Page 97 of Ruling the Green

What about what brought him joy and peace?

I mean, not that I was claiming to bring him those things, but I hoped I helped him be able to unwind a little and think of something other than his relentless aspirations.

Once the announcer was done with his speech, the sword fighters lined up to get ready for their turns.

Jet leaned over, his lips near my ear, “You okay?”

I gave him a small nod as I reached for my water and tried not to watch Grimwood, to make it obvious I was observing him. I didn’t want anyone to be able to point out my behavior as suspect.

So I sipped my water, I watched the sword fighting, I occasionally glanced around at the crowd and the people gathered in the tables around ours.

Grimwood’s wine remained untouched, even as the last sword fight finished and the archers lined up with their bows in front of targets.

Eventually, servants milled around, bringing trays of fresh fruit, vegetables, and nuts around to each table.

Anticipation sizzled as I watched Grimwood reach to put some rations on his plate, picking at them.

He would reach for that wine eventually.

If only—

“Problem,” Vishen said, leaning between mine and Jet’s faces so no one else could hear him.

“What kind? This is not a good place for this,” Jet said, barely moving his lips.

“She’s gone.”

“Who is gone?”

My pulse stuttered at Vishen’s next words.

“The laundress. Nira went to give her more Bellhush… and she was gone.”

“That’s not possible.” Jet’s demeanor hadn’t changed, but I could hear the tension in his voice. “It was barred from the outside.”

“Which can only mean someone on the outside freed her,” Vishen agreed.

My stomach flipped as my gaze slid toward Grimwood, only to find him already watching me.

Did he know?

Had he made one of his men go into the palace while everyone was distracted and snatch the laundress back? Had her Bellhush worn off? Was she talking? What did he know?

“Send Nira to look around for her. But tell her to be careful. And to check back every twenty minutes. If she doesn’t, go find her.”

“I can’t leave—”

“If she doesn’t come, find her,” Jet cut him off.

With that, Vishen stepped back.

There were a million things I wanted to say to Jet, but I couldn’t be caught with my lips moving. Not when things were so tense. When there was so much left to lose.

I glanced again at Grimwood, but he was deep in conversation with the man seated next to him. To keep myself from being too obvious, I forced myself to watch the archers take their turns showing off their skills.

It felt like hours stretched as the archers moved away and the ax throwers stepped into their places.

I was just starting to really get into the displays of strength and skill when Vishen leaned in toward Jet again. I thought nothing of it for a moment. But then I felt Jet stiffen beside me.