep breath and lifted his glass to Sashe. “If he looks anything like his mother, William won’t be the only handsome man in the castle anymore.”

Sashe laughed as she sat down. “Oh, Your Majesty.” She put a hand on her chest, looking at Gregorio. “I’m just glad you decided to come to the castle today!”

Grace forced a smile. Sashe’s last pregnancy had ended because of the curse. Because of the man sitting across from them. It seemed so wrong that he would be the one to give her such joyous news about this child. Grace relaxed her hands on her silverware and thought of her aims as she’d walked to the dining hall. She needed to see where she stood. What they’d be willing to let her do.

“Yes, are you staying here long, sir?” Grace asked Gregorio.

“I’m not sure yet,” Gregorio said, dabbing his napkin on his mouth. “We haven’t thought that far ahead just yet.”

“I think it’d be best if you stayed somewhere else,” Tisha said. He’d been quiet so far, which was unlike him. “Safer.”

“You think there’s anywhere safer than the castle?” Kilar asked.

“Well, after that escape, yes,” Tisha said. “The Avialies found the castle’s weak spots and exploited them.”

“We’re working on reinforcing everything,” William said.

King Thomas held up his hands. “We have a meeting after this. You can wait until after we’re finished eating, can’t you?”

Grace wanted them to keep talking, wanted to figure out what they were up to. Were they protecting Gregorio from the Avialies? A hazy memory floated up from the meeting they’d had with the elders. Jeshro mentioned him, saying he’d be dead soon. Why hadn’t Gregorio come to the castle earlier, then?

They instead entered a light, pointless conversation. Sashe couldn’t seem to keep a smile off of her face, even as they talked about silly things: William said Grace’s parents had visited every day while she’d been sick and had promised to return later this morning to check on her; Gregorio spoke about his travels from southern Haltar where he’d visited his brother; they discussed upcoming events. The next one was a royal parade through the town, an event to honor the governors of the land.

“Speaking of which,” Tisha said, “sources say Alastor isn’t back from Jolen yet.”

Sashe and Grace both looked up. Dar’s father was in Jolen? Did that mean other Avialies were fleeing there, too? Were they leaving Haltar because they were afraid or because they wanted to meet with the elders? Perhaps they’d even help in the struggle.

“I thought he was smarter than that,” Kilar said, shaking his head.

“They’re all the same, Kilar.” Tisha narrowed his eyes. “You keep expecting them to change or act like human beings.”

“Tisha, please,” King Thomas said before Kilar could respond. He motioned to his food. “Is pleasant conversation possible with you?”

Tisha dropped his gaze. “My apologies, your Majesty.”

The rest of the meal dragged on. Once it was over, the men moved to the doors, ready for their meeting. Tisha and Kilar were already deep in conversation as they walked out.

“I’m glad you’re feeling better,” William said, waiting for Grace by the door.

“Thank you,” she said. She wasn’t sure what else to say. They walked into the corridor, where Gregorio stood. She halted in her steps, her muscles tensing.

“I’m not sure where I’m supposed to be going,” Gregorio said. “Tisha and Kilar went ahead of me.”

“I’ll walk you,” William said. He touched Grace’s back. “Perhaps later on today, we can go riding.”

Grace nodded, forcing a smile. Why was he being so nice to her? Was it all appearances? That seemed to be their entire relationship. “That sounds nice.”

“Lady Grace,” Gregorio said with a bow. “I hope we can move beyond our barriers.”

Grace let out an incredulous laugh. “How do you propose we do that?”

“I’m sure we can find a way. We’re both civilized human beings, no matter what Tisha thinks.”

She clenched hands into fists. “Are you going to curse them again?”

“Grace,” William said, “you shouldn’t be concerned with the Avialies anymore.”

She looked at him, but she had nothing to say to him. She was marked to protect them. She felt as though cutting off her concern for them would be just as difficult as deciding not to be a woman anymore. It was a part of her.

A voice from the dining hall doors made Grace jump. “What did you say?” Sashe stood a few feet from them, her face pale as she stared at Grace. She slowly looked at Gregorio. “Did you… I don’t understand…”

William shot Grace a glare and turned to Sashe. “It’s nothing, Sashe. Don’t worry yourself.”

“But you said…” Sashe said to Grace. “You asked him if he was going to curse them. The Avialies?” She shook her head, her eyes wide. “You can’t be…”

“I am,” Gregorio said calmly.

Sashe’s hand went to her mouth.

“Gregorio, that wasn’t necessary,” William said in a low voice.

“Why not? Everyone else in the castle knows,” Gregorio said.

Sashe pushed past them silently. Grace followed her, and William didn’t object. “Sashe,” she called.

“Leave me alone,” Sashe called over her shoulder as she fled up the stairs.

“Sashe,” Grace said. She jogged to catch up and she took Sashe’s arm.

Sashe pushed her away, and Grace tripped on the step and nearly fell from the next one. Sashe grabbed her dress to steady her. “I’m sorry,” she said breathlessly. “He—he’s the reason I…”

“I’m sorry,” Grace said, taking Sashe’s wrist. “I wanted to tell you, but William…” She swallowed. “I’m sorry.”

Sashe met her eyes. Her eyes looked so much like Sierra’s, the same shape and color. She let go of Grace and backed away. “Just leave me alone.”

 

* * *

 

Grace tensed when a knock sounded at the door. She didn’t want to see William. Just the thought of him made her sick—and not the giddy sickness she’d felt for the last couple weeks.

Marisa left her side to open the door, and Sashe came in, wearing a traveling cloak. Her face was stripped of the agony Grace had seen only a couple hours ago. “Lady Grace. I hope you’re feeling better than you were at breakfast.”

Grace smiled, letting out a breath of relief. Relief that it wasn’t William and relief that Sashe seemed to have forgiven her. “I am, thank you.”

“Well, I thought we could get you some fresh air. I can take you into town, and we can go to the market.”

Grace raised her eyebrows. Usually servants of the castle shopped at the market, but she would not pass on an opportunity to get out of the castle walls. She wouldn’t have to worry about William or Gregorio. “That sounds wonderful.”

“Great. I’ve really wanted to spend time with you since you’ve arrived but I haven’t had the chance.” Sashe walked to where Grace sat at her desk. “I didn’t have the chance to tell you at breakfast that your dress is beautiful.” She ran her fingers over the periwinkle blue. “It looks stunning with your skin and hair.”

Marisa joined them. “Doesn’t it? Especially the gold trim. It was a gift from William. One of Lady Heather’s dresses.”

Grace still couldn’t figure out what the dress was supposed to signify. Perhaps he was hoping she’d be taken with such lavish gifts? He had to be smarter than that. She closed her book and stood. “I’m ready to go if you are.”

She and Sashe walked through the castle while chatting politely. Grace wondered if she were allowed to even leave, but everyone must know she’d be back. Dar was still here. Her heart sped at the thought of him. She doubted she’d have any chance to see him for quite some time. William would make sure of it.

Near the front doors, Tisha intercepted them. He ran a hand through his ink-black hair. “Ladies, where are you headed for the day?”

“We’re going to the market,” Sashe said, touching Grace’s arm. “She needs some fresh air after being sick for three days.”

“What a splendid idea,” Tisha said. He smiled at Grace, and she managed to return it. “Be careful.” He walked to the stairs Grace and Sashe had just come down, then paused at the bottom. He called over his shoulder, “Remember, Sashe, what we spoke about yesterday.”

“I wouldn’t forget,” she told him.

Grace shot Sashe a questioning look, but Sashe ignored it. They entered the courtyard. “I forgot to tell the servants to have our horses ready,” Sashe mumbled. She tugged on Grace’s arm to follow her to the stables. “Come on.”

Sashe walked in first, her chin held high. Grace trailed behind her with her hands folded behind her back. She froze in her steps when she saw Dar. He was bent down by one of the horses checking its hoof. His hair fell over his eyes and he brushed it away hastily. He looked like he’d lost some weight, and his clothes and skin were stained with dirt. She felt like she hadn’t seen him since the jungle, since she’d kissed him in the cave and told him she loved him, when she’d been desperate to keep him alive. That felt like ages ago.

Sashe cleared her throat, and Dar quickly straightened. His mouth dropped open when he saw Grace. He looked exactly as she felt—stunned and in awe. She let out a soft laugh.

“Lady Grace,” he whispered. “You’re well. I’ve been trying to see you for days…”

Grace smiled. “I’m fine.” She took a step closer to him. “Thank you for coming in the other day.”

Neither of them had to say more. Grace knew he knew what she spoke of by the way his face darkened and his gaze surveyed her neck, searching for bruises Marisa had covered with makeup. His jaw tightened. “If anything would have happened to you…” He trailed off, shaking his head. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”

She wondered how well Tisha and Kilar were listening to them. Did they hear every last word? She smiled at him. “I was worried about you.”

“Me? I’m fine as long as you are.”

Sashe touched Grace’s arm. “I hate to interrupt, but Grace and I are going into town. May we have our horses, Dar?”

“Oh, of course.” Dar’s cheeks darkened, and he turned away. He and another boy saddled up the horses. Dar handed Grace the reins, and she let her fingers brush against his. She whispered her thanks. He held her gaze until she had to mount her horse and follow Sashe out of the stables.

She thought she’d feel more relaxed outside of the castle walls, but instead she worried about Dar. She wasn’t there; what might they do to him? But William’s words echoed in her mind: he wanted to use Dar to keep her on good behavior. He wouldn’t hurt him unless she did something to anger him. If he did… nothing would keep her here. She’d leave in an instant. She longed to see Sierra and the other Avialies. Amina, Vin, even the elders.

She and Sashe rode along silently for a few minutes as they went towards Renaul. The castle was separated from the city by a high concrete wall and in the front, a grassy field. The other sides were surrounded with light forest, but straight towards Renaul was half a mile of grass and wildflowers. It was a peaceful path.

“Thank you,” Grace told her. “For arranging that.”

Sashe smiled at her. “Of course.”

“How…” She glanced over her shoulder at the imposing castle. “Are they worried you’ll do anything against their wishes?”

“I have too much to lose to go against their wishes.” Her hand lightly touched her stomach.

“Are you scared?” Grace asked.

Sashe glanced at her. “Of what?”

“I don’t know… that it might happen again?”

“Yes, I suppose I am. In my head, I know it won’t. The king isn’t an Avialie, of course, plus you and Sierra broke the curse. But I’m still nervous. I can hardly sleep without a Mahri potion.”

“They allow you to take those?” Grace asked.

“They give me many allowances because Thomas asks them to.”

It took Grace a moment to realize who Thomas was. She never referred to the king by his first name. “Oh.” She fiddled with the reins, looking over her shoulder again. There were many things she wanted to say to her—apologize again, ask about her last pregnancy, ask why she’d brought her out here. “Do you think they’re listening to us?”

“They could be.” Sashe paused. “I understand why you didn’t tell me.”

“I wanted to, but—”

“I know. If I were in the same situation, I wouldn’t have, either.” She shrugged, laughing softly. “At least now I know that he’s healthy… or that he’s a he!” She smiled at Grace.

They reached the end of the field. Houses and buildings flanked the cobblestone roads, and Sashe led them through the streets. Renaul was a clean city with a thriving merchant class and a market than ran every other day. Grace had visited the market a few times with friends or her mother, and it was one of the only places nobles and commoners mixed. She used to think it was fascinating to go there and see dozens of people she’d never met before with plain dresses, void of jewelry. She’d wonder about their life, what sort of house they lived in, what kind of food they ate, who they fell in love with.

Instead of veering towards the town square, Sashe went towards the east side of the city.

“Where are you going?” Grace asked.

“Just indulge me,” Sashe said over her shoulder.

Grace fell silent, frowning. Perhaps there was more to this trip than just getting her fresh air.

 

* * *

 

Sashe brought them to a small cottage. It looked much like every other house on the street, but it was Sashe’s salvation. She only hoped Grace followed along without asking too many questions. She was different now that she wasn’t under the love potion, but Sashe still didn’t know her very well.

She dismounted and tied her horse’s reins to the post outside. Grace followed suit and caught hold of Sashe’s arm before she went inside. “What are we doing here?” Grace asked.

“Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a commoner?” Sashe asked.

Grace slowly let go of her arm, staring at her. “I suppose…”

“Well, I miss it. I grew up with the governor, yes, but I was never officially nobility, and Shyra was more relaxed about nobility and commoners mixing. Here in Renaul, everyone has a place, a role to play.” She let out a breath, stepping closer. “Just come inside and see.”

Grace looked at the cottage, then back at Sashe. She hesitated, then slowly nodded.

Sashe turned and knocked on the door. A moment later, it swung open, and Callie stood on the other side of the entrance. She beamed when she saw who it was. “Sashe! Come in!”

Callie was a seamstress Sashe had met ten months ago. She was short and had a head of dark brown curls. She ushered them in and closed the door. “Who’s your friend?”

“The question is, who is she going to become?” Sashe asked, grinning.

Callie clapped her hands. “Oh, it’s been so long since you’ve been here! I was beginning to think you’d left me behind!”

“I could never!” Sashe said. “But I’ve had some health problems.”

Calle suddenly gasped, her eyes on Grace. “Wait! You’re Lady Grace! You were kidnapped by gypsies! Oh, your drawing was all over Renaul.” She took a step closer to Grace and scrutinized your face. “You’re much prettier in real life.”

“Um, thank you,” Grace said.

“You recognized her within seconds,” Sashe said. “You see how much she needs a disguise.”

Callie squealed and jumped up and down. “Yes, yes, I do! Go into my dressing room, I’ll be there in just a minute!”

Sashe took Grace’s arm and led her to Callie’s dressing room. Trunks overflowing with fabrics sat on the ground. Dresses and clothes hung from the walls. Mirrors surrounded them, and the vanity desk in the corner had all kinds of make-up and hair stylings.

“What is going on?” Grace asked, crossing her arms.

“I come here when I don’t want to be a lady anymore,” Sashe said. She motioned to her dress, lavish like all of her other clothes. “It’s just a bit of fun. Something to blend in.”

Grace glanced around the room. “You mean, you dress like a commoner and go around town?”

Sashe nodded. That’s what she’d done a few times when she needed escape from the castle, but today, there was more involved. She couldn’t tell Grace of her plans until they were safe from any intruding ears. She grabbed Grace’s hands. “Come on, you’ve been hunted down for weeks. This will be fun.”

Grace shrugged. “All right… I’m yours for the day.”

Half an hour later, they surveyed themselves in the mirror. They wore plain brown and white dresses, and they were stripped of jewelry. Grace had make-up to make her look much older than she actually was, and Callie had given her a cane to walk with. Sashe, on the other hand, had extra fabric added beneath her dress so she looked pudgy.

“This isn’t very comfortable, you know,” Sashe said, putting her hands on the bulge protruding from her sides and stomach. She had a small bump from the pregnancy, but it was currently hidden under another layer. She would have a son soon. A little boy.

Grace giggled. “Neither is walking with a crooked back.”

“I could make you both healthier,” Callie began. The last half hour, she’d been trying to convince them to walk around looking like ladies of the night. Not only was it morning, but neither Sashe nor Grace was looking for that kind of attention.

“No,” Sashe said. They needed to be unrecognizable. Invisible. “This will be fun. Thank you.”

Callie shrugged and turned to their dresses, which were hanging from the walls. “You have strange ideas of fun.” She smoothed the dresses down. “I can’t believe I have one of Lady Heather’s dresses in my cottage!”

Sashe knew if they told her it was a gift from the prince, she’d probably faint. They left the house through the backdoor.

“What about our horses?” Grace asked, using her cane to point to the front of the house.

“You’re supposed to be using that thing to walk,” Sashe whispered. “And we don’t need them. We’re going to walk.”

Grace stopped where she stood. “Sashe, I appreciate this, but—”

Sashe grabbed her arm. “Will you just go along with this?” She met Grace’s eyes, trying to silently plead with her.

Grace narrowed her eyes at Sashe, then nodded. She started walking with her cane and a very convincing limp. Sashe followed along at a waddle and soon both of them were laughing and trying not to, which only made their laughs come harder. They worked on their voices, perfecting what they thought was the dialect of peasants. They also came up with fake names and lives. Grace told Sashe all about her imaginary life, how she’d joined the army and posed as a man and fought in the war against Kleisade twenty years ago and broken her hip, which had given her the limp. By the time they reached their next destination, Sashe’s cheeks hurt from smiling so much.

Sashe led Grace to a house in the middle of town and knocked on the door. The door opened a crack, and a dark face peered out. “Who is it?”

“My name is Julian,” Sashe said. “We’re here in search of protection.” It was enough to imply they needed Cosa magic.

“How much money do you have?”

“As much as you charge.”

The man paused, then swung the door open. It was Emile. Sashe had visited him before; he was one of the last Cosas in Renaul who wasn’t working for the Protectors. He ushered them into his house. “Do you know the price of helping just anybody?” he hissed. “The Protectors are constantly on watch. The Avialies aren’t the only ones in trouble, mark my words…”

“We think we’re being listened to,” Sashe said.

Emile glanced at the two of them and held his hand out. “Let me see the money.”

Sashe reached into her cloak and pulled out her money pouch. She looked through her ryrels. “I have a hundred altogether.”

“Only a hundred?” Emile scoffed. “That will hardly get you anything.”

“We can find another Cosa,” Sashe said, nearly letting her accent slip.

He twitched as she moved towards the door. “Wait. What do you need?”

“We need to visit Lin and Kalel, and we want to be completely hidden from any intruding eyes.” Sashe could feel Grace’s gaze on her, but she didn’t have time to answer her questions yet.

Emile didn’t respond at first, staring at the pouch in her hand. “All right, fine.”

“Hide our conversation when our hands are clasped,” Sashe said. “And tell us if others are watching us.”

Emile nodded. “The money.”

“All of it?”

“Yes.”

“For how long?”

“One hour.”

Sashe shook her head. “We need at least two. To be safe.”

Emile stamped his foot. “One and a half.”

“Done.” Sashe took out a hundred ryrels and dropped them in his outstretched hand.

He counted the coins three times, then made them vanish. He circled around them, muttering under his breath. Sashe hoped he didn’t reveal anything, such as their true identities. He needed to be hiding them, not probing around in business that wasn’t his.

He finally stopped in front of them. “There’s a Cosa from the castle watching you, but the magic isn’t very strong. They’re listening for certain words, and I can tell she’s distracted.” He studied their faces. “Why is someone from the castle watching you?”

“Did you protect our conversation?” Sashe asked.

Emile pursed his lips. “Of course I did. An hour and a half.”

“Thank you for your business.” Sashe inclined her head. She strode to the door. She didn’t want to ask how much he knew about them. It would only worry her, and she needed her mind clear if she was going to do this.

 

* * *