“There are no healers in the keep, neither clan nor gifted,” Magret went on. “That bloody Klemath took us all by surprise. The only wizard on the inside is that bloody Bayar.”

Micah. Micah and his father had murdered Han Alister. Or killed him to prevent his murdering them. A flame kindled in Raisa’s middle, and she took several deep breaths, somehow managing to avoid spewing the willow root she’d just gotten down.

“I don’t want to see him,” Raisa said, in case Magret had forgotten.

“The Bayar has been working with Captain Byrne, General Dunedain, and the others to keep the southerners out,” Magret said grudgingly. “Captain Byrne, he was desperate to smuggle you out somehow before Montaigne’s army came here. The Bayar was keen to help, but with you so sick, we…” Her voice trailed off.

“I’m sorry,” Raisa said, her voice dull with despair. “What a disaster this is.”

Tears pooled in Magret’s eyes, threatening to spill over. She made as if to get to her feet, and Raisa seized hold of her arm.

“Where’s my dagger, Magret?” Raisa said, suddenly desperate to locate it. “The one from Captain Byrne?”

Magret’s eyes narrowed. “Why?”

“Where is it?” Raisa repeated. “I want it.”

Magret gazed at her, long and hard. “About young Alister,” she said finally. “I know that you and he—I know there was something you—” Her voice caught a moment, then she burst out, “No man’s worth killing yourself over, Your Majesty!”

“I’m not going to kill myself,” Raisa said. “Not unless I have no choice. I’m going to keep my dagger with me, just in case—in case the flatlanders get in. I won’t be taken alive.”

Magret searched Raisa’s face. Then she stood and crossed the room to the trunk against the wall. Digging deep, she retrieved the dagger and handed it to Raisa, who slid it under her pillow. Magret dropped a heavy wool shawl onto the bed. “Wrap up snug, Your Majesty. I’ve got the pot on the boil for tea.” She disappeared into the outer chamber.

Momentarily, Raisa wavered, considered conducting this meeting from her bed. Then, with a sigh, she swung her legs over the side and slid to the floor, steadying herself against the high bed until her dizziness passed. Wrapping herself in the shawl, she staggered over to the settee by the fire—where she and Han Alister had once kissed and embraced. She settled into a corner of the couch, drawing a coverlet over her knees. Dog lay down at her feet. Extending her hand, she turned it so the ring on her finger caught the firelight. Moonstones and pearls and amethyst—Han’s gift to Raisa at her coronation. Modeled after Hanalea’s betrothal ring.

Another chill shuddered through her, and she thrust both hands toward the hearth.