Rilla stared at Zanna. “Don’t hurt?—”
Kurtz clamped a hand over her mouth and crouched with her, low and hidden by the desk. Cole wrapped his arm around Mistel’s waist and tugged her against the sideboard with him. His touch steadied her. She eyed the cut on his side and wanted to say something, but the scrape of the door drew her attention.
Verdot entered, arms full of scrolls, and halted mid-stride. “Rilla?”
Zanna stepped away from the wall and slammed the door behind him. “I smelled smoke,” she said coolly.
Mistel held her breath as Verdot looked Zanna up and down. “Miss Anna. Are you starting your shift? Or just coming off?”
“I’m finished with Ice Island.”
Verdot chuckled nervously. “Ah, well, as you can see, it’s very late. I’m just tidying up. Do have a good evening. If you need something, come back tomorrow when?—”
“You won’t be here tomorrow.” Cole stepped out from behind the shelf, a fierceness in his gaze that stirred Mistel’s heart.
“Master Tanniyn.” A vein bulged in Verdot’s forehead as he watched Cole cross the office. “The hour is quite late.”
Cole edged past Verdot, opened the door, and stuck his head out.
“This is most irregular,” Verdot said.
Cole turned, beaming as he stood just on the outside of the door. He spread his arms wide and said, “He’s here.”
Verdot frowned and peeked past Cole. “Who?”
“The king has a message for you. He says, ‘Put to the test, you have failed to meet his standards.’”
Verdot blinked, his jaw working as he stammered, “Th-the k-king? Here?”
“Standing right beside me,” Cole said, smirking. “Due to the runes, he can’t see inside your office, but don’t worry. I’ve told him everything.”
Verdot’s frown deepened as his gaze swept out the door.
Mistel looked too, biting back a grin at Cole, standing alone. Oh, but she loved a bit of drama. While she never wanted to return to the Veil, she wished she could see Achan right now.
“His Highness is in the Veil, Master Amal,” Cole said.
Verdot’s lips parted, but no sound came out. His gaze darted wildly around Cole, and as the weight of Cole’s words settled, the color drained from his face. The scrolls he held slipped. He struggled to keep hold of them, but several tumbled to the floor. He stepped back, using one foot to keep them from rolling, and bumped into Zanna. He jumped.
Mistel had to press her lips together to keep from laughing. Verdot Amal looked every inch the guilty villain.
Kurtz popped to his feet in one swift motion, hauling Rilla upright, one hand still clamped over her mouth. “I caught the arsonist,” he said. “Shall we have her thrown in prison? It’s just a quick dogsled ride away.”
Verdot straightened his coat, sweat glistening on his brow. “Oh. Yes. Yes, of course.” His gaze flicked from Rilla to the half-burnt scrolls and back again. Then the hunx turned on his partner in crime. “Woman, what are you doing in my office?”
Rilla wrenched free of Kurtz’s hand. “Helping you destroy evidence, you fool. And don’t think for a moment you’ll pin all this on me. I know everything, and I’m happy to sell my secrets to the highest bidder.”
From just outside the door, Cole chuckled. “The king has offered one rutah. Anyone care challenge him?”
Zanna crossed her arms.
Mistel tapped her chin. “I’d bid, but I left my coin purse with my other cloak.”
“You won’t get a penny out of me,” Kurtz said flatly.
Cole shrugged. “Looks like the king wins. He says he’s listening, Miss Vandy.”
Verdot took a step toward the door, but Zanna blocked him, blade gleaming. “You’d best stay put.”
