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“I’m sure it’s devastated the guard.”
“Absolutely,” he deadpanned. “They miss Orman and his antics the most, in fact.”
I burst into a laugh. Goddess, it was good to see someone from home. “I pulled you aside to ask you something regarding this job.”
Ishir straightened, his posture shifting back into the careful, professional stance. I held back a sigh. The moment of familiar interaction passed like the breeze that chattered the leaves together then swept them away.
“You know most of the team.”
Ishir nodded.
“Luz doesn’t stay at the palace as much.”
“I’m familiar with them.”
I smiled. Everyone was familiar with Luz.
“There’s someone in the group I didn’t recognize, though,” Ishir said.
“Lira.” I swallowed and shifted back towards where the group waited. It was like I could feel her there, past the underbrush and tangling trees. “She’s helping with this job, but I’d like it if you didn’t mention who I was to her.”
Ishir’s eyes tightened. No doubt he wondered why. She’d seen my magic now and so maybe it didn’t matter. However, she didn’t know the rumors or legends about me, and I wasn’t ready for her to hear them yet. I wanted more time where she saw me as solely a thief—a magical one—but fairly insignificant.
She hadn’t pulled away from me after seeing my magic at the fight, however. Although it was only the barest show of my powers, it had intimidated many others before. Maybe she could face the truth and not draw back. She’d said she wanted a quiet life far from magic. I was the opposite of that. Everything in my body ached at the idea of her leaving. No, I wouldn’t tell her yet.
Ishir cocked his head. “Is she trustworthy?”
I pinched my lips. That was a valid question. I wanted to defend her and answer affirmatively. However, this wasn’t about my feelings. It was about the team, the job, and—most importantly—the honor of our court. I scarcely knew Lira. I couldn’t risk the group or our mission, no matter how deeply I felt for her so quickly. “She’s with me.”
Ishir considered that and then offered a nod. His quick acceptance was a relief. “Anything else?”
“That’s all I wished to say privately. Let’s return to the group, and I’ll spell out the job.”
Ishir bowed and then marched back towards the group. I lingered for a moment even as my body longed to follow, to find Lira, to stand next to her and meet the curiosity in her pale eyes.
Is she trustworthy?
I didn’t have an answer for that. Something in me wanted to trust her. I’d defend her against anyone without hesitating, including members of the group if it came to that. The discomfort of those thoughts left me uncertain and lingering alone in the woods for a few dozen more heartbeats.
CHAPTERTWELVE
NEIA
Elisa had joinedLira who hunched into herself again, her ivory hair twirling around her shoulders. Lira had the largest eyes I’d ever seen. They filled her face and seemed to express every thought in her head. I needed to discuss that with Sai. Plus, I didn’t know why he included Ishir who was a palace guard. Ishir rejoined the group and chatted with Luz and Orman, so I intercepted Sai before he got back to Lira.
“Sai, a moment.”
We snapped over sticks until we stood in the shadows, out of earshot of the others. “What is it?”
“Why include Ishir? His magic isn’t strong enough to be helpful.”
Sai shrugged. “I don’t judge solely on magic.”
That was true. We rarely had new members added to the group, but Sai looked at each being as individuals. “What skills does he bring?”
“He’s a guard.”
Which I knew and still didn’t clarify for me why Sai included him. “That’s helpful, how?”
