Zane drew me in, and I sank into the warmth radiating from his skin. “The regent is a scavenger, sunshine. He feeds on uncertainty. If he had proof, you’d be in chains already.”
Finn sat cross-legged on the floor, Boris curled in his lap as he brushed the honey badger’s fur. Nibs perched on his shoulder, nibbling a cheese rind. My mate watched us with a brow raised.
“He’s sending Lord Clement to interview all the candidates.” The words came out tight as I rubbed my temples, massaging away the throbbing pain. “Clement’s magic will strip the truth from Razira, and when he turns to me, I’ll have to use my null on him and he’ll know I’m hiding something.”
Zane rested a hand on my waist in a possessive hold. “Using your magic is an admission. Don’t let it come to that. Challenge his right to question you.” His voice sharpened to a blade’s edge. “Claim bias.”
“On what grounds?”
“Clement has a daughter in the trials. He is absolutely biased. Refuse to submit to his magic on the grounds of royal protocol. It will make you untouchable.”
I shook my head and pulled away to have a seat in my usual chair. “It’ll only stall him. Once the delay ends, he will come at me harder.” Zane’s idea offered only a thin shield. “I counter Emmeline’s power with technically true statements. I can do the same with Clement.”
Zane’s brow pulled tight. “If that’s what you want to do. I trust you.”
“I can handle it,” I promised. A ripple of unease passed through the room. I turned to Finn.Any word on the rats? We need to get moving on the trial.
He shook his head.But the rats told me about the dead candidate. The House of Whispers left her at the border as a warning.
My hand stilled mid motion through my hair. I signed and spoke at the same time. “Mathias sidestepped some details, I see.” Icy dread settled low in my stomach, whispering that with this test, I might be next. “Does the House of Whispers know about the second trial?”
Finn shrugged.We need to assume they do.
Myfingers drummed against my thigh briefly as I considered. “They want intimidation.”
But?Finn’s single sign cut through my logic.
“But nothing.” I forced my shoulders down from their defensive hunch. “We adjust for heightened security and plan accordingly.”
The mention of trouble carried another detail: Tahlia.
I dragged my focus to this next problem. “Tahlia tried to reach me tonight. She’ll try again when the gates open.” My throat tightened. The thought of facing her, of pretending to be the sister she loved, twisted something in my chest. It felt like guilt, queasy and unwelcome.
Finn stood and signed,Have tea with her. Ease her fears. Introduce her to your hot Devotion.He waggled his eyebrows when I lifted one of mine.Or I can orchestrate a comprehensive rat-based deterrent program.
His hands danced through a complex series of gestures that took twice as long as the words.Phase one: the rats eat holes in all her stockings. Small holes. Annoying holes.
“A bold opening move.”
He nodded with full confidence.Phase two: the rats hide her left shoes. Only the left ones.
A chuckle escaped my lips. “That’s oddly specific.”
People can hop on one foot, but they look ridiculous.She will be too embarrassed to chase you.
“She could wear mismatched shoes.”
Finn continued without hesitation.Phase three: hairbrush gone. Her hair will be a mess.
“You’ve really thought this through.”
Finn straightened, hands moving with the gravity of a seasoned commander.Phase four: aggressive squeaking during her naptime.
I stared at him. “That is your escalation?”
He lifted his chin.Phase five: a full musical number.
“A musical number,” I deadpanned.
