Stopping the torture was her top priority. And working for the prince would solve a number of other issues and avoid a battle where there would be casualties. A cold pulse of shock slammed into her when she realized she was tempted. It allowed the rational part of her to override her emotional first reaction. What the prince proposed she’d do instead of hurting his prisoners was exactly what Tamburah had done. Besides, the prince had to release her parents eventually or risk upsetting the King.

Then it occurred to her that she could capture the prince right now. Except she doubted his guards outside would allow her to leave with her prisoner. Unless she knocked them out, which would take too much energy because Yates was thick-headed and would require most of her strength.

The prince watched her. “Do we have a deal?”

“I need to think about it.”

“Then sit down and have a think.” He gestured to a cushion. “Professor, do you have any refreshments for your guests?”

Emeline let out a squeak of surprise before dashing over to a water jug. Shyla didn’t move. Obviously the prince wasn’t going to let her leave without an answer. And she wasn’t about to give him one. Both led to trouble.

As the prince made a show of settling in with a glass of water in hand, Shyla’s thoughts raced. There were about eight guards in the hallway. Too many to put to sleep, but perhaps she could influence them.

She accepted a cup from Emeline but didn’t sip the water. The professor might have served her holy water. Why not? She’d betrayed Shyla to the prince, she could be working for the priestess as well. And that thought gave her an idea. Gathering her power, she sent it to the five men and three women waiting outside.

Arch Deacons.

Shyla envisioned half a dozen well-armed Arch Deacons approaching the guards from both sides.

Arch Deacons.

Shouts pierced the tense silence. Then a rustling and the unmistakable ring of swords being drawn. The prince and Yates exchanged a concerned glance before the huge man strode to the door and slid it open with more force than needed. A crack zigzagged along the colored glass.

The guards had split into two groups of four. They stood back to back, facing the Arch Deacons.

“What’s going on?” Yates demanded.

Arch Deacons.

Shyla pictured them advancing on the guards.

“Arch Deacons are attacking, sir!” one man said as he blocked an invisible weapon.

Taking advantage of the momentary confusion, Shyla used the not here command and took off down the tunnel. Only Yates spotted her. The captain cursed and the sound of his boots pounded after her. Once she was out of sight of the guards, she dropped her mental suggestions, then poured all her energy into staying ahead of Yates.