“Teenagers,” I clarify.
“That’s sweet.”
“I’m going to need your help with something,” I say in a conspiratorial tone.
She perks up at that, her eyes widening slightly. “Anything.”
“Help her fit in? Her family was newly noble. She may need some assistance so she looks like she belongs.” I’m not worried about Anya. While I worked behind the scenes, she was in the field. She’s lived a thousand lives already, traveled all over the empire. She can blend in anywhere.
I am worried about Antonia. She’s chasing power. Making her think she’s my confidant may gain me her loyalty. At least for now.
“Of course,” she says.
“I couldn’t ask for anyone better by my side.” I offer my hand, unsure if she wants to be touched. She takes it and I give her a squeeze. “Thank you.”
We spend the rest of the day sipping hot chocolate and catching Anya up on the court gossip over cards. She gets along with the other ladies, and it’s hard to believe she is just a rebellion kid like me.
She stays behind after the others leave, and as soon as the door closes, she passes me a piece of paper.
“From Lee. I sort of visited him after you stopped by.” She winces. “I’m sorry. I was worried about you. He gave me this just in case I saw you again.”
I open the note, read it, then crumple it into a ball. Rage burns in my chest.
How could he do this?
Thirty-Four
I readthe note several more times. This has to be a mistake.
Change of plans. Keep them alive.
Something happened. Something changed. “What is he thinking?” I cross the room to the fireplace and toss the paper in.
Anya grabs the poker and stokes the fire until the paper is nothing but ashes.
I stare at the flames as I repeat his note over and over:Change of plans. Keep them alive.
She returns the poker to its place. “I asked him that when he gave me the note.”
“And? What did he say?” I glance over at her.
“He said there’s a plan.”
“But he wouldn’t tell you?”
Her shoulders slump. “They still don’t trust me.”
I ball my hands into fists. “After everything you did for them?”
She touches my arm. “It’s alright. I left. I’m not part of it anymore. They don’t have to trust me.”
“But you are. By coming here, you’re involved again,” I say.
“It’s not the same. I’m not here for them. I’m here for you. I might not be the fighter I was, but I’ve been getting better. I think I could do it again if I had to.”
“You don’t have to be. I’ve got this under control.” I sigh, then drop onto the couch. “At least I did.”
Anya sits next to me.
