“Ahh, the presence of the King’s Blade in these parts finally makes more sense. Though, I must admit, I had my suspicions.”

Once more, Ludo regretted the moment of lunacy that made him reveal his identity to her. Then again, what was done was done, all he could do was buck up and face the consequences head on. “Two assassins hunting the same man?” he said. “Of course, I understand why I’m hunting him—I’m nothing but a sword to be wielded by the king himself and Cainan is the most wanted man in Finfalla—but what I don’t understand is why an ex-member of the Crimson Daggers Guild of Assassins is hunting him.”

“Let’s just say, I have history with him.” So do I, he thought, gasping as she pulled a bandage tight around his back and cinched it across his belly. “There. You should be able to breathe with less pain now. Moving about is another story. Your ribs are probably broken so you’ll be sore for several days. Should I procure a walking stick for you?”

“I’ll manage. I’ve had worse. And thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. Like ever again.”

“I won’t. Now let’s talk about Guard Crandon’s daughter…”

“She’s only eight.”

“So you’re telling me you don’t plan to question her?”

“I didn’t say that. But after I leave this room, alone I might add, I don’t plan on returning. I’ll be several days ahead of you before you’re fit to travel.”

“If we question her separately, it’ll be more traumatic for the girl. Actually, it’s probably better if I do all the talking.”

“Oh? And why is that?”

“Because you’re scarier, obviously.”

“Maybe you should take a look in the mirror sometime. I’ve seen monsters in my nightmares prettier than you. Oh wait, you can’t look at anything. Your only eye is swollen godsdamn shut.”

“Cold.”

“Like ice. That’s me.”

“Maybe that’s why you were born with the white streak in your hair.”

“Maybe it is.”

Ludo felt the familiar prickle under his skin. “Can you get my pack from my room? I need something from it.”

“Fine, but then I’m leaving. You’re welcome to come with me, but I doubt you’ll be able to if you can’t even walk down a short hallway. Also, I’ll need your key.”

“It’s in my pocket.”

“Void, no,” she said. “You can reach in there yourself.”

“Too painful.”

“You’re a real bastard, you know that?”

“So I’ve been told.”

He felt her hand rummaging about in his pocket, rather roughly in his opinion. “It’s not there. Could it have fallen out while you were getting the shite kicked out of you?”

“Possibly. Check the other pocket.”