“I am an innkeeper. It is my sacred duty to see to the security and comfort of everyone within the inn.”

I put a bit of emphasis on that “everyone.”

“Understood,” Nycati said.

I bowed my head, and Gaston and I retreated, leaving the chest on the floor. The doors shut behind us, and we walked down the long hallway back to the throne room.

“What the hell was that all about?” Gaston said. “That was a very near thing. One wrong word, one wrong gesture, and we would have had to make a very undignified exit.”

“Nycati is secret royalty.”

“The best kind. I take it, they’re hiding his pedigree?”

“Yes. Except their society is hung up on etiquette, and the duke slipped up a couple of times and treated their candidate with too much deference. The gap in rank was obvious.”

“And you wanted them to know that you know. Any particular reason?”

“Nycati has a date with Kosandion tomorrow, after the 2nd Trial. If he tries anything, I won’t just restrain him, I will expose him, and I wanted them to understand that.”

“And you brought me along to demonstrate that not only you know but other people are aware of his lineage as well. Killing you would be pointless and killing me would be difficult.”

“Yes.”

Gaston let out a rumbling chuckle. “Have you ever considered a career in skullduggery, Dina?”

“Everyone is offering me a job lately.”

“You’re doing so well. That’s how it works. Do you find any of the offers tempting?”

“None at all. I don’t need a new job, I just want people to stop making the one I have more difficult.”

Gaston laughed.

I waved goodbye to him and headed straight for my bedroom. Tomorrow would be another busy day and I needed all the rest I could get.

22

Ah, it is that time again. The wonderful FrInnDay, when we come together to learn of the latest happenings in Gertrude Hunt and pass judgement on the silly beings within. Welcome, honored guests! During our last happy meeting, we learned more about Derryl of Is, the lone female werewolf with a 2×4 chip on her shoulder, and watched Dina remind Nycati that innkeepers are a power unlike any other. Today we bring you the Trial of Talent.

Warning: the following chapter contains a brief description of animal cruelty. The Universe is vast and not everyone abides by the same standards.

The light of early morning illuminated Kosandion’s private balcony and the bags under his eyes. He took a sip from his coffee mug and looked at it.

“Why is this so sweet?”

“Because you didn’t sleep last night,” Sean said. “You need the sugar.”

Kosandion frowned at him and took a big gulp.

Orata fidgeted in her seat. “Perhaps, a booster…”

“No,” Kosandion said firmly.

Orata looked at Resven. The Chancellor spread his arms.