This cramped old inn had grown several degrees hotter during Ferris’ story. I felt the cold return as Reese calmed down. The fire in the mantle flickered.
“That doesn't make any sense,” he said, leaning on the back of my chair. “Solhearts control the Paragons. Why would they steal their weapons?”
I looked up at him. “Why steal them at all?”
Ferris interrupted. “To control who inherits them, no?”
“There has to be more to it than that,” Reese said. “Maybe Bláth can find out.”
Scrunching up my nose, I pictured my brother scurrying the back roads with Bláth. The orphan and a Solheart woman. What an odd pair they made.
I trusted her to protect him, though. She’d seen his odd behavior in Gwynford and kept mum.
Ferris pulled out a chair to sit, but Diar slammed her palms into the table, startling him. “What do you propose we do?”
Reese glanced into the fire, thinking. “If it's true that Siotha resonated with you, then . . . ” He chuckled. “Oh, Yuudai isn’t going to like this.”
Diar shook her head. “He won’t accept it.” She glanced at me. “Or her.”
“I didn’t expect Tsuyan to give me a warm welcome,” I said. “Your father is a general, no? Surely he knows we don’t have time for this.”
“We don’t,” Reese agreed. "Ishii’s funeral is tomorrow. They’ll start looking for Siotha’s heir the moment it ends. I could announce you both there. With so many people as witnesses, he won’t be able to sweep it under the rug.” He paused. “But it’ll paint a target on your backs.”
Diar stepped back, dazed. “I still don’t believe it.”
I felt the same. Like this was all some terrible dream. Cierthine had been the center of so many legends I’d read as a child. How had it fallen into my hands? And why?
“We’ll find out the truth tomorrow,” Reese said. His voice sharpened. “Ferris. Sending Diar home to her father would be a death sentence. Stay with her tonight. Guard her.”
Ferris’ back straightened. “I can do that,” he said, eager.
“Slip away again, though . . . ” Reese warned.
A confident swagger entered Ferris' step as he waltzed up to Reese and peered into his eyes. “And what? You won’t hurt me, so what exactly are you threatening me with?”
Reese’s mouth twitched as he held back a smile. I’d gotten the impression these two had history, a fondness for one another. The Paragon looked at the prince like a little brother.
Reese had only said he'd healed Ferris years ago. Maybe I could wrest the full story from him tonight.
“I’m sure I can think of something,” Reese said, turning to Diar. “Are you alright with this?"
“Believe me,” she said. “I have no interest in returning home tonight.”
Reese touched my shoulder. “You two can share. Ferris and I will be in the next room over.”
“Ah,” Ferris loudly protested, planting a hand on his hip. “Next door could be too far, should assassins strike. We should each stay with our charges.”
I bit my lip, trying not to laugh. “I don’t think unmarried women are allowed to share with men.”
“True, but . . . ” Ferris glanced over his shoulder at the drunk slumped over a table. “I don’t think the people in this backwater place care.”
Reese watched Diar, looking for signs she was uncomfortable. To my eyes, she didn't seem to care. The woman had participated in bar fights and grappled with assassins. Scandals did not give her pause.
Sighing, Reese leaned off his chair. “Alright. Mare and I should get some training in. Don’t leave the inn—it isn’t safe,” he said sharply, motioning for me to follow.
“Ferris,” I advised, standing. “Your brother is a gentleman. I hope you’ve learned a thing or two from him.”
“I have no idea what you’re implying,” Ferris said, wearing a grin that informed me he knew exactly what I meant.
