Monza snapped her mouth shut. There was no planning for this. Nicomo Cosca, the very definition of an unpredictable development. Still, a plan too brittle to bend with circumstances is worse than no plan at all. “My congratulations, then, General Cosca,” she managed to grate. “But my offer still stands. Gurkish gold in return for your services to Duke Rogont—”

“Ah.” Cosca winced, sucking air through his teeth. “Tiny little problem there, unfortunately. I already signed a new engagement with Grand Duke Orso. Or with his heir, to be precise, Prince Foscar. A promising young man. We’ll be moving against Ospria just as Faithful Carpi planned, prior to his untimely demise.” He poked at the air with his forefinger. “Putting paid to the League of Eight! Taking the fight to the Duke of Delay! There’s plenty to sack in Ospria. It was a good plan.” Agreeing mutters from the captains. “Why work out another?”

“But you hate Orso!”

“Oh, I despise him utterly, that’s well known, but I’ve nothing against his money. It’s the exact same colour as everybody else’s. You should know. He paid you enough of it.”

“You old cunt,” she said.

“You really shouldn’t talk to me that way.” Cosca stuck his lips out at her. “I am a mature forty-eight. Besides, I gave my life for you!”

“You didn’t fucking die!” she snarled.

“Well. Rumours of my death are often exaggerated. Wishful thinking, on the part of my many enemies.”

“I’m beginning to know how they feel.”

“Oh, come, come, whatever were you thinking? A noble death? Me? Very much not my style. I mean to go with my boots off, a bottle in my hand and a woman on my cock.” His eyebrows went up. “It’s not that job you’ve come for, is it?”

Monza ground her teeth. “If it’s a question of money—”

“Orso has the full support of the Banking House of Valint and Balk, and you’ll find no deeper pockets anywhere. He’s paying well, and better than well. But it’s not about the money, actually. I signed a contract. I gave my solemn word.”

She stared at him. “When have you ever cared a shit about your word?”

“I’m a changed man.” Cosca pulled a flask from a back pocket, unscrewed it and took a long swig, never taking his amused eyes from her face. “And I must admit I owe it all to you. I’ve put the past behind me. Found my principles.” He grinned at his captains, and they grinned back. “Bit mossy, but they should polish up alright. You forged a good relationship with Orso. Loyalty. Honesty. Stability. Hate to toss all your hard work down the latrine. Besides, there’s the soldier’s first rule to consider, isn’t there, boys?”

Victus and Andiche spoke in unison, just the way they’d used to, before she took the chair. “Never fight for the losing side!”

Cosca’s grin grew wider. “Orso holds the cards. Find a good hand of your own, my ears are always open. But we’ll stick with Orso for now.”