Which of you gave the word to kill Klia? wondered Seregil. It was interesting to see the two men together like this; the friendship between them appeared genuine, rather than coerced through blackmail. Reltheus might be a better dissembler than Seregil had assumed. That, or he didn’t know that Kyrin had the letter. Perhaps it was being held in reserve, in case the duke needed a little extra encouragement at some point?

“It must be difficult for her, with him off at war,” said Alec, glancing Elani’s way; she was still talking with Commander Orin.

“Oh, yes.” Reltheus noticed the pair, and the hint of a frown threatened. “Yes, indeed. Excuse me, gentlemen.”

He and Kyrin drifted away to Elani’s side of the room and soon captured the conversation.

“Determined, aren’t they?” noted Alec.

“I wonder if Elani is as taken with Danos as they’d like?” Seregil replied softly, taking in the look of annoyance Orin was giving the duke. “And even though Danos was proven innocent by a truth knower, having his aide turn out to be a spy right under his nose may tarnish his luster at court.”

As the rain continued, everyone was called upon for a song or story to pass the time, then gaming tables were brought in and most of them settled down to play. Seregil found himself paired with the supercilious count who’d insulted him during the island picnic trip. Everyone played for wagers, and Seregil soon made quite a bit of money. Tolin paid up in a huff and left the table, making way for a pretty lady-in-waiting who was far friendlier, and a bit flirtatious.

Meanwhile, Alec and Elani had retreated to a corner and were playing some card game on a small table, heads together and chatting.

“You’re far too good at this to be a proper courtier!” Elani teased as Alec claimed another trick and discarded his last card.

“Will I be banished?” he asked, smiling.

“No, not if you’ll play another round with me.”

“Oh, dear. I suppose I must, then. Same again?”

She nodded and he dealt the cards. As they each gathered and sorted their hand, Alec said, “That Orin is a handsome fellow, in his uniform and all.”

“Shame on you, Lord Alec, looking at other men!”

“One can at least look, don’t you think? You seemed quite charmed by him.”

She rolled her eyes at that, reminding him very much of Illia Cavish. “Mama is charmed. I’m polite.”

“Then Captain Danos has little to worry about?”

She blushed prettily as she went back to sorting her cards. “I suppose it’s common knowledge that I—like him?”

“I’m afraid so.” Alec chuckled, glad that she seemed at ease talking about it with him. “You met hunting, or so I heard.”