Gideon ran a hand through his hair, thinking. Soren was an Umbrian prince: possessive, entitled, used to getting his way. Men like him didn’t take their losses lightly. If Gideon executed Rune, Soren might do exactly as she said: give Cressida an army anyway, to avenge his fiancée—and his wounded pride.
Gideon would prove his loyalty by killing the Crimson Moth. But if Rune wasn’t bluffing, her death wouldn’t prevent a war; it wouldinciteone.
He couldn’t risk that.
But a truce with the very witch who betrayed me?
He couldn’t risk that, either.
Unless I betray her first.
An idea sparked in Gideon’s mind.
What if there’s a way to use her to my advantage?
“I need some assurance that you won’t betray me again,” he said.
“Ibetrayedyou?” On her feet now, Rune scowled at him. “It was the other way around.”
“We’ll have to agree to disagree.”
Her nostrils flared. “Can you givemeassurances? I’m riskingmy safety. Cressida already suspects I helped you escape! What are you risking?”
“By helping you get into the Republic? My job. My dignity. Possibly my life.”
Sympathizing with witches was now an offense punished by death in the Republic. She must have known that, because she glanced away, biting her lip.
Gideon couldn’t trust her. Not ever. But once they were on the island, he wouldn’t have to. It wouldn’t even matter if Rune was lying to him.
She can’t betray me if I betray her first.
Gideon knew what he had to do.
He would accept Rune’s terms. He’d smuggle her into the New Republic. And the moment they made port, he’d arrest her himself.
Once Rune was in Blood Guard custody, alive and unharmed, Gideon could barter with Soren.Hewould define the terms: Soren could have his precious fiancée back—if and when Cressida was eliminated.
Gideon didn’t care how Soren accomplished it, so long as Cressida and her witch army were all dead before she tore the New Republic apart. Once Soren complied, Gideon would hand Rune over. The Blood Guard wouldn’t have to lift a finger. All they’d have to do was hold Rune hostage until their terms were met.
If he pulled this off, Gideon would crush two threats at once. He’d get everything he wanted: Cressida dead, his reputation restored, and peace reestablished on the island.
The only wild card was Rune.
This could be an elaborate plot to bring him—and the Republic—down. But if she was lying, all he had to do was get ahead of her.
“Once I get you onto the island, what will you do?” he asked, playing along now.
Rune raised her gun to his chest.
“If you think I’m going to tell you my exact plans so you can sabotage them, you’re dumber than you look.”
He glanced at the revolver, noticing the hammer wasn’t drawn back. He considered staying silent. Waiting to see how far she’d take this, if she’d really pull the trigger, and then overcome her when she realized her error.
But he couldn’t resist.
“You need to cock it before you fire.”
Her cheeks reddened. “Curse you,” she muttered, then cocked the gun and kept aiming.
