“Dancing lass at the Scorned Maiden. Red hair, hot and cold at the same time. She was something to see.” Rand winked, which annoyed Kyra even more. She never did understand the obsession with dancing girls. “She hated the wallhuggers something fierce too. Never seen a lass with that much fire in her.”

“And she and James…”

“Been six years, and he in’t returned to the Scorned Maiden.”

Kyra stopped short, intrigued despite herself at the thought of James having a lover. He was usually so distant—at least he had been until recently. “What happened?”

“His rival got to her, when they were fighting over the Guild.” Rand spat on the ground. “A coward and a rich man’s lapdog, that one. But it was hard to tell friends from enemies, with all the double-talk and secrets. James tried to wait it out—didn’t want to invite trouble—but they surprised us. We lost Thalia and barely escaped ourselves. That was the last time James ever gave anyone a chance to strike him first.” Rand looked at Kyra, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. “Not the tale you expected? There are safer men to pine over.”

“I in’t pining over—”

But Rand had already walked away, chuckling as he went. Kyra stared after him, tempted to follow, but decided against it. People always talked. The regulars at The Drunken Dog had speculated for years about Kyra and Flick, and now it looked like the Guild was talking about her with James. There was no point in letting it bother her. James was interesting as an assassin and a leader, and Kyra was curious about his past, but that was all. Though she could see why women might find him attractive. Had Thalia known that her life was in danger? Kyra wouldn’t be surprised if she had. There was something about James—his intensity of purpose and strength of personality—that could inspire a woman’s loyalty despite the cost. Kyra took one last glance toward his study before stepping outside.

The city at midday was a welcome distraction, with markets bustling. Cooks wearing the uniforms of noble houses perused rare mushrooms and spices, while mothers with barefoot children haggled for eggs and flour. A young woman walked past Kyra with a basket of bread. The fresh smell made Kyra’s mouth water, and she turned her head to find the woman’s stall, thinking to bring a few loaves back for Bella and the girls. It still felt strange to be able to buy things without worrying about money. Strange, but good.

Just then, a woman screamed in the distance. The terror in the sound cut straight to Kyra’s bones, and she snapped her head toward its source. For a moment, no one in the marketplace moved or spoke. Then a man’s voice carried over the crowd.

“It’s a barbarian attack. Alert the Palace!”

Twelve