Zofi realized why he chose it—to focus the Talons’ attention on his movements, in case her own tithe faltered. Not that either of these Talons could fail to notice if a Traveler materialized out of thin air in front of them, but still. She appreciated it.

Her skin itched with the end of her initial tithe.

“Why the tithe checks?” Vidal asked. Or tried to. But his voice sped up, too, so the words all blended together into one quick phrase that left Ulie blinking for a moment while she worked out what he said.

Zofi used the distraction to slap the first boost on her thigh. Fresh energy flooded her veins and allowed her to hold her focus, remain unseen.

“Precaution. Nobody’s allowed out without a check either. Not since the queen was attacked.”

“Genal?” Vidal’s voice still sounded too quick, higher-pitched than usual. It would have been funny if not for the situation.

“Doubtful.” Ulie stepped closer—nearly on top of Zofi, who had to skip backward out of the Talon’s way. “We’ve reason to suspect Lady Florencia. She managed to slip out of her chambers, probably by tithing. Hence all this.”

Zofi felt an odd surge of pride.

She reached for another boost at her thigh, and cracked it just as Vidal’s speed tithe began to fade. Ulie’s partner glanced in her direction, brow furrowed, as though he’d heard something. Silently, Zofi cursed herself for getting too cocky.

“If there’s been an attack, why are we holding a Blood Ceremony tomorrow?” Vidal’s speech slowed to normal as his tithe petered out. “Shouldn’t we minimize the royal family’s exposure?”

Ulie shrugged. “Above my pay grade. All I know is Lady Akeylah insists. Going to need all hands on security at the event, though.”

“I suppose I’ll see you tomorrow, then.” Vidal affected a deep sigh, and the Talons parted with sympathetic grimaces to let him pass.

Zofi leaped forward, practically on top of Vidal. She tiptoed so close she could feel the heat radiate from his skin, and her toes nudged his heels every couple of steps until they reached the tower entrance. Vidal held it open a second longer than strictly necessary, enough for her to nip through the gap after him.

Only then did they both let out matching sighs of relief.

“How in Sun’s name did you manage to hold that tithe so long?” Vidal whispered a few moments later when she reappeared at his elbow.

“A girl needs to keep some secrets.” She grinned, and bobbed her head toward the nearest stairwell. “Shall we?”