Jarek’s returning grin is vicious. “I’d hoped you were.”
“Seems both of us are disappointed, then.” His hazel-green eyes flip to me. “You keep bad company.”
“I’ve heard that once or twice before.” Who is this guy? He doesn’t look familiar, but Jarek obviously knows him. All I know is he’s attached to Atticus. Did he come out here to wait for us on his own, or was he instructed to? I guess we got off too easy.
“This is Kazimir, His Highness’s personal lackey,” Jarek answers my unspoken thoughts. “I’ve heard he washes Atticus’s ass crack for him on the daily.”
“Only when he asks nicely.” The male—Kazimir—holds his easy smile. A fa?ade, surely. “Who are you and what are you doing with a legionary in our city?”
I mock gasp. “Is that what he is? Why didn’t you tell me what you were?” I playfully smack Jarek’s forearm.
His jaw clenches. He’s never appreciated my charades. “I think you should be more worried about the mercenaries stationed in the windows across the street with their arrows pointed this way than a pretty female and her guard who want to leave. I doubt they’re here for us.”
Kazimir curses and shifts as if torn between checking Jarek’s claim and not letting us out of his sight.
“For real?” I whisper. I can’t see a thing in those windows, but I trust that Jarek can.
“I saw them there before I went in. Told you this was a bad idea.”
I yank on threads of Vin’nyla’s affinity, forming a solid shield in front of us.
Kazimir’s eyes widen, and I know mine are glowing silver, but I’m not getting shot by another arrow. Besides, with my mask on, he’ll never know who I am.
A cloaked form barrels out of the Goat’s Knoll in a rush then.
It’s Atticus.
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
ATTICUS
So many unfamiliar faces in the Goat’s Knoll tonight.
Or perhaps I never paid enough attention before. Any one of them could be plotting against my seat on the throne as we speak.
I steal a glance over my shoulder to Kazimir.
He jerks his chin out the door. There’s something out there that has interested him.
Fine, I say with a subtle nod. I can handle myself within these walls if needed.
Bexley’s thoughts are lost in a gold coin when I slide into the booth across from her, but she snaps out of her daze. “Back so soon?”
“What can I say? I missed you.”
“I wouldn’t think you’ve had time to miss anyone, as busy as you’ve been.”
I offer her a sly smile. “Aren’t you the one who told me to give them something to fear?”
“You’ve certainly done that. There isn’t a lord or a mortal who isn’t terrified. The only ones who seem content are the ones who wish to see you fall.” She feigns casualness, but I sense rippling tension in her. “The streets feel oddly vacant now that your Cirilean army is gone. When do you plan to catch up with them?”
“At dawn. It’s time these eastern soldiers heard the truth from their king, not lords who fill their heads with lies and lofty dreams.” Fates knows what Adley and the others promised them. Land? Wealth? A cure for the poison?
“And what will you do about Neilina?”
“I have to hope the forces there can keep her occupied until I lead the men from the east.” I hate relying on my brother, but if anyone can succeed, he will. “We will form a second front to assault those who do make it through.”
“And what are your plans for Ulysede?”
I should have known that name would reach her ears soon enough. She’s Bexley, after all. “How did you hear about that?”
“Not from you.” She taps the table with her coin. “Though you had the perfect opportunity to share those details.”
“So you could peddle them to the highest bidder?”
“Why are you here tonight?” She snaps. “What is it you wish to gain from me?”
She’s angry. That’s fine. I don’t have time to play games. “Who vies to take Lord Adley’s place, now that he and Lady Saoirse are locked up?” It’s not his son. They found his head the morning after Zander left, amongst the fallen bodies. I heard I have Abarrane to thank for that.
“I’m sure the list is long.”
“And which names are at the top?”
“Good question.”
“Stop toying with me.” My patience is running short. “Do not forget to whom you speak.”