“You said it yourself—you’re just a handmaiden,” I said. “Now, talk. You recognized those men.”
She stared at me for a long while before answering. “I do. We knew each other in another life—do you think Reese is helping them, too?”
“Considering they want him dead, I’m inclined to think not.”
“They’re old friends of his. He and I were lovers. Put the pieces together.”
My eyes flicked across her face, trying to decide if she was lying. Easing off on the dagger, I leaned back on the balls of my feet. “You're familiar with them. You might know what their plan is.”
“I don’t.” Bláth brushed my dagger from her throat. “There’s no reason for Solhearts to steal Paragon weapons. They cannot wield them.” Her eyes darkened. “I do know one thing, though. Quinn is no lord.”
Lowering my blade, I scanned the woman below me. Her vest revealed deep cleavage. A piece of beautiful embroidered silk peeked out from below her bodice. Grabbing its corner, I yanked it loose and stepped off her.
“Hey!” Bláth tried to grab me and missed.
“What’s this?” I asked, shaking it out.
It was a handkerchief, embroidered with initials. ‘B.A.’
Brighid Astartus, no doubt. Her master.
“That’s . . . ” Bláth propped herself up on her elbows. “My lady’s favor.”
“Seems like you value it.” I tucked it into my pocket. “I’ll hold onto this until I decide I can trust you.”
“Oh? And what gives you that right?”
“You appeared in Gwynford without reason. You keep staring at my sister. And your friends are going to try and kill her.” I smoothed down my vest. “Tell me. Why should I trust you?”
Standing, Bláth leaned toward me. “Whatever the truth, I’m not your enemy.”
“So you admit you’re keeping your real motives hidden?”
“Aren’t you?” She tilted her head. “I saw what you did during the battle. I saw the dead walk again.” She paused. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
My hands curled into fists, but I said nothing.
What could I possibly say in my defense?
“So.” Bláth brushed my cloak aside and reached into my vest pocket. She pulled out my handkerchief—a gift from Mare. “Sounds like we both have secrets.No?” With a smirk, she slid it snugly into her bosom.
“Sounds like we do,” I agreed, every muscle in my body tensed.
She gave me a sweet smile. “Good. Now, let’s go stop a heist.”
Chapter 27
Mare
I’d thought Reese had looked frightening when he faced down a dragon, conjuring walls of flame and hails of swords.
Apparently, his battle rage was nothing compared to the sheer fury emanating from his clenched jaw when Ferris explained he slipped away to see a girl.
I took a step back while the prince finished his story, in case Reese erupted. Shifting my gaze, I studied Diar, the woman I’d crossed paths with briefly in Kentoro. She and I had brushed hands, and something inexplicable had followed.
Her turquoise blue eyes met mine, and a similar curiosity shone within them.
Ferris took a breath once he finished talking. Rubbing his forehead, Reese exhaled like a disappointed father.
