“Given my family history, it isn’t exactly unexpected. You had to have at least considered the possibility, and if you hadn’t, your highly trained significant other definitely has.”

Sean would not like this. He wouldn’t be surprised, but he still wouldn’t like it.

“Do you know the identity of your potential assassin?”

He shook his head. “Not yet.”

“One of the candidates?”

All of the candidates were guaranteed a one-on-one date with the Sovereign. Any other member of the delegations would have a lot harder time getting close to Kosandion.

“Most likely.”

Twelve beings, half of them not human. One was a would-be killer. Which one? Or was it Caldenia?

“I trust you to keep me safe.” Kosandion gave me a brilliant smile.

Sure, he trusted me, but not enough to share this assassination plot with me before we signed on the metaphorical dotted line.

Smacking the Sovereign of the Seven Star Dominion was out of the question. No matter how frustrated he made me feel.

“We will do our best, Letero.”

Kosandion studied me. Looking straight into his eyes was difficult. He drew you in like a magnet.

“Regrets?” he asked quietly.

“Too late for that.” We were committed now. “You know our reasons for hosting this event.”

“Have you heard from the kidnapper?”

“No.”

Six days had passed since we learned that Wilmos was taken through the portal gate from Baha-char to Karron. We had no idea if he was still alive.

“I have something for you.” Kosandion flicked his fingers at the tabletop, and Gertrude Hunt obliged with a holographic screen. I had instructed the inn to summon conveniences on command for him. The screen flashed and turned toward me. An energy read-out, waves of blue and white.

“What is this?”

“Feed from our sensors on Karron. There are statis pods in the facility, designed to be used in case of a catastrophe. Each pod emits a signal when it’s used. One of them came online 8 days ago.”

“Thank you.”

I had to show this to Sean. It wasn’t the proof of life we both wanted, but it was something.

Kosandion nodded. “You’re welcome. If I could impose on you for a small favor?”

I braced myself. “It’s not an imposition. Your needs are my top priority.”

Kosandion pushed the data cube with the ratings across the table toward me. “Make sure my aunt sees this.”

14

The First Trial is about to begin. Will Gertrude Hunt rise to the challenge of hosting? Will we survive the candidates’ wit? Let’s listen in.

“Do you think the data is real?” Sean asked.

We were walking through the short dim hallway side by side. Beast trailed me, and Gorvar trotted by Sean’s side. The two animals had decided to ignore each other’s existence, concentrating on guarding us instead.