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“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 goo
d-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.”
