“I told you she would come,” said a voice from behind the curtains. There was a shadow there she hadn’t noticed before, but she recognized the voice.

Gahalatine.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO Threat and Mate

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Threat and Mate

The curtain rustled slightly and Gahalatine emerged from the balcony. The sun shone on him from behind, illuminating the emperor’s decorative tunic, which was similar to that of Rucrius—full of painstaking detail. There was a belt that went around it and three familiar necklaces hung around his neck. The medallion she’d seen before along with the claw or tooth. His hair was askew and tousled, and he had a small beard, trimmed very close. He stopped next to Lady Evie, whom he towered over.

“You were expecting someone?” Trynne asked, feeling her heart flutter with fear. Gahalatine was standing too close to Evie. She had been the bait for this trap. Trynne bit her lip, feeling herself a fool.

“I was and you didn’t disappoint me,” he answered smoothly, giving her a wary but interested look. He brushed his finger along his upper lip. “I recognize the outfit from Chandleer. When we last met. It suits you, but I think you’d be more comfortable in an outfit like the queen’s. We were speaking about you, Tryneowy Kiskaddon. I was learning what I could from the queen, but she is very strong-willed. She is also deeply loyal to you.”

“Loyalty binds me,” Lady Evie said.

Trynne took a step deeper into the room, glancing to either side to see if they were truly alone. She had only felt the presence of one Fountain-blessed in the room.

“Did you have to use your gift on her?” Trynne asked in a challenging tone.

“Only a little,” Gahalatine answered. He stepped away from Lady Evie, putting himself between the two women. “I know it won’t work against you.”

Trynne’s mind was whirling fast. How much did Gahalatine know or suspect about her? What had Lady Evie told him? What had he learned from others?

“Lady Evie, are you well? Are you all right?” She gave Gahalatine an accusing look. “What did she tell you about me?” she asked, locking eyes with him as she edged a little closer.

“How you were injured as a child,” Gahalatine answered. “I admire how you’ve overcome your challenges.” His tone told her he meant it. He clasped his hands behind his back, studying her. “She told me you’re the Lady of Averanche, a very small port city on the border between Brythonica and Westmarch. It’s on my maps. I’ve gazed at it from St. Penryn’s. I’ve heard that you stopped entertaining suitors.”

He gave her a pointed look that made her throat catch.

It felt as if the warmth of the room was closing in on her.