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“Quint,” I say. “Finally.”
“Forgive me, Your Highness,” he says. “The king required my services for much of the day.”
His tone, the formality, draws me up short. I glance behind him at the door that’s falling closed slowly.
“No apologies are necessary,” I tell him. “I wanted to request additional reports on the fevers—”
The door clicks closed.
“What’s wrong?” I whisper.
He doesn’t move from where he stands. “Someone has suggested to your brother that you’re involved with the smugglers.” He pauses. “That you are working with these Benefactors, if not funding them yourself. That you deliberately allowed the prisoners to escape on the day of the riots. That you enabled the attacks last night.”
I go still. It’s very different to hear this from Quint than from my brother. When Harristan spoke of treason, it was between us. Now . . . ?it’s not. “Someone.” I scowl. “It’s Allisander.”
“It may not be him alone.” Quint pauses. “Some have suggested that you may have confided in me.”
Istudy my friend. For the first time, I realize he’s not in disarray. His jacket is buttoned, his hair is combed.
His eyes are tense and uncertain.
“Are you unwell?” I say. A flicker of fear ignites in my chest. “Is Tessa unwell?”
“Tessa is fine.” He pauses, then steps toward the table, but he stops before reaching it. His voice is very soft. “Corrick—I’ve kept many secrets for you.”
“For which you have my gratitude.”
“For which I could be executed, if these rumors are true.”
I stare at him. “Quint.” If Harristan has gotten to Quint . . . ?I’m done for. “Quint, what have you done?”
“No, Corrick. What have you done?” His eyes are intent, piercing mine.
We stare at each other across the room, and the fire snaps in the hearth. Tension holds my heart in a vise grip. I think of every story I’ve ever told Quint, every transgression I’ve ever committed. The names I’ve given him of families near death. The times I truly have allowed prisoners to escape. The homes I’ve broken into when I steal Moonflower petals. The way I’ve evaded the night patrol or the way I get over the wall. All I know about Tessa and every action we’ve taken together.
I was angry that Harristan would believe a rumor like this.
It’s a different feeling that Quint would.
“Shall I call for a guard to take my head right now?” I say flippantly, while inside I’m reeling. “I’m sure Rocco would be willing.”
He stands there and evaluates me. It’s not a good feeling, because I know how much he sees. I know how much he knows.
“You were my confidant, Quint.” I pause. “More than a confidant. You were my friend.”
“Were?”
I tug at my sleeves and don’t look at him. “Did you sell me out to Harristan?”
For the first time, anger flares in his eyes. “Do you think I would?”
I take a step toward him, and it requires effort to keep my voice down. “Do you think I’d help rebels and smugglers while pretending to distribute medicine to those who need it?”
He stares at me. I stare back.
Finally, he sighs. “No. I don’t.” He pauses. “And I didn’t sell you out to your brother when he asked.”
I don’t move. “What did you say to him?”
