Theira strode to the entryway, donning her work boots, casting a quick illusion so they matched her Battle Sorceress look, and flinging a cloak over her shoulders for dramatics.
Her cutthroat upbringing had duly impressed upon her how image created a perception of power, and she used every advantage she had.
“Wait.” Varius followed her. “They’re here for me.”
“Of course they are.” Theira raised her eyebrows. “Are you in any condition to fight off a sorcerous task force alone?”
She didn’t want him to focus on what he couldn’t do now that he’d gone rogue, but they didn’t have time for a long discussion here.
He stilled. “Sorcerous? Not Aurelian?”
Theira shrugged. “You’re a popular man.”
The legions he’d led had done more damage to Korossia and killed more sorceresses than any single other person in the empire. Caius Sobanus couldn’t possibly want him deader than Korossia did.
Varius cast her a look that was part amusement, part annoyance. “I suppose it’s easier for sorceresses to get here than for an Aurelian Empire cohort to cross the border unmolested.”
“Indeed. And Varius.” His gaze focused on hers as she held his stare. “You are my guest here. Allow me to resolve this small matter for you.”
Something passed through his gaze, and she hoped it wasn’t pity. Theira wanted to seemlessdesperate than she’d sounded over breakfast, not more.
She was retired, not broken. She could be all of herself now.
She hoped.
Then Varius smiled, and her whole body zinged with awareness.
“Well, far be it from me to keep you back from some light exercise,” he murmured. “Yell if I can help you dig some graves once you’re finished.”
Theira relaxed.
He still had faith in her.
She smirked at him before turning to the door.
She didn’t have long to wait until a woman called, “Former First-Tier Adept Theira! You are harboring a fugitive guilty of the highest crimes against Korossia. I am here to remove this burden from you. You may turn him over at once.”
Not even a knock. Her own former enemy had been more polite.
And if that was how Korossia was beginning this encounter, there was only one way for it to go.
“See?” Theira glanced over her shoulder. “Thehighestcrimes. So famous.”
Varius rolled his eyes. “You know what they say, murder is a fast way to make friends.” She held in a laugh. “Would you like me visible in the background for this?”
Theira’s chest eased further. As confident as she was, this challenge was the first big step for both of them in what came next, and she wasn’t sure where Varius stood. She didn’t thinkheknew where he stood, because he hadn’t begun to consider what could be possible.
He wasn’t with her. Not yet.
But he wasn’t working against her anymore. He wason her side. And that mattered more than she wanted to admit.
So she would take this step for both of them, and give him some reason to hope.
Her heart pounded in anticipation. She’d recognized the voice leading the task force, too, and it simplified things. Kryseia had no interest in being saved.
“Out of sight,” Theira said, “but feel free to watch the show. Toss me that mug?”
Varius sketched a bow with good humor and retreated. An empty mug sailed her way, and she caught it with magic.
