Powerless as she’d become around Maram, I had not forgotten what she did to my family. What she was capable of doing to me. I had not forgotten that she had the king’s ear. And what I’d learned of her past only supported what I knew of her—she was ruthless, vicious, and willing to do anything in order to ascend.

I sank to my knees just as the door slid open. Nadine wore her customary black dress with its stiff high collar and sleeves buttoned at the wrist. From her waist hung the silver chain of her office, and her bright silver hair was bound into a single braid that swung between her shoulders.

I chafed at being on my knees and fixing my eyes to the ground. It had been a long time since I’d knelt to anyone—Maram no longer required it, and there was no one outside of Maram who would demand such a thing of me, especially when I was her. I had not realized my pride had grown so until this moment. But on my knees I remained, waiting, stomach in knots.

“Have you risen in the household to summon me so?” she asked, her voice dangerously even.

I did not look up. “No, my lady.”

“How dare you?” Her voice did not rise, but it took on a cruel edge and her fingers gripped my chin like claws, as if she meant to rip my jaw from my face. I tightened my hold on my skirts. If I took her wrist, if I fought back, I would have lost my chance.

“I had no choice, my lady,” I said softly. “I could not summon you as Maram.”

A poor choice to rib her so, though I kept myself from saying what it implied. Nor would she summon you herself. Her fingers tightened painfully on my face before she shoved me away.

“What do you want?” she snarled.

“I want to see my family,” I said, still on my knees. Her eyes were hard and flat as she looked down at me. “I am prepared to pay.”

“You have no money.”

“I did not think that was a currency you had much interest in, my lady,” I said. I cast my eyes down again. “I see how you are left behind. I would help you in exchange for this.”

“Why not ask Maram?” she said, coming closer.

“It is not Maram who controls the fate of my family.”

I hazarded a glance up at her. Nadine was difficult to read. She was perfectly still, her hands relaxed in her gown, her eyes fixed on me.

“What would you give me?” she said at last.

“Marcus vak Oron,” I replied. “He is stealing from the crown.”

“In Tayfur?” She looked thoughtful. “Well done.”

She stepped close to me and rested a hand on my hair. I resisted the instinct to shudder.