Night Study (18 page)

I turned.

He ran up to me. “Where have you been?”

“In the kitchen, talking to Sammy. Why? Is something wrong?”

“I’ve been searching all over for you.”

Not quite an answer. “Aren’t you supposed to be guarding the Commander?”

“He refused the extra protection.”

“Then what—”

“Come on.” He grabbed my wrist, tugging me the opposite way. “Janco and Ari found something interesting in the guest wing and want you to look at it.”

“Is it a tree growing in a bucket of dirt?”

Valek’s grip tightened. “How did you know?”

He sounded accusatory rather than impressed. Strange. “The gossip network. Why else do you think I was in the kitchen?”

“Oh. Well, now you’ll get a chance to see it up close.”

He hurried through the hallways, dragging me along and going the long way. I stumbled and his nails dug into my skin as he yanked me upright. “Ow. Valek, slow down.”

“No time.”

I glanced at my arm to see if he broke the skin and I almost tripped again. The long thin fingers clutching my wrist were not Valek’s, but a woman’s. Yet when I focused on the rest of the body, it appeared to be Valek, which meant...

An illusion! And only one person in Ixia had that ability. Rika.

After a brief moment of panic, I settled my nerves. Illusions couldn’t harm me. As long as she didn’t have any surprise talents, I wasn’t about to let her haul me to her cohorts, where I’d be outnumbered. I dug in my heels, slowing our progress.

“Come on,” she said.

Recalling my self-defense lessons, I broke her grip. Then I kicked her in the ribs with a side kick. Rika flew back, and I took off. She yelled, but I ignored her. However, at the end of the corridor, Owen and Tyen stepped into view, blocking my escape. Oh no. My pulse jumped in my throat as fear zinged through me.

I glanced over my shoulder. Rika clutched her side, but she stared in my direction. They wouldn’t get me without a fight. Increasing my speed, I aimed for the space between the men, hoping my momentum would allow me to break through.

Except they were also an illusion. I sailed right by them and slammed into the far wall. Pain spiked my shoulder, but I didn’t bother to slow or to look back as I ran all the way to the main entrance of Valek’s and the Commander’s suites. Valek’s rooms were the safest place for me.

The guards reached for their weapons when they spotted me. I stopped and gasped for breath. It had been a while since I’d had to run for my life. Guess I’d need to add that to my training schedule.

When no one appeared behind me, I explained about the illusions. “Even if it looks and sounds just like Valek or the Commander, don’t let them pass unless you inspect their key for the diamond insignia. Understood?”

“Yes, sir.”

“And the same goes for me.” I dug my key from my pocket and showed the row of diamond shapes etched into the round, flat section. The Commander’s paranoia came in handy from time to time and I doubted Rika would know about the symbols.

“Yes, sir.”

“Has the Commander retired for the evening?” I asked.

“Yes.”

“Is Valek with him?”

“No.”

“Have you seen Valek tonight?”

“Yes. He was here briefly with his second-in-commands. But he hasn’t been back since.”

“Thanks.” I debated if I should search for him, but decided it’d be too dangerous. He’d return to his suite eventually.

When I entered, I spotted four empty glasses and a bottle of whiskey. I considered pouring myself a large portion, but Medic Mommy advised me to avoid alcohol. Too bad.

Instead, I stirred the fire to life and filled the teapot with water. Waiting for Valek proved difficult, so I rummaged through his piles of books for something to distract me. I found one titled
The Art of the Lie
, by Hedda Bhavsar, that instructed readers how to lie convincingly and how to spot liars. Useful information.

Once I had a steaming mug of tea in hand and the book in the other, I settled into a comfortable position on the couch and used my cloak as a blanket. Since it was longer and heavier than she was used to, Reema had been happy to return it to me. She liked the new one I’d purchased, and it fit her much better.

Despite the fascinating subject, I didn’t read too long before my eyelids gained weight and the words blurred together on the page. Head nods came next. Giving up, I set the book down and stretched out. After all, Medic Mommy had lectured me on getting the proper rest. I’d finish reading later.

A shuffle woke me, sending fear zipping down my spine. Valek wouldn’t be so noisy. Under the cover of my cloak, I reached for the switchblade strapped to my leg and grasped the handle. I peered between slitted eyelids. Embers glowed from the dying fire. I’d been asleep a couple of hours. No other sounds disturbed the quiet. I waited for an attack, but nothing happened.

Unable to remain still any longer, I jumped to my feet, brandishing my weapon. The room was empty. Or so I thought.

Valek sighed my name. He stood by the door, blending in with the dark wood. He hurried over to me, but I backed up and assumed a defensive stance. His expression of relief transformed into confusion and he stopped a few feet away.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“What shape did you make with the napkins for Leif’s wedding?” I asked.

“Are you—”

“Just answer the question.”

Understanding smoothed his features. “Swans, but I can make flowers, as well. Which would you prefer for our wedding?”

I sagged with relief. Closing my switchblade, I stepped into his arms. He hugged me tight. And for a long moment, he said nothing.

“Did they try to trick you with an illusion?” Valek finally asked, releasing me.

“Yes.” I explained about the incident with Rika.

“Thank fate you escaped. Seems we were wrong to assume Owen’d wait to attack us.”

Alarmed, I asked, “Us?”

“Yes, I had my own run-in with him.” Valek detailed his ambush and near-death experience.

“Run-in? He almost killed you!”

Valek didn’t deny it or dismiss it with his usual bravado, which worried me even more. “Is that why you were standing by the door? Did you think I was another trap?”

“No.” He paused. “I needed...a moment. The guards said you were in here, but I didn’t quite believe them until I saw you. And then...” Valek pulled me close. “We searched half the castle. I thought Owen had you.”

“I’m surprised you didn’t go after him.” And glad.

“I wanted to, but Ari stopped me.”

“Did he sit on you?” I teased. That earned me a smile.

“No. He used logic.”

“Yay for logic.”

“I better go and tell them you’re safe. They’re waiting with the guards.”

“The guards?”

“Yes, I insisted they remain there. It was difficult since Ari and Janco won’t let me go anywhere on my own.”

“That’s good. Stronger together, remember?”

He hesitated for a second, then said, “I need to tell Ari he was right.”

“It could be worse.”

Valek waited.

“It could be Janco who was right.”

“Ah, yes. That would be worse.”

* * *

Ari and Janco were happy to see me and I gave them each an extra hug for saving Valek.

Maren refused to hug me. “Save that mushy stuff for your boyfriend.”

Much to Janco’s disgust, Ari limited his gloating. “It’s wasted, just wasted on you!”

Ignoring his partner, Ari said, “We’ll be back at dawn to escort you to your meeting with the Commander. Then we’ll stay with you until you and Yelena leave.”

“We’re leaving?” I asked Valek in an icy tone.

“Didn’t he tell you?” Janco asked.

“There wasn’t time.” Valek frowned at him.

“That’s our cue to say good-night,” Janco said, pulling Ari and Maren with him as they left.

I stared at Valek, waiting.

“We’re leaving tomorrow.”

“Why? What else happened?” The now-familiar throb of fear pulsed in my chest.

“The Commander has given you a choice,” Valek explained.

“That isn’t really a choice.” I couldn’t cut all ties with Sitia and my family to be the Commander’s Sitian Adviser.

“And since Owen has made his intentions clear, you’re safer with me. So you’re coming with me to investigate those Storm Thieves.”

I drew breath to speak, but Valek interrupted me with a kiss.

“Let’s just go to sleep. It’s been a hell of a long day,” he said.

“That bad?”

He pressed his hand over my heart. “Except for this joy. Yes.”

I put my hands over his and then pulled it down so his palm rested on my abdomen. “How about this?”

He stared at me. “Are you sure?”

“Medic Mommy confirmed it.”

He beamed. “I’ve changed my mind. This is the best day of my life! When?”

“Middle of the cooling season.”

Valek swept me up in his arms, spun me around, laughing. “We’re going to be a family!”

* * *

Snuggled together in bed, we exchanged information about what we’d discovered that day and discussed the Commander’s orders.

I mulled everything over and found a few troubling inconsistencies. “If Owen is controlling the Commander, then why would he send you to the coast and ensure I’d return to Sitia? Owen wants us both dead. It’d be easier if we remain in the castle.”

“But Owen’s attempts to kill us failed. Maybe he wants us out of the way so he can work on his plans without us interfering.” Valek stifled a yawn.

“You received your orders from the Commander before Owen’s ambush.”

Valek pushed up on his elbow. “That’s right. Are you thinking Owen
isn’t
influencing the Commander?”

“No. The Commander has been acting too erratic. Yet...” I struggled to grasp the significance. He’d been horrible to Valek, almost as if he wanted to drive him away. “Did you tell him about the Storm Thieves?”

“Yes.”

And that gave the Commander a reason to send Valek away! “I think he’s trying to protect us.”

“Sorry, love, but I’m too tired to follow your logic. Protect us from what?”

“From Owen. From himself.”

“But wouldn’t Owen know and stop him?”

He had a point. I speculated further—all I could do without my magic. “Maybe Owen doesn’t have complete control yet. Maybe the Commander is hoping we’ll get help before he succumbs to the magic.”

Valek lay down. “That’s a lot of maybes. Although I rather like the idea of the Commander trying to protect us. It’s better than the alternative.”

I agreed. It didn’t take us long to fall into an exhausted sleep. Dawn came way too soon. Valek left for his meeting and I packed my meager belongings. I finished in no time. Instead of fretting over a dozen different things, I sat on the couch and resumed reading
The Art of the Lie
. The book included instructions on how to read a person’s body language by spotting small gestures and tics that revealed a liar.

A shutter creaked loudly. I stood and grabbed my switchblade. Onora climbed through the now-open window and stepped into the room. At least I hoped it was her and not another illusion.

She held her hands wide, showing she was unarmed. “I’m sorry if I startled you, but the guards wouldn’t let me in.”

“And you couldn’t wait?”

“I wanted to talk to you in private before you left.”

“Okay, but indulge me first. What is the one thing Janco hates?”

She laughed. “Janco hates many things, but he has a strong aversion to sand. He also despises magic and ants. Did I pass?”

I doubted Owen would know all that about Janco. “Yes.” Gesturing to the couch, I asked, “Would you like some tea?”

“Yes, please.” Onora sat on the opposite end. “I know you’re worried about being fooled by an illusion, but there is no way Rika or anyone else would be able to climb in through Valek’s windows.”

“That difficult?” I added more water to the teapot.

“Yes, and he has a couple...interesting booby traps.” She pulled her sleeve back to reveal a cut along her forearm. “Knives hidden under fake stones being one.” Blood snaked to her wrist.

“Let me get you a bandage.”

“No need. It’s not deep.” Onora tugged her shirt down, covering the wound and avoiding my touch.

She wore an all-black, tight-fitting sneak suit similar to Valek’s, except it lacked a hood. Plus, her hands, feet and face remained uncovered. Morning sunlight streamed in through the open window.

“Someone may have spotted you on the castle’s walls,” I said.

“I doubt it. Most people don’t look up.”

“True.” But knowing Valek, he had probably assigned an agent to watch the walls.

I poured two cups of tea and handed one to Onora. “You wanted to discuss something?”

She sipped her tea. “Valek informed me this morning that...” Onora gazed at her lap. “That Captain Timmer is in the Commander’s dungeon, and that I would have the honor of executing him at the fire festival in front of the Commander’s entire army.”

I suspected this Timmer had been the one to assault her, and the Commander wished to make him an example. “Why you? Why him?”

Her foot juddered, swinging back and forth like an excited puppy’s tail. “He’s the bastard I should have assassinated a year ago.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“I... Shit.” She set the teacup down with a clatter and surged to her feet. “I tried, but every time I got close to him... I just...couldn’t. My failure’s been haunting me. I was so convinced his death would make everything go away. But then you claimed it wouldn’t. And...”

I waited.

Onora stabbed a stick into the fire. Sparks flew and ash swirled. “And I...panicked. What if I can’t kill him? What happens if this...” She pounded a fist on her chest. “This hardness inside me doesn’t dissipate with his death? What if it spreads instead, turning me as hard and cold as the castle’s stones?”

Ah. I drank my tea, stalling for time as I mulled over her comments. “You knew before I said anything that death wasn’t the right solution. That’s why you couldn’t assassinate him.”

“But he should die!” She punctuated
die
with a powerful thrust of her branch. The logs shifted, rolling to the back. Her anger spent, she sat on the floor, crossing her legs.