Relief bloomed to a fit of giggles. When had she last laughed? Truly laughed? Rosa couldn’t recall, and didn’t care. Sevaka shook her head in mock disdain. Then infectious mirth swept her away alongside, until eyes ran and abused muscles ached anew.

It passed too soon, as all happiness must, and Rosa’s thoughts were drawn to a familiar, grey world. “What of your mother?”

Sevaka’s smile soured. “Lady Ebigail Kiradin has retreated to Freemont and burrowed in like a tick. Viktor’s gone to dig her out.”

Rosa winced. “You didn’t want to be there?”

“I don’t wish to set eyes on her again.” Sevaka’s eyes narrowed to match the venom in her voice. “I’ve already hurt her more than she’s ever hurt me. She doesn’t know it yet, but she will.”

Rosa slid her hand free of the blankets and held Sevaka’s tight. “You’re free of her now.”

“I know.” Sevaka shook her head as if clearing it of cobwebs. “So, ready to move about? I’ve a reputation at stake.”

That meant facing Malachi, Viktor . . . even Josiri. So many amends to make. So many apologies.

A new strain of laughter reached her ears, gravelly and sardonic. And beneath it, the harsh cry of bird voices. She bit her lip.

Sevaka frowned. “Rosa? What is it?”

Rosa smoothed the scowl from her face. “Nothing. Will you leave me to hoist myself out of bed? If I’m to fall flat on my face, I’d as soon as not do it with an audience.”

“Of course.”

She waited until the door was closed and Sevaka’s footsteps echoed on the stairs beyond. “You might as well show yourself. I know you’re here.”

The shadows twisted and the Raven stood in the far corner of the room, his shoulders pressed against the wall. “I’m not accustomed to ephemerals addressing me with such irreverence.”

“You had me. I was ready to give up, and you gave me reason to fight. Why?”

He ran a gloved finger along the top of the footboard and stared at it with disdain. “Does no one ever dust in this place?”

“Does the Raven ever answer a question?”

“You’re very bold.”

“I’ve reason to be.”

He gave a dry, gravelly laugh. “Do you know how many unwilling servants I have at my beck and call? Thousands. Desperate sorts who’ll do anything for a little hope.” He sighed. “Ah, hope. Where would we be without it?”

“Serving the Tyrant Queen.”

“You should be careful whose name you take in vain.” The Raven straightened. “But to answer your question, I don’t need another woebegone lickspittle. When you come to me – and you will – you’ll be willing, even glad. Otherwise, you’ll not really be you any longer, and what’s the point in that?”

Rosa grimaced. “It’ll never happen.”