Han lost patience. “You Bayars are the savages,” he said. “I told you up front I would disgrace your father, and I did. Don’t say you weren’t warned. Now, get out of my way.” He shoved past her and into the hallway.

“I’ll go to my father!” Fiona shouted after him. “You’ll pay for this!”

Probably, Han thought. But there are some games I can’t play anymore.

C H A P T E R  N I N E T E E N

A HOT
SUMMER NIGHT

“How many more classes are there?” Mellony whispered to Raisa, fanning herself.

“Two more, I believe,” Raisa said, scraping her damp hair off her forehead. “Those of Naming age, and the adult performers.”

“You were right. They are awfully talented. But it’s stifling in here.” Mellony turned to Jon Hakkam, who was sitting behind them. “Could you call for our carriage so it’s ready when we are?”

“Of course, Your Highness,” Jon said, and worked his way into the aisle.

The dancers were onstage now, so Raisa faced forward again. Southbridge Temple was garlanded with flowers, decorated with banners and pennants celebrating the Briar Rose Ministry. Rows of seats were filled with the performers’ family and friends, dressed in their best, many of whom had likely never been in a temple, let alone attended a dance recital.

Raisa’s party was seated in a place of honor, in the front rows. Her entourage grew larger day by day. Today it included both Klemath brothers, who seemed joined at the hip, since neither would allow the other to gain an advantage in Raisa’s affections.

Their cousins Missy and Jon were there, and, of course, Cat Tyburn, Night Bird Demonai, and the usual contingent of blue-jacketed guards, including Hallie Talbot.

Raisa had hoped the recital would distract her from her worries about Han, but there were reminders all around.

True to their word, Amon and Averill had worked together to incorporate Demonai warriors into the cordon of protection that surrounded Raisa. Her Demonai bodyguards often included Night Bird or Nightwalker, since Averill trusted them above anyone else. Nightwalker and Amon still mixed like oil and water, but they’d managed to cooperate to the degree necessary.

Raisa’s thoughts strayed to Han. He would be at the meeting of the Wizard Council right now. How would that go? Was there any chance at all he’d be elected High Wizard? And, if so, any chance that Fire Dancer would be accepted as a member?

She’d told Han she needed a High Wizard she could trust. She trusted Han Alister. He’s not a murderer, she repeated for the thousandth time.

And yet…Raisa hadn’t shown the piper talisman to Dancer. She hadn’t shown it to anyone. She’d hidden it away, hoping Amon wouldn’t ask about it again, knowing that he eventually would.