“I can’t. We don’t own a carriage and even if we did, I would have to cross Ashen Bridge, and no carriage is allowed on it without a permit. Not to mention that no matter what carriage we hire, the driver will be working for the Shears.”
It didn’t matter where we got the carriage. The driver would answer to Solentine. If we insisted on putting our driver in it, they would sabotage it in some way.
“The Shears have the necessary permits,” he countered.
“Solentine hates unknowns, and right now I’m a frightening unknown. His people will disappear me, and when you call him on it, he will be terribly remorseful. He’ll offer his regrets and tell you that what’s done is done and the two of you should move past it.”
Everard focused on me. I had never been sighted through the scope of a sniper rifle, but I’d bet it would feel exactly like that. I clenched my hands into fists under the table. Holding his gaze was really difficult.
“What are you scheming, Maggie?”
The man had some sort of sixth sense. I had given him absolutely no indication that I would do anything except go to the Citadel, but somehow, he had sensed that there was more to it.
I looked right into those green eyes and said quietly, but with as much force as I could scrape together, “I’m trying to stop the Butcher, and I want to save a woman’s life. You may not have meant your oath to save Matheo and to stop what’s coming, but I did. I meant every word. I do not want to see this city burn.”
I needed to put him on the defensive.
“When I give my promise, it is cast in stone,” he said, carving each word out.
“I swore I would see this through.”
And yesterday morning I would’ve believed him with all my heart. But not today.
“It’s in my best interests, Maggie. I need Rellas to correct its course to keep Selva safe.”
Have you thought of allying with Goryni? I hear Omelyana is a rare talent . . .
“Then let me try to save Eliarde. The brothers are loyal to their father and Gort is loyal to you. I have no plans of walking up to the nearest guard and telling him the Sleepless Duke is hiding out in a deceased slaver’s house by the river. But if I tried, either Will or Lute are perfectly capable of stopping me.”
Everard frowned. He looked so much like the old Reynald.
Damn it.
“Even if the Butcher is prowling the streets instead of licking his wounds, he has no idea what either Lute or I look like,” I said. “You can’t go. Neither the Magnars nor Clover can get into the Citadel, but I can. I still have Berengur’s crest. He will remember me. This is our best option.”
Everard looked at Lute. “Escort her and bring her back here unharmed.”
Lute nodded and jumped to his feet.
“You can finish breakfast,” I told him.
He sat back down.
Across the table, Everard leaned back in his chair, thinking. He looked cold and regal right now, like some dark monarch contemplating an invasion.
“Be careful in the Citadel. Take care of yourself.”
There was genuine care in his voice.Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice . . .
“I’m always careful.”
He slid something across the table. A small copper den.
“Your lucky coin.”
“I don’t want it anymore.” I looked at Clover. “Once we finish breakfast, please help me get dressed. I must look like a noble today. The more highborn, the better.”
Clover bowed her head. “With pleasure, my lady.”
