Page 47 of Reaper Said Mine

"I once watched you disassemble a bomb because you were curious whether Helios timers used standardized wiring."

"They did."

"The bomb nearly killed six of us."

"Curiosity requires standards."

Skahar does not smile. "The Blood Feast is tomorrow. Theryki invited her because she wants movement. Gobold will watch for weakness. Wilcox will watch for casualties. Zune will watch through whatever eyes he purchased. Your station will watch you. If you let that human unsettle you in public, every predator in the room will smell it."

"Then I will not be unsettled."

"You watched a dead child’s town burn for nearly an hour and came out looking as if someone put claws under your ribs."

"That is private."

"Nothing is private for a ruler. You taught me that while refusing to let me die in peace."

I walk to the desk and pick up the cracked ceramic cup, though it is empty. My hand needs occupation. "She accepted the invitation knowing what a Blood Feast is."

"Perhaps she does not truly know."

"She knows enough to be warned."

"Knowing danger exists and meeting it at the table are different skills."

The memory of young Ursa’s voice returns, shaking and steady all at once. Civilians are between them. My mother was near the east shelter. I am still here.

"She will not run from a meal," I say.

Skahar’s gaze rests on me for several seconds. "No. I suspect she will not."

The admission pleases me more than it should.

I set the cup down carefully. "Order Vesk to keep her within guest protections tomorrow. No hovering obvious enough to insult her. No special treatment visible to the diplomats."

Skahar’s brow lifts. "Guest protections for all invitees already exist."

"Then I am repeating policy."

"You never repeat policy unless you are hiding preference."

"Your suspicion grows tedious with age."

"Your lies have not improved with command."

I bare my teeth, but there is little heat in it. "Tell Rikka to seat her where she can observe the high table."

"That is special treatment."

"It is useful placement for a reporter whose reactions may irritate Theryki."

"Ah, strategy has returned wearing a very thin cloak."

"Would you rather she sit among Coalition clerks and be bored to death before the second course?"

"I would rather you admit when a variable becomes a person in your mind."

I step close enough that most would retreat. Skahar merely tilts his head back and waits.