He must have understood her reasons, for he stayed silent for a moment. “I understand,” he finally replied as he looked away. “He may come.”
“Good. I will show the way to Yore only to you, but you must swear to keep it secret. Themas will remain behind for that part of the trip. I’m already betraying the trust of my Coven by bringing an inquisitor onto our sacred grounds. A Venator knight is … is too much.”
Estevan nodded solemnly, keeping silent as they finished their meals.
Three dry knocks resonated against the wooden door. The inquisitor bade them to enter, and his two knights stepped inside.
Sir Ulrech scowled at Estevan as soon as he came in. The simple white shirt straining around his broad shoulders, and the lack of cloak and sword, reminded Semras he had been given leave for the evening. It made her feel a little guilty, but he’d return to Nimue’s side soon enough.
In a sharp contrast, Themas stood still with his back straight, still fully armoured. A blank, stony expression on his face shielded his state of mind; only an erring glance toward Semras revealed how confused and worried he truly was.
She smiled, hoping to reassure him.
The inquisitor eyed his knights critically. “We have a new lead for the case. Semras will accompany me to follow it. From now on, she no longer needs to be watched. As for you both, you shall play different roles—”
“You are freeing Semras?” Themas cut him off, startling them all.
“Anastutededuction from my words, Maldoza,” Estevan answered icily.
The young knight took no notice of it. In mere seconds, he strode to Semras and dragged her into his arms. “Thank the Lord, oh thank the Radiant Lord. When I couldn’t find you, I feared the worst …”
Semras froze in shock. Beyond Themas’ shoulders, she watched Ulrech raise his eyebrows to an almost comical degree of outrage, while Estevan …
Dismay marred Estevan’s face. Jaw clenched, the inquisitor was staring wordlessly at them, his eyes searching her for—she dared not guess at it.
With a tight, uncomfortable smile, Semras patted Themas on his back. “I am fine, Themas. Inquisitor Velten and I had a lengthy conversation, and all was cleared up.” She pushed the knight away, and he let her slip out of his embrace. “It was all a … just a misunderstanding.”
Themas looked down at her hands. “How can you say that, after what he made you endure? Semras, you don’t need to cater to this bast—”
“I. Am. Right here,” Estevan seethed.
Ignoring him, the young knight cupped her face in his hands. “Semras …” he drawled. “I haven’t forgotten my promise to you. I still mean it.”
Themas kissed her.
Semras turned stiff. Against her palms, his chest was a wall of stone, unyielding to her push. Themas kissed her just as roughly as he had before; insistently, hurriedly, hungrily. It didn’t feel like an act of love.
It felt like an act of war.
“Venator Knight-Brother!” Ulrech roared. “Remember your vow!”
Themas released her. “No need to,” he said, still looking at her. He winked and then turned to stare at the older knight. “I do not intend to remain a knight for much longer.”
“Excellent, for you certainly will not be after I report this incident to the Confraternity! Have you lost your senses along with all notions of propriety? What were you thinking …”
Ulrech’s dressing down faded to the back of Semras’ mind, pushed away to make space for the vast, cold emptiness she found in Estevan’s stare.
Nothing in his expression gave his thoughts away. His blank, icy blue eyes pierced right through her and then dimmed behind closing eyelids.
Inquisitor Velten looked away. “If that is your wish, Maldoza, then you shall be released from your vows once this is over,” he said, turning his back to watch out the window. “Until then, you are to escort us during a stealth mission. You need not prepare your belongings; Sin’Sagar is taking care of everything.”
“Let me prepare them myself,” Themas protested. “I don’t need—”
“No.” Inquisitor Velten sneered coldly. “You will do as I command until your vows are voided. We are departing shortly, and I shall tolerate no delay. As for you, Sir Ulrech, you know what to do during my absence. No one must know I am gone.”
“Again?” Groaning, the older knight pinched the bridge of his nose. “May I remind you that the last time I impersonated you, my lord—”
“Nimue ended up with child, I know. That is on you, var Hesser,” Estevan replied in a lighter tone. “I do not recall asking you for such a convincing act.”
