“Are you plotting against the Princess Royal?”

“No, Commander.”

Once again, it was the truth.

“Do you know of any plots against me or Princess Elani?”

“On my honor, Commander, I don’t.”

“Did you know that your man, Corporal Caem, has been sending reports to parties suspected of plotting against me?”

“No, Commander.”

Klia seemed genuinely relieved as she looked at Thero and said, “That’s enough.”

The wizard broke the spell and caught the knife. “Would you like me to leave?”

“No. You and Major Myrhini will be my witnesses.” Klia turned back to Danos. “I’m sorry to tell you that Caem is a traitor. He’s been including reports on my movements and actions in letters you send to your father.” She paused, letting that sink in.

“My—my father?” Danos was white to the lips now, and swaying. Myrhini quickly guided him to a stool by the map table and poured him a cup of water.

Danos accepted it with trembling hands but did not drink as he looked up at Klia. “By the Four, Commander. What does my father have to do with this?”

“That’s what I’m trying to ascertain.” Klia sat down beside him and took his hand. “I’m relieved that you’re not involved, Danos. You’re one of my best, and most honorable.”

Despite her kind words, he still looked poleaxed. “I’ll resign my commission, of course—”

“You’ll do nothing of the sort. You will remain as my officer, and you’ll say nothing of anything you’ve heard here tonight to anyone, and most especially not to your father. That’s an order, Captain. Do you understand?”

“About not saying anything? Of course. But why would you want me under your command, knowing my father’s shame?”

“Nothing has been proven, Danos. And you are not your father or his deeds. In all the time you’ve served with me, I’ve never known you to commit a dishonest act. If I didn’t respect that, I wouldn’t be much of a commander. Can you continue to serve me wholeheartedly?”

The young man’s voice was unsteady as he huskily replied, “To my last drop of blood, Commander. To Bilairy’s gate!”

Klia clapped him on the shoulder. “That’s good enough for me.”

Danos drew a deep breath, trying to recover his composure. “But what do I say to the riders about Caem? He’s popular among them.”

“That he was caught spying,” Klia replied. “I’m sending him directly to the general. You’ll come as well, and I will vouch for you. Wait for me outside. Go with him, Myrhini.”

“Do you need me to come with you and offer evidence?” asked Thero when the others had gone out. “I can’t go back yet. I have to rest before I can cast the translocation again.”