Fenris will let me know the moment Com learns anything new, I reminded myself as I hurried on toward my rooms. Even so, I couldn’t push aside the anxiety twisting in my gut, or the fear that something was about to go horribly wrong for my friends.

* * *

Despite the stressful morning, I felt my anxiety drop away as I watched Solantha recede, face pressed against the glass of the airship window. We were off to Dara without a hitch so far, and now I had to focus on getting through this trip as quickly as possible so I could be there for my friends.

“You’re very tense.” Iannis, who sat facing me, reached across and tugged me from my seat. I went willingly, allowing him to gather me onto his lap. He smelled faintly of roses this morning, and I buried my nose in the crook of his neck, inhaling the scent.

“Wandering in the gardens this morning?” I asked, pressing a kiss against his warm skin. “I didn’t think you had time.”

“I didn’t, but I wanted to check again and see if there were any clues we’d missed that could lead us to the assassin.” He stroked his big hand along the curve of my spine. “Is that why you’re still so tense?”

I shook my head. “No, I’m just worried about my friends. And that stupid interview this morning put me even more on edge.”

Iannis stilled. “Interview? Who did you speak to?”

I explained that Director Chen had scheduled a number of publicity interviews and meetings for me, and had cornered me into doing the first one that morning. When I told him how it had gone, and how I worried I’d made a fool of myself with Gena Chanie, he only sighed and kissed the top of my head.

“I will rein in Director Chen upon our return,” he promised, holding me a little tighter. “You are not ready to deal with the press yet, and she should know better. As for your interview this morning, I doubt you said anything damaging, but I will teach you how to handle them more smoothly on future occasions. You cannot simply blurt out the first thing that comes to mind when journalists ask you a question.”

“I know.” I scowled as I turned to look out the window again. “I fucked up. I get it.”

“I’m not blaming you.” Iannis’s fingers curled around my chin, and he turned my head so he could look into my eyes. There was annoyance in his violet gaze, but concern as well. “Though I do wish you’d told me about the interview last night.”

“Yeah, well, my mind was a little preoccupied after nearly being incinerated,” I reminded him as I poked a finger in his chest. “As was yours.”