But then why not? His lack of belief in the previous dynasty’s progeny seemed shortsighted when presented with the likes of Neve. The female had grit and grace and a quick mind.
“They’re nothing alike, Father, but they are warming to one another.”
“You said you’re staying with the rebels,” Lord Riis said. “What have you been doing while with them?”
“We went on heists with them to find the Frør Crown.” Arie’s chest puffed up. “I went with Thyra Falk. We didn’t find the Frør Crown in the vaults, but Neve and Vale did. Luccan was with them. Than with me.” At the mention of his younger brother’s name, Arie looked away. The spymaster recognized that tell. Something had happened with Thantrel.
“Are your brothers well?”
“Luccan is. Than is . . . Doing his best.”
What in the stars did that mean? He studied his son and could not reason out an answer, but as Thantrel wasalive, and Arie did not seem too concerned, he decided it was best to move on. They mustn’t be up here long. Saga would begin asking questions.
“You said vaults? As in, you robbed a coinary?” He had to work hard not to raise his voice. The rebels were outside, and the spymaster wanted as much time with his son as they’d grant him.
“We did. One in Avaldenn and the one in Bitra.” For the first time, Arie’s face flushed. “Foolish, I know, but it worked.”
“Odan, give me strength.” Lord Riis rubbed at his temples. “You’re lucky to be alive, Arie. You all are. Leprechauns are vicious towards thieves.”
“Forgive us for our stupidity?”
Lord Riis wasn’t sure that his son was repentant. He seemed far too pleased with himself, and part of the spymaster thought Arie had a right to be. The spymaster half expected this behavior from Thantrel. Luccan and Vale too, if the right circumstances presented themselves.
Arie was the levelheaded one. But to go on a heist for a fae he believed in was not only foolish—it was also brave. The spymaster could not fault him for that.
“There is nothing to forgive. You helped a friend, and that is what I’d expect of my sons. Now, moving on to Saga . . .” The spymaster cleared his throat. “Perhaps I should continue to House Balik with her and then rejoin you?”
“I fear if you arrive with the princess in Myrr, you may be detained to get back to us.”
“The Baliks have left court. I don’t think they’re loyal toMagnus, though you’re correct that they are rather law abiding. If the leprechauns?—”
“Who are you?” a sharp feminine voice cut him off. “Why are you outside my room!?”
“Hide,” Lord Riis said, but before his son could so much as try and shove himself under the bed, the door flew open.
Lord Riis sucked in a breath. The rebels wereblue. Frozen in place. Saga had used magic on them.
“Arie?” Saga asked, her face morphing from furious to curious as she took in his son, poised to shimmy under the bed. “What are you doing here?”
“I—uh. You should sit down, Princess.”
Saga’s lips parted, as if realizing that she was supposed to be in disguise, and she’d given herself away.
“He knows you too well for a wig to fool him, Saga.” Lord Riis said as she shut the door behind her.
“Well, that’s true. Who’s outside your door? They look shifty, but you do not seem bothered.”
“They’re with Arie.” Lord Riis looked at his son. The truth was about to come out, and he thought it was best if Arie told it.
“I’ll tell you, but unfreeze them first?” Arie asked. “I’d rather they not die.”
“Everything but their feet and ankles.” With a wave of her hand, Saga did as she said, and Arie began telling Saga what he’d told Lord Riis. The princess’s expression grew more incredulous by the second.
“Where are Vale, Neve, and the others now?” Saga asked.
“Valrun Castle,” Ariereplied.
The spymaster’s stomach dropped. “But it’s cursed.”
