“Burning the midnight oil?” Masenak asked mockingly as he strolled down the aisle to where Sasha was kneeling beside Jeanne Palsan. “Tell me, are you going to take care of my horses as well as you do these sluts?” He gazed at Jeanne critically. “Frankly, I think she’s a lost cause. Does she have a fever?”

“Why do you think I’m here so late? She has a temperature and I’m trying to bathe her and bring it down.” She put a cool cloth on Jeanne’s forehead. “I asked the guards for more medicine, but they said they’d have to ask you. I’m asking you now. She’ll die and you won’t be able to get any ransom for her at all if she doesn’t get antibiotics.”

“I’ll think about it.” He shrugged. “After I used her in the event, she might not be worth nearly as much as before. Her parents might consider her damaged goods.”

Sasha had to grit her teeth to keep from lashing out at him. “You could be surprised. Not everyone regards victims as disposable.” The clock was ticking. She had to get him out of this tent in the next few minutes. “I don’t believe you came here tonight to tell me to stop treating Jeanne. Particularly if you think she’s not worth your while to save. Why are you here?”

“Actually, it was purely selfish. I care nothing about your little friend, but I don’t want you to become overtired caring for her. I want you to get a good night’s sleep.” He smiled. “Because tomorrow morning we’re going to go to the mountains, and I’ll let you do something of which I do heartily approve.” His eyes were glittering with excitement. “I received the video from my trainer. Your Chaos may make my future very profitable. I can just imagine that son of a bitch Reardon choking with rage when I take that race.”

That name again. “Reardon? I don’t know who you’re talking about.”

“You will very soon. In fact, the bastard may try to steal you from me if you perform well.” He looked down impatiently at Jeanne. “So get out of here and go get some sleep. She’s not worth bothering about. After you leave tomorrow, there won’t be anyone but the guards to look out for her anyway.”

“All the more reason for me to spend a little more time with her. I might be able to break the fever. Let me just spend another hour or so.”