“Did you give her permission?”
“Of course. I encourage my staff to continue learning new skills. I just hope she doesn’t tackle me whenever anyone sneezes.” Ambrose gave him a pointed look.
Valek failed to rise to the bait. He set his empty glass on the table between them, wincing as his muscles protested the movement. He would be sore for a few days.
“It’s getting late.” Ambrose finished his drink. “When do you think Maren will be ready to work with Rasmussen?”
He considered. “I’d wait until after she’s gone through the course on diplomacy.”
“Why?”
“She can be brutally frank, which I appreciate, but not many others do.”
“I don’t care if she upsets Rasmussen.”
“Well, we can’tallbe the Commander.” Valek held up his hand as Ambrose’s expression hardened. “Rasmussen is passive aggressive when angry. Even though Maren’s there on your orders, he won’t implement any actions that she plans. Why would he? He’s the one in charge. Eventually she’ll get frustrated and message you, who, in turn will order Rasmussen to proceed with her campaigns. Rasmussen will invariably sabotage the efforts, they’ll fail, and he’ll blame it all on your brand-new adviser.”
Ambrose gazed at him for a moment. “Is this something you’ve learned from experience?”
“I’ve seen it happen. My agents encounter this scenario on occasion. For Maren to succeed, she’ll need to convince the general that this was more his idea than an order from the Commander. He needs to agree with her assessment and support her efforts. It’s pure manipulation, which is why she needs to learn diplomacy.”
“I’m glad Iamthe Commander and don’t have to deal with all that bullshit.”
“But you have done it. I’ve seen you pour on the charm when needed.”
“Yes, because Iwishto, not because Ihaveto. Big difference.” Ambrose smiled.
“Must be nice to be you.” Valek teased.
“It is, until someone sets your uniform on fire.”
Sobering, Valek remembered the attack six months ago. Eight rogue magicians had tried to assassinate the Commander and almost succeeded. Ambrose would always have a target on his back.
* * *
Maren hovered next to Valek’s office door. It was only a few minutes past dawn, and, except for the kitchen staff and the Commander, the rest of the castle denizens were just stirring in their beds. He wondered how long she’d been waiting for him. By the anxious creases in her brow, he figured she wanted to know the Commander’s decision.
“Couldn’t sleep?” he asked as he unlocked his door.
“No. I love mornings. The earlier the better. It’s quiet. And there is no one around to bother me.” She followed him into his office.
“And no Janco to bug you.”
“That, too.” She hesitated, then asked, “Who am I reporting to today?”
Valek sat behind his desk. “The Commander has approved your new appointment.”
Maren’s brow smoothed and she grinned. Valek soaked it in. Good news should always be savored.
“Report to Adviser Carmia. She will schedule your classes. Tell her you need to start with the one on diplomacy.”
“Yes, sir.”
Maren left before he could warn her that Carmia was not a morning person. Oh well, it’d be her first lesson.
* * *
The quiet lasted four days. Long enough for some of Valek’s bruises to fade. He was working in his office when Kenda entered with Ryda, the captain of Castletown’s watch. The two of them together never boded well for anyone.
