Right, Han thought. The Gryphon you treated like dirt, not knowing he’d end up on the council. That’s the one.

“He’s different,” Han said. “Now that he’s no longer in the role of teacher, we get on better.”

Han could tell from the dean’s expression that she wasn’t buying it. She’d been keeping tabs, and she knew that Han and Gryphon hadn’t been tipping any glasses together.

“I tried to convince him to vote for you,” Han said. “He refused. He wouldn’t say why.” He shrugged. “So, I thought, well, there’s no way you can win with just your vote and mine. I don’t want Micah Bayar elected, so I asked if Gryphon would be willing to support me.”

“And he said yes?”

Han nodded. “Guess he’d rather see me High Wizard than Micah.” He paused. “With Mordra missing, there’s five votes total, not counting Lord Bayar. With your vote, and my vote, and Gryphon’s, I can win and avoid the tiebreaker.”

“You have this all worked out, don’t you?” Abelard murmured, her eyes slitted like a cat’s.

“I don’t see any alternative,’’ Han said. “It’s me or Micah. Which would you rather?”

In truth, he wasn’t absolutely sure how she’d answer that question.

“I don’t like it,” Abelard said, rising and pacing back and forth. “It’s a permanent appointment. A street thief ruling the council. Living hip to hip with the queen.”

“It’ll break Gavan Bayar’s heart,” Han said, tilting his head back and peering down his nose at Abelard. “He’d rather have you in that role than me.”

Abruptly, she laughed. “I do believe you are right.” She turned and studied a row of spines, running her fingers over the titles. She must have decided he wouldn’t attack her if he needed her vote. “What, exactly, do you intend to do as High Wizard?” she asked.

“I intend to ruin Gavan Bayar,” Han said.

Abelard looked up at Han, the smile disappearing. “You are a snake, Alister, a devious liar and a thief. I don’t trust you an inch.”

“So it’s good that we share the same enemies, right?” Han said.

“Yes,” Abelard said. “For now.” She paused. “If Mordra deVilliers hasn’t arrived, and if we cannot prevent the vote from going forward, I will support you for High Wizard,” she said. “Otherwise, not a chance.”

“Thank you,” Han said.