“Micah. It’s not a good idea to surprise me like that,” Raisa said. She fingered her dagger, reflexively glancing down to make sure the Gray Wolf ring was in place on her finger. “What do you want?”

“I would like to speak with you, Raisa, that’s all,” Micah said, holding his hands out at his sides to show they were empty. He ran his eyes over her escorts, who were bristling with weapons. “In private.”

“That’s not going to be possible,” Raisa said. “I’m sure you understand.”

“Please, hear me out,” he said, “and consider what I say carefully.” In a louder voice he said, “I’m going to remove my amulet now, so please don’t run me through.” Slowly, his eyes on the Gray Wolves, he lifted his amulet over his head and set it down on a stone bench in the garden. Then he sat at the other end of the bench and placed his hand on the stone next to him. “Sit with me. Please. Your guard can remain in sight, but far enough away that we won’t be overheard. If I try anything, they can lope over and lop off my head.”

Raisa hesitated, biting her lip. “How do I know you don’t have another amulet hidden on your person?” she said.

Micah smiled faintly. “Have mercy, Your Highness,” he said. “I could strip, but it is a chilly evening. Besides, you seem to have an immunity to any magic I can conjure.” He raised an eyebrow.

Raisa debated telling him that her guard could hear whatever he wanted to tell her. And yet she found she wanted to hear what Micah had to say—something he wouldn’t say in front of her guard. She had the feeling she would learn something useful.

Raisa wondered what Amon and Han would think of this idea. Then decided she didn’t want to follow that thought any further.

“All right,” she said. Turning to her guard, she said, “Stay here, and stay alert.”

Raisa walked over and sat down on the bench next to Micah, leaving a little distance between them. “What is it?”

Micah studied her for a long moment. “I am disarmed, Your Highness. I am totally without my usual weapons.”

“You are never without weapons,” Raisa said.

He tilted his head toward the guards. “What I mean, is, I’m not used to meeting beautiful girls under so many pairs of eyes.”

Raisa half rose. “Is that what you think this is? If so, then—”

“Please. Sit.” Micah waved her back down. “I apologize. I never seem to know what to say to you anymore.”

“You could start by telling me the truth.” Raisa drew her jacket more closely about her shoulders. “I’ve grown up. I no longer respond to flattery.”