“You must sleep, my dear, after such an eventful day. Zella, would you please show our guest to her chamber?”

“Of course.” Zella rose and bowed to Rhazat, then took a candle in a holder from the table and led Klia down a dark, bare corridor and up a long stairway to a beautifully appointed bedchamber. As Zella went around the room, lighting more candles, Klia saw that the delicate furniture was reminiscent of Aurënfaie style, but the fabrics were heavier and used darker colors. The carpets were of an unfamiliar design, as were the patterns on the long drapes covering a tall window. She threw back the drapes to get her bearings. It was dark, with no moon or stars to be seen. The only light came from a few windows in the town below. The open door of the room had no visible lock on this side and would probably be securely locked as soon as Zella left. Where were her nightrunners when she needed them?

She pushed the unworthy thought away. She’d gotten herself into this and it was up to her to get herself out.

“You think of escape, of course,” Zella said in her mistress’s voice, going to the door.

Klia hated the thought of the necromancer lurking behind Zella’s eyes, wearing the woman’s skin like a gown.

“Of course you do, my dear,” Zella went on. “I expect nothing less from a woman of your gallant character, but I must advise against it. As I told you, here in my realm you will soon starve to death. Only in this house will you find food you can eat and water you can drink.”

“What kind of hell is this?” Klia hissed.

Zella laughed Rhazat’s silvery laugh. “You haven’t guessed? I wouldn’t want to spoil the game. Good night, Highness. Sleep well.”

Zella went out, closing the door after her. Klia listened for the sound of a key turning, but heard only the other woman’s fading footsteps.

Now that no enemy was there to see, Klia pressed a protective hand to her still-flat belly. As if in answer, she thought she felt the first flutter of life, like a tiny fish swimming in her womb.

It was a girl, Rhazat had claimed. Despite her situation, Klia found herself smiling. A half-wizard daughter! What a stir she would make at court. Klia felt that tiny flutter again. “Don’t you worry, my little love. You’ll be born free in Rhíminee and know your father. I swear it on the royal blood we share.”