“I didn’t see him,” I said, “and Mother didn’t say anything about him. I’m sure he’s here, but I have no idea where. Maybe tomorrow I’ll learn something.”

She gave a faint nod. “Thank you.”

Finally, we got to our encounter with Nine, and the meeting we’d arranged for dawn.

“Are you sure you can trust her?” Gerel asked. “Aaru doesn’t seem to like her.”

Aaru offered a one-shouldered shrug. “I don’t distrust her. Just don’t like her.”

“She is an imperial spy,” I added. “We should trust her as far as LaLa could carry her. But she’ll help us get into the summit.”

“She didn’t lie when she told us where to meet.” Aaru’s voice was soft. “She meant what she said.”

“How do you know?” Zara asked.

“Heard her heartbeat.”

“Oh.” Zara glanced around the room, clearly searching for someone to exchange an exasperated look with, but everyone just nodded to themselves like that was a normal thing to say.

“So you both intend to meet Nine in the morning?” Gerel crossed her arms and frowned. “Don’t you think Chenda and I should go? She knows about politics. I know about fighting enemies.”

I shook my head. “Nine may not like us, but she’s expecting us. If we send other people, she could change her mind. We can’t risk it.”

Gerel sighed, but she didn’t argue.

“All right.” Ilina stood and shooed everyone out of the parlor. “To bed. At least two people have to get out the door in a few hours.”

“I miss sleep.” I slid off the arm of the sofa and turned to look at Aaru. Part of me wanted to thank him for coming with me tonight—and promising to come tomorrow—but it seemed inappropriate. The memorial, his entire reason for going, was a cloud over everything.

So I just squeezed his hand and said good night, and then headed for my room.

Ilina blocked the door. “Wrong way. You’re in there, remember?” She pointed to the boys’ room. “I told you I was going to switch everyone around. I’m sharing with your sister. Hristo took my room. I’ve already moved all your things. You’re welcome.”

Her tone was enough to make my whole face burn, but what could I say? Swapping rooms back would take time, and already I could feel my thoughts fogging over. Plus, I wasn’t sure what insisting on changing our rooms back would signal to . . . anyone.

I slinked into the bedroom she’d sent me to. Aaru was already there, studying the floor like it was the most fascinating thing he’d ever seen.

“Sorry,” I said. “I didn’t think she’d actually do it. I can sleep in the parlor.”

He shook his head. ::Sleep in the bed. I can sleep on the floor.::

“Will that make you more comfortable?” I glanced at the bed. It was big enough for him and Hristo to share; it was big enough for him and me to share, too. We could both sprawl out and not even touch.