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“Because Captain Blakemore has limited our number to six, and that will allow for three guards. Laurel Pepperleaf will demand to go as well, but I will refuse. I want to send a message to her father that I will not pander to their sector any longer. If there are other avenues for medicine, we have a duty to explore them, and I will not risk Moonlight Plains interfering in the negotiations when they’re already threatening to halve their production. We will see what Ostriary has to offer, and we will negotiate accordingly. Half the consuls were ready to overthrow the throne, Corrick. This is a delicate balance from all sides.”
“No—Iknowthat. But what does that have to do with Lochlan?”
“He doesn’t represent a sector from a position of authority. For us to extend an invitation to one of the rebels instead of someone in a position of privilege, it will be seen as an extension of trust, and I believe it will go far to convince the people of the Wildsandthe wealthy sectors that we are considering the needs of all our citizens.”
I study him. “And it’ll get him out of the way so he can’t plan any attacks while I’m gone.”
Harristan gives me a sly smile. “That, too.”
I don’t smile back. He keeps hiding a cough. The consuls can’t be trusted. We were under attack a few short weeks ago.
I don’t want to leave him alone.
But if Ostriary has medicine, I don’t think we should wait. I don’t think wecanwait.
My life, as always, seems torn between poor options.
A hand raps at the door, and we both look up in surprise. It’s after midnight. I wonder if it’s Quint. He’s the only person in the palace who sleeps less than I do—and the only one who might be looking for either of us at this hour.
But a guard calls out, “Your Majesty, Guardsman Rocco has requested an audience.”
Thatisa surprise. I raise my eyebrows and look at Harristan. Rocco was at the king’s side for most of the day. “Hasn’t Rocco been off duty for hours?”
“Yes.” Harristan frowns, but he calls, “Send him in.”
The guardsman strides through the doors to stand at attention, but he’s no longer in his palace livery and armor. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him in ordinary clothes, but he’s no less imposing in calfskin pants and a buttoned jerkin.
“Your Majesty,” he says. His eyes flick to me. “Your Highness. Forgive me for interrupting. I know the hour is late.”
“Forgiven,” I say easily, because I’m more curious than annoyed.
Rocco looks to my brother. “I would have sent a message through the guard captain, but I thought it best if I spoke with you directly.”
“Go ahead, Erik.”
I blink, startled. “Is that your first name?”
“It is.”
“I don’t believe I’ve ever heard it.” I don’t know why this is startling, whether it’s Harristan’s casualuseof it, or the fact that I never considered it. Maybe both. The man saved my life. I feel like I should have known.
Maybe I look poleaxed, because the guardsman gives me an ironic nod and adds, “A pleasure to meet you, Your Highness.”
His tone is so dry that it almost makes me smile. I don’t knowany of Harristan’s guardswell, but I’ve liked Rocco since the day the palace was attacked. I should probably like him best for saving my life, but that’s not it. It’s that he was willing to obey my order to break Allisander’s fingers to prevent the consul from overthrowing Harristan.
Then again, maybe that says more aboutmethan the guardsman.
Harristan gives me a withering glance. “Go ahead,Rocco,” he says.
“I understand you will be selecting guards to sail to Ostriary,” he says. “Captain Huxley presumes you will not choose from among your personal guard, but I would like to volunteer.”
“Why?” says Harristan.
“Captain Blakemore is not allowing any sailors from Kandala on board his ship.” Rocco glances at me. “But I believe the risk to the King’s Justice is rather great.”
“So you believe members from the king’s personal guard should go?” I say. “Right now, the risk to Harristan is far greater.”
“I don’t disagree. But a sailor loyal to Kandala should be on board. Someone with the experience to know the route followed, the way the ship is sailed.” He hesitates. “Someone who could bring the ship back if something were to happen to Captain Blakemore.”
