Tycho looks down and offers half a smile. “Nora will be so disappointed.”
“I think your cat has more sense than she does,” I say.
That makes his smile a full one. “Nora seems to be enjoying her lessons with Verin.”
I snort. “More than I am,” I say without thinking. Then I catch myself. “I mean—she’s not—”
“Oh, I know what you mean.” Now his smile turns into a grin. “She’s a good sparring partner if you don’t mind the bruises. When I was younger, Lia Mara tried to nudge us together, but it only took me five minutes to figure out that Nolla Verin will never be happy unless she finds someone as ruthless as she is. That isdefinitelynot me.”
His tone makes me smile. “I don’t think it’s anyone.” The cat begins to wind through my own ankles, and I glance down, realizing how much time has passed. “I should go after Nora.”
He nods. “I should check on my soldier.”
As I move away, he calls after me. “Callyn. One thing.”
I stop in the hallway and turn. “What?”
The smile is gone from his face, and his eyes are cool and analytical again. “Prince Rhen told me that Lord Alek was released to return to Syhl Shallow. Has he caused any issues for you and your sister?”
I’m glad I’ve moved away, because I’m able to keep any hint of surprise off my face. “No,” I say, and I’m worried my voice sounds a bit breathy. I clear my throat. “No issues at all.”
“For the king and queen?” he presses.
I shake my head quickly. “No. Nothing.”
I hold my breath, wondering if he’s going to press, but he simply nods, then lets the door fall closed, heading in the opposite direction.
As I walk, I consider what I’ve learned. Because he’s right that the gossip is surprising. If the king and queen both knew he was here and the reason for his arrival, there likely wouldn’t be gossip at all. But I felt the weight of secrets between us. He has information he’s not sharing—though he obviously doesn’t have to tell me. I wonder if he’d tell the queen, or if his loyalty is to King Grey.
I hate that I’m thinking about them as being on separate sides.
When I reach the arena, Verin and Nora are sparring with practice blades, and I’m shocked at how much my sister has learned in such a short time. General Solt said that I looked just like my mother, but it’s Nora whomoveslike her. From a distance, she doesn’t look twelve at all, and if I didn’t know any better, I’d say she was one of the recruits I train with when I join Jacob in the mornings. She’s quick and agile, and it’s clear she loves what she’s doing.
As I watch, however, Verin notices me by the railing, and something in her gaze darkens. I feel a clench in my gut, and I wish I could shake it off. It makes me think of Alek’s suspicions—and now, it makes me think of what Tycho said.
Nolla Verin will never be happy unless she finds someone as ruthless as she is.
He meant it as a point of humor. But just this moment, combined with what Alek said about the former queen and the way Verin was raised to take her place, it feels like a warning.
CHAPTER 27
TYCHO
Malin doesn’t answer when I knock, and I can’t help the twinge of disappointment in my chest. The hall guards say he hasn’t called for food yet either, so it’s possible he’s still sleeping. I return to my quarters to wait, though it’s beginning to feel like a cell. The king’s sharp censure from after we arrived has been twisting like a spike in my chest, and nothing I do will displace it. I have half a mind to retrieve Mercy from the stables and ride straight back to Ironrose.
But no. That would land me in a worse position than I’m in already.
Callyn didn’t specifically say there were difficulties between the king and queen, but I’m not an idiot. I saw where the king was staying—and if rumors are flying like this, then it means he and Lia Mara might not bespeaking. A horrible curiosity tugs at my heart—though I’m not sure where to find answers, especially if they haven’t even spoken about my presence here.
Grey ordered me to keep to myself. He didn’t specifically mention the queen, but if he’s at odds with Lia Mara, does that mean I should keep my distance as well? What about Jake and Noah? Considering whatI’ve learned, I’m not sure if I should risk it—especially since I have no idea who might be working with the Truthbringers, and who might be working with Xovaar.
But I’m not one to sit idle, and it doesn’t take long before I reallydostart thinking about sneaking out of here. When a knock sounds at my door near sunset, I practically leap at it.
I swing the door wide. It’s not Malin. It’s Noah.
He smiles when he sees me, and his brown eyes are warm. “Hey, kid. I heard you were back.”
If anyone else were at my door, I’d be steadfast and cool. But Noah knows all my vulnerabilities, and everything about the past week seems to hit me at once. The hundreds of soldiers. The uniform Rhen made me wear. Malin binding my hands, and the threats at the guard station. My magic in the air. The scravers hunting magesmiths.
