Raisa nodded, smiling in spite of herself. “I suppose we are.” She felt guilty, seeing how much joy Mellony took in this shared secret. She’d never confided much in her younger sister; the difference in age and personality had always been a barrier between them—that and Mellony’s role as Marianna’s favorite.

Raisa knew that Mellony’s hopes had been rekindled—that she saw this as opening a path to a future between her and Micah, whether it worked out that way or not. She hoped her younger sister wouldn’t get hurt.

Mellony was still sorting through the implications of Raisa’s confession. “Will you have a big wedding, or will you elope? Oh, I hope you don’t elope! I would love to be in your wedding.” She bit her lip. “If you asked, of course.”

“Of course I would want you in my wedding, but it’s premature to be making any plans,” Raisa said. “None of this is going to be easy or quick.”

A rapping at the door broke into their conversation. Dog raised his head and growled.

“I’ll get it,” Mellony said, with a conspiratorial smile.

She opened the door to reveal Cat Tyburn, travel-stained and weary, her face drawn tight with worry and wariness.

“Cat! You’re back!” Raisa came to her feet. “Thank the Lady.”

Cat stared at Mellony as if startled to find her in the room, then looked at Raisa and raised her eyebrows. Her message was clear: We need to talk.

“Mellony, I need to speak with Caterina before my meeting with General Klemath and the others. Will I see you at dinner?”

Mellony nodded. “Until dinner, then. I hope your meeting goes well.” She curtsied and departed, a bounce in her step that hadn’t been there before.

Once the door had closed behind her, Raisa embraced Cat, who stiffened and pulled free as quickly as she could manage.

She thinks I should have defended Han Alister to the Bayars and Amon Byrne, Raisa thought, guilt settling like a shroud over her shoulders. She realized that she very much cared what Cat thought of her.

“I’ve missed you,” Raisa said awkwardly. “I’m so glad you’re back. I was worried that…I wasn’t sure where you’d gone.”

Cat took a step back, scowling and drawing her dark brows together. “Is…is Lord Alister here?”

Raisa shook her head, fear worming its way into her middle. “No. I haven’t seen him for more than a week. I hoped he was with you.”

Cat shook her head. “Last we saw him, he was heading here to see you. That was…um…ten days ago. Haven’t seen him since.” She pointed at Dog. “That’s his dog,” she said accusingly.

“I know. He did come here. To see me.” Raisa cleared her throat. “And left again. He said that you’d warned him that…Captain Byrne meant to arrest him.”