“We were just finishing,” Vi said before Euclan could get a word in. “Thank you for your hard work, sir. We’ll meet again in two days’ time as normal.”
“Fiarum Evantes.”
“Kotun un nox.”
Luke stepped to the side, allowing Euclan to pass. The two exchanged a nod, but little other indication of formality. Vi appreciated the fact. She didn’t want to see Luke too friendly with anyone who came in and out of the castle.
“You say it well,” Luke said.
“Say what well?”
“That colloquialism of Mhashan.”
Vi picked up her mug and took a sip. The kaha had gone cold. But she wanted to keep her mouth busy for a moment to think through what to say next. “I am Western.”
“No red-blooded Mhashanese would ever call themselves Western,” Luke replied with a dangerous edge to his voice.
“What do you want?”
“Where would I find Lord Ophain at this time of day?”
“Lord Ophain?” Vi repeated. “Why?”
“Is it common for guards to question nobles on their business?”
“Only in the interest of castle security,” she replied.
“Do you think I’m a threat?” He smiled thinly.
She’d lose either way. If she said no, she passed up the opportunity to question him further. If she said yes, he’d know she had some idea about the role he might be looking to play.
“The son of the illustrious Lord Twintle and a former Knight of Jadar? Of course I don’t think you’re a threat.” Vi set her mug down lightly, resisting the urge to throw it at his smug face. “This way, please.”
She led him into the castle and wound upward through the staircases and long hallways to the royal chambers. There was an audience room at the start done entirely in crimson trimmings and bright red lacquered wood. Vi sat Luke down there, stationing a guard at the door to keep an eye on him before she went and got Ophain herself.
“My Lord, forgive me for troubling you so early.” Vi dipped into a low bow as Ophain answered his door. “Lord Twintle’s son has come calling for you.”
“Ah, yes, that is this morning.” Ophain looked back into his room where food still sat out amid a mess of papers.
“I’ve placed him in the sitting room. Do take your time, my lord. He’ll be comfortable while he waits.”
“Thank you, Yullia.” Ophain smiled at her. It was a wide, toothy expression. Whenever he smiled, all similarities with her father vanished.
“You’re welcome.”
Vi dismissed herself, but rather than heading back to Luke, she trusted the guard to do his job and instead headed for Deneya’s office. She didn’t like the fact that Luke was here, and if anyone would have a clue as to why, it’d be Deneya.
She knocked on Deneya’s door and waited. Then knocked again when there was no reply. Vi checked her watch. It was late for the woman not to have arrived yet. Luke’s presence was making her paranoid and Vi’s mind ran through every possibility of misfortune that could’ve befallen Deneya before she showed up.
“You had me worried.” The words burst from Vi as she nearly ran the length of the hall to the woman who’d just emerged from the spiral stairwell. Deneya blinked at her, startled.
“Worried? Why?” Deneya glanced around before adding under her breath, “And aren’t you usually the worrisome one?”
“Exactly, don’t take my title.” Vi fell into step beside the woman. “Now, unlock your office, I have something I need to ask you.”
“Say please.” Deneya stopped at the door, grinning at her.
“Please,” Vi said sweetly, batting her eyelashes.
