“What?” Amon raised his hands, looking alarmed. “I didn’t exactly…You can’t walk into Southbridge by yourself. I don’t care what kind of disguise you’ve got on.”

“Then come with me,” she said, grinning at him. It could be an adventure, just like the old days.

“One person isn’t enough to keep you safe.” Impulsively, he gripped her hand, as if he could pull her over to his side of the argument. His hand was warm, the palm callused. “Come on, Raisa, why do you have to go on your own? Just make up a story. Say you’re going to temple to worship.”

She shook her head. “That’ll mean an entourage, remember? Armed guard, carriage, and procession? I don’t want that. I want honest answers, and I won’t get that with an escort.”

“If you’re going to Southbridge, you’ll need an armed guard.” When she said nothing, he added, “What are you up to?”

“I don’t want to say until I know if it’ll work.”

“What if I can’t get away? I’ll likely be on duty the rest of the week.”

She stood. “Well, I’m going, with you or without you. If you want to come with me, meet me day after tomorrow at evensong at the far end of the drawbridge.”

“You’re planning to go at night?” Amon said, staring at her as if all his worst fears were being realized.

“Well, yes,” Raisa said. “I’m less likely to be recognized in the dark.”

“You’re also more likely to get your throat cut. Or worse.” He stood also, towering over her, hoping he could intimidate her into changing her mind. “This is a really bad idea. Drop it, Rai, or I’ll tell my da, and he’ll have someone waiting to intercept you.”

Raisa met his gaze directly, though she had to tilt her head back to do so. “And if you do, I’ll just wait and go another time on my own.”

It was their pattern from childhood, and difficult to break. She came up with the bold, dangerous ideas, and he provided the muscle to see them through.

They stood glaring at each other for a long moment.

“I might not be able to reach Elena,” Amon grumbled. That’s how Raisa knew she’d won.

Only—why was he giving up so easily? She scanned his face. He wouldn’t look at her, which meant he was hatching some scheme or other.

Fine. Whatever it was, she’d deal with it. She leaned in, intending a rather chaste kiss on the cheek, but he turned his head and it landed rather close to the corner of his mouth. She jerked back and they stared at each other. Close up, his face was pleasantly stubbled.