Who the hell was Glenn?
My teeth ground. I knew this damn rogue was one of them: the assassins who'd killed the Emperor.
Quinn, or 'Glenn,' beckoned for Father to rise. "Siotha has come home. You must have heard the news about Paragon Ishii."
"Yes." Father stood. "We've begun arrangements to pass the bow on."
"Already?" Quinn furrowed his brow. "Does not tradition state the old Paragon must be properly buried before a new wielder may be chosen?'
"Unfortunately, we don't have the time for traditions."
"Nonsense. In times like these, tradition matters most of all. Let it slip away now, and it will be gone forever." Quinn lowered his voice. "A funeral is but a day. A day that will not save the forest if the trees are meant to fall."
Tradition was Father's favorite thing, just behind telling me I was a disappointment.
Quinn was playing him. Father folded like a piece of parchment.
"You're right, Lord Seradh." Father nodded. "I will send word to postpone the inheritance." His gaze finally turned to me.
His deep blue eyes scrutinized me. Lines on his face, formed from years of scowling, creased deeper.
"Ah." Quinn smiled at me. "I ran into your daughter—" He paused. "Runaway daughter, I presume—during my journey. I figured I ought to bring her home."
"Yes." Father's voice had a harsh edge. "You have my thanks."
He was going to destroy me later.
"I will see to her from here. She isn't worth your time." Father gestured to the butler who'd been hiding in the shadow of the door.
I glared at Quinn, waiting for him to bring up the Solheart assassins. The butler grabbed my arm, leading me toward the stairs.
The Solheart rogue offered me a faint smile and remained silent.
"Father," I called. "Solheart assassins tried to kill the Aenir king a few days back. The same ones who killed the Emperor—and Akemi."
Father glowered at me.
"Ask him—he was there." I nodded at Quinn.
He turned back to my father. "She has an active imagination. Assassins did strike at Aenir's king, but we didn't get a good look at them."
Of course, Quinn's promise had been a lie. Why had I trusted him to tell the truth?
I yanked my arm from the butler's hold. "You snake."
"Diar!" Father snapped, mortified that I would dare insult a Solheart. "Take her to her room."
"Oh, no need," Quinn interjected. "I quite enjoyed her company. If she needs watching, I'd be more than happy to guard her. After all, I have nothing to do until it's time to choose Siotha's new master."
I'd been planning to throw myself at the Solheart and strangle him, but I paused.
Why did he want to remain with me? What in the endless sea was this man planning?
"I—" Father hesitated, stupefied by Quinn's claim. "Of course, my lord. If that is your wish."
"It is." Quinn flicked his hand, ordering the butler away. He stood before me, gazing down with a curious light in his eye.
I'd never been able to read people. I had no idea what he was thinking.
