“It’s the only time I have,” Han said. He stood, and Dog rose, also, sticking close. “I’m going to see her. Willo, could you take care of Dog while I’m gone?”

Willo nodded. “Of course.”

“If you go down to the city, you will be arrested,” Cat said.

“If the Demonai don’t get to you first,” Dancer added.

“What is it you always say?” Han said. “Everything’s a risk.”

“I’m coming with you, then,” Dancer said.

“If I run into the Bayars, that will give them the excuse they need to murder you too,” Han said. “You’re not accused of anything. Stay clear of me until I can straighten this out.”

If that was even possible. Han could only hope there was some way to make it right.

C H A P T E R  T W E N T Y - N I N E

IN HANALEA’S
GARDEN

“Blood and bones!” Raisa growled, throwing her embroidery hoop across the room. It clattered against the wall and disappeared behind the bed. “That’s the fifth time I’ve stabbed myself today, and now I’ve got blood on the linen. I’m no good at this, and I’ll never be any good at this.”

Magret looked up from her book. “Would you like me to read to you, Your Majesty? I have some poetry that—”

“No,” Raisa muttered. “I’m not in the mood for poetry.”

“What’s wrong, Your Majesty?” Magret asked. “You’ve been tense ever since you came back from the mountains.”

“Tense? What makes you think I’m tense?” Raisa snapped. “Do I have to be in the mood for poetry all the time?”

After a long disapproving pause, Magret said, “I wish Caterina were here. If she played for you, that might soothe your nerves.”

“I don’t know where she is,” Raisa said. “I haven’t seen her for days.” Not since Han’s accusers had paraded through her chambers. Cat must have overheard—and done what? Gone to warn him? Gone to tell him to leave the queendom?

Maybe he was gone for good. The thought left a huge, hungry hollow in her middle. But at least he wouldn’t end up in gaol—a possibility she seemed unable to prevent.

I’ve been to gaol, he’d said once. Not going back.

“Your Majesty,” Magret said, breaking into her thoughts. “Is this about Cuffs Alister?” She stood, putting down her book, looking ready to do battle on Raisa’s behalf. “What’s happened? What’s he done? Has he threatened you?”

People say he’s plotting to kill me and steal my throne, Raisa might have said. But she was in no mood to hear I told you so from Magret Gray.

Anyway, rightly or wrongly, Raisa still didn’t believe it.

He’s too smart for that, she told herself. Everybody is against him. There’s no chance he’d win.