I cleared my throat and let the comment pass. “I said you may have a point. But I know Relos Var doesn’t believe in the same rules we Joratese do. He’s been using that against us. You think I should leave him alone, but I don’t think he’s going to leave me alone. He’s already recruited someone to his side for no other reason than their animosity to me. I’ve captured his interest.”

His lips thinned. “Regrettable.”

“Thaena thinks he won’t hurt me.”

“Thaena won’t be the one dead or gaeshed if she’s wrong. And while I agree he’d recruit you if he thought your loyalty sincere—”

“Then this could work—”

“Don’t underestimate his ability to discern the truth. Lying to him is seldom successful, and once he catches you out, he’d twist you until you’re unrecognizable.”

I swallowed and looked away. “I saw what he did to Tamin.”

“And Tamin didn’t lie to him.”

“Relos Var’s arrogant,” I said, turning back. “Arrogant enough to think he can corrupt me. He thinks he’s smarter than everyone else.”

“He is smarter than everyone else.”

“Fine. Even if that’s true, sooner or later, our strengths always become our weaknesses. This can be used against him. I know how dangerous this is, but I refuse to back down just because it’s hard.”

He started to say something and then stopped.

“Please. I need your help.”

“Name some other boon.”

I stood and began pacing, feeling the despair like a heavy weight around my middle. I had assumed this man would serve Thaena or some other member of the Eight, that he would be cooperative.

He was anything but cooperative.

Still, I had been granted another boon. I would be foolish not to use it.

I turned back to him. “Can you sneak me into the tournament? I would at least wish to warn the duke. Someone has to.”

He made a face. “That won’t work the way you think either.”

“Can you gain me admission or not?” I felt my temper starting to slip.

Mithros sighed. “Oh, I can sneak you in. I’m just a little worried about how you’re going to get yourself out.”

I lifted my chin. “That’s my problem.”

25: THE MARAKORI SLUMS

Jorat Dominion, Quuros Empire. Three days since the Crown and Scepter totally failed to protect not one but two Quuros emperors

Ninavis turned to Janel. “Did I sleep with Khored or not?”

Janel held up her hands. “You don’t want me to spoil the surprise, do you?”

“Oh gods,” Ninavis growled. “You are a demon.”

Dorna chortled. “I bet you said that to Khored too.”

Then the old woman ducked as Ninavis swung at her.

Kihrin poured a glass of aris and handed it to Ninavis.

“Thank you,” Nina said. She looked over at Brother Qown and stage-whispered, “Save me.”