Although I don’t understand how I can possibly know this, her concern is only for me. I know it in the same way I know that the sun will set in the west, the leaves will fall in autumn, and that Saengo died last night. Before, with those soldiers, I thought maybe these remnants of emotion were from seeing Saengo mistreated, but that’s not the case. Her emotions burn low like a candle flame. I feel its heat, the way it sputters and flares and sways, without needing to see or touch it.

This new connection alarms me, possibly even more than the fact we’re surrounded by Blades ready to kill us at a single gesture from their captain.

“Saengo Phang,” Prince Meilek says, to which Saengo can’t help but stiffen her spine. “Your cousin, Jonyah Thao, was found near death outside the teahouse.” His gaze shifts to me. “And the owner reports a girl matching your description, Sirscha Ashwyn, arriving shortly before the attack. Yet rather than return immediately to Vos Talwyn to report the crime, you fled. What am I to think?”

It sounds like he’s already decided. I wish I could see the expression on his face.

“I’ll need you to come with me for questioning.”

“Those shamans attacked us,” I say, flushing at my boldness. “We barely made it out alive.” I point to the clothes I discarded earlier, lying in a pile near Yandor. “Your Highness,” I add hastily.

Prince Meilek speaks gently. “If that’s true, then you’ve nothing to fear.”

I have everything to fear, but I only make a jerky motion at my face. He must know what I mean.

I would prefer the officits’ malice to his pretty promises. At least at the Company, I knew where I stood. There was honesty in their cruelty. With Prince Meilek, his manner grates because I know better than to trust his words. He has a way of putting people at ease, but I’m familiar with the tactic. I was never very good at it.

Prince Meilek dismounts. On reflex, my fingers tighten around the hilt of my sword. I force my arm to relax, for the blade to remain firmly pointed downward. As Shadow, I would lay down my life for him. After all, he is still my prince. But to die in defense of him isn’t the same as bowing my head and handing over my life.

“No harm will come to you if you’re innocent.” He gestures to my sword. “So long as you give me your word that you won’t impale any more soldiers.”

“Why would you trust my word?”

“Because you trusted mine once.”