A little thrown, he shook his head, even though the cut on his ribs smarted.
This time, Ivan betrayed him. “He got a slice on the ribs.”
Carver threw him a glare.
Amryn immediately looked toward his side, but Carver caught hold of her wrist, squeezing gently. “I’m fine,” he assured her. “I’ve gotten deeper scratches from Fowler’s mutt.”
Amryn didn’t look fully convinced, but she let it go—at least for now, while they had an audience. But she held his gaze as she whispered, “I’m sorry he hurt you.”
He brushed a loose curl behind her ear. “Let’s go find Jayveh.”
Then they could begin to put this night behind them.
Returning to the bright bonfires and glittering opulence of the emperor’s ball was jarring. The music and laughter sounded harsh after everything. Carver’s fingers twined with Amryn’s, keeping them connected as they made their way to the dais that had been set up for the emperor and Jayveh. They were still receiving well-wishers.
Carver knew he and Amryn were drawing a few looks. The dark color of his uniform hid the streak of blood on his side, but both of them were streaked with dirt they hadn’t been able to easily brush off. He hardly cared. His thoughts whirled.
Amryn had told him everything that had happened as they made their way back to the gardens. He couldn’t be sorry Jamir was dead. Even if he might have had valuable information about the Rising—and the elusive Rowan—he was first and foremost a man who had abused his niece and nephews for years. The traitor deserved his fate. And while he was surprised by Janson’s defection, he was much more worried about what the Rising’s leader wanted with Amryn. And the complications Tam would surely create.
Saints, he understood why Amryn had wanted to capture Tam, but fear coated every breath as Carver thought about the danger that woman posed to his wife. Bloodstone or not, an accusation could prove deadly.
Determination filled him. He would not allow that to happen.
The emperor and Jayveh stood at the top of a raised dais, guards lining the space and keeping a close eye on those who came forward to congratulate the emperor—and Jayveh—on the new heir she carried.
They climbed the steps of the dais, bypassing the line of nobles. The guards gave him deferential nods, which he returned a little more curtly. The emperor and Jayveh were seated a few paces apart, allowing the court’s elite to linger with each of them for a few moments of conversation.
Carver was unsurprised to see High Cleric Lisbeth still hovering near the emperor’s side. His father stood behind the emperor’s chair, obviously not inclined to wander far when the Rising was active in the palace. The emperor hadn’t been a target tonight, but Cregon Vincetti was not a man to take chances.
He spotted Carver and Amryn. After a cursory glance that must have assured him they were unscathed, he cracked a small and relieved smile. When he saw them move toward Jayveh, Cregon bent to whisper in the emperor’s ear.
Jayveh noticed their approach and politely excused herself from the conversation she was having with a noblewoman. Hector moved in to smooth her exit, freeingJayveh to step away. She met Carver and Amryn at the back of the dais, and Cregon joined them almost immediately.
They kept their report short, their quiet words insulated between them due to the music and conversation that filled the garden. While it was clear Cregon had plenty of questions for Carver, he was willing to ask them later.
Jayveh was shocked to learn of her uncle’s death, but her focus was—understandably—on Tam. “I want to see her,” she said. “Now.”
“She was dosed with a sleeping drug,” Carver said. “She’ll be unconscious for a while longer.”
Steel entered Jayveh’s eyes. “I need to know the moment she’s awake.”
“I’d like to handle her questioning alone,” Carver said. When Jayveh would have protested, he added, “She’s afraid of me. I can use that to learn whatever she knows.”
When the princess still hesitated, Amryn said, “If you’re there, she’s only going to taunt you. Let Carver get the truth from her.”
Cregon placed a hand on Jayveh’s arm. “Your time to confront her can come later, Princess.”
Jayveh’s throat bobbed as she swallowed, but she finally agreed. She looked at Carver. “I want her questioned the moment she wakes.”
He merely nodded.
Hector approached. “Your Highness, if you’re able to return to your duties . . .”
Jayveh glanced back to the line, easily spotting the crowd that had grown during her short break. Near the front of the line were Rix and Torin. Both men were eyeing them, expressions inscrutable but postures stiff.
“I’ll be right there,” Jayveh told the emperor’s steward.
Hector bowed his head and retreated.
