Pigeons were sent to King Kance’s army, informing them of the city-states of Yadosha’s willingness to “aid the Odalians in their attempts to eradicate our misguided desert brothers and the Faceless’s mortal cesspool couched in human form”—First Minister Stefan was elected for skills other than his diplomacy—and arrangements were soon underway for the rest of the Yadoshans’ departure. The men celebrated preparation for war in the same manner they celebrated their daeva hunts; Lord Knox told me, only half jesting, that cheerful bloodlust was a cultural trait.

“They’re able warriors, at least,” Khalad pointed out. “Kance may soon find himself outmatched and outnumbered, especially with a Faceless lurking among the Drychta. They’ll help to even the odds.” He frowned. “I can’t believe Kance would go to war without informing us. Surely he would err on the side of caution.”

“I may be the reason he did not ask Kion for assistance.” I was quiet. The Yadoshans had been reluctant to give us leave for Mithra’s Wall ahead of their soldiers, as the fighting would be much diminished after the azi had had its way. I’d finally agreed to Lord Stefan’s proposal to choose warriors to accompany us on the back of the daeva, and a short brawl had broken out over who would receive that honor. Kalen, bless him, had taken it upon himself to sort the men to spare me the headache.

Khalad smiled at me. “Kance would never let his personal feelings get in the way of a logical strategy. Whatever he might think of you, he would never let it cloud his judgment, especially if his kingdom’s on the line. He doesn’t think ill of you, regardless of what he’s said in the past.”

“You were present the last time Kance and I’d talked. He didn’t seem ready to let go of his bitterness.”

“Things change, Tea. He’s changed. I’ve had the chance to talk to him in the last few months. I think that once the initial anger had passed and he had more time to assess his father’s condition and understand the circumstances that led to it, he realized why you did what you did.”

“He never reached out to me.”

“Kance is a kind man, but kings have pride too. He manages it better than I ever could.”

I wanted to change the subject and seized the opening. “Is pride stopping you from talking to Likh?”

Khalad blanched. “Did he tell you?”

“I have eyes, Khalad. Remember all those times when you chided me about my crush? Karma is a swift, unforgiving mistress.”