I glanced around. Nowhere to hide on the ground, although the tree canopy might offer some protection. It might work except Marrok waited with Cahil’s men. And I was certain the Captain’s tracking skills had led Cahil to me. I would have to resort to using magic in my defense. Projecting, I reached toward Cahil’s mind.

His emotions boiled with hate, but he had tempered them with a cold calculation. He stopped at the edge of my camp and inclined his head. “May I join you?”

“It depends on your intentions,” I said.

“I thought you could read my intentions.” He paused. “I see you have decided to stay in Sitia. A bold move considering the Council will know about your involvement with Valek.”

“I’m not a spy, Cahil. And the Council needs a liaison with Ixia.”

He barked out a laugh. “You’re a liaison now? That’s funny. Do you really think the Council will trust you?”

“Do you think the Council will go to war for a commoner?”

Cahil sobered for a moment. He glanced over his shoulder in the direction where his men waited. “I will find out the truth about that. But it really doesn’t matter to me anymore. I’ve decided to take matters into my own hands.”

Even though he hadn’t moved, I could feel a renewed sense of threat from him. “Why are you telling me this? You know you can’t get to Valek through me. Besides, he’s back in Ixia by now.”

He shook his head. “As if I would believe you. A beautiful day for riding and you stop here?” He gestured to the surrounding woods then took two steps toward me. “I’m here to give you a warning.” Another step.

I brandished my bow. “Stop right there.”

“You once said you thought Goel was decent for warning you about his intentions. I thought I would do the same. I know I can’t beat you or Valek—even my men don’t have a chance—but someone, somewhere has that ability. I’ll swear I’ll find him and, together, we’ll make it our mission to see you and Valek dead.” With that, Cahil spun around and headed for his men.

I didn’t relax my grip on my bow until Cahil mounted Topaz and rode away. His men followed behind, running to keep up. As I broke my connection with Cahil’s mind, I dipped into Marrok’s mind. He was scared and worried about Cahil’s odd behavior. That made two of us.

That night, my campfire seemed lonely until Valek arrived. He appeared by the fireside, warming his hands over the flames. I decided not to ruin our last night together by telling him about Cahil’s visit.

“Forgot your cloak again?” I asked.

He smiled. “I like sharing yours.”

Long after the fire had died, I fell asleep wrapped in Valek’s arms. When the sun intruded, I burrowed deeper under my cloak.

“Come with me,” Valek said.

It wasn’t a plea or an order. An invitation.

Regret ached in my heart. “I still have much to learn. And when I’m ready, I’ll be the new liaison between Ixia and Sitia.”

“That could lead to serious trouble,” Valek teased.

“You would be bored if it was any other way.”

He laughed. “You’re right. And so was my snake.”

“Snake?”

He pulled my arm out to expose my bracelet. “When I carved this, my thoughts were on you, love. Your life is like this snake’s coils. No matter how many turns it makes, you’ll end up back where you belong. With me.” His sapphire eyes held a promise. “I’ll look forward to your first official visit. But don’t wait too long. Please.”

“I won’t.”

After another kiss, Valek rose and, as he dressed, I told him about Cahil.

“Many have tried to kill us. All have failed.” He shrugged. “We’ve thrown him a curve. Either he’ll sulk over his lack of royal blood and disappear, or he’ll make himself believe we lied and will have a renewed determination to attack Ixia, which should make life interesting for the new liaison.”

“Interesting isn’t the word I would use.”

“Make sure you keep a close eye on him.” Valek smiled ruefully. “I have to go, love. I promised the Ambassador I would catch up to her at the border. If there is going to be any trouble from the Sitians it would be near there.”

I regretted my decision to stay the moment he left and utter loneliness overcame me. But Kiki’s cold nose against my cheek intruded on my morose thoughts.

Kiki stay with Lavender Lady, she said. Kiki help.

Yes, you’re a big help.

Smart.

Smarter than me, I agreed.

Apple?

You’ve grazed all night. How can you still be hungry?

Always room for apple.

I laughed and fed her an apple before we began our two-day trip back to the Keep.

When I arrived at the Keep’s gate, the guard instructed me to go directly to the Master’s meeting room. As I gave Kiki a quick rubdown at the stables, I wondered what had been going on in my absence.

Students hurried from one building to the next as an icy wind blew through the campus. They gave me only a fleeting surprised glance before increasing their pace. The gray sky darkened and sleet cut through the air. An ominous start to the cold season. I pulled my hood up to protect my face.

I had arrived in Sitia at the beginning of the hot season. The two seasons I had lived here felt more like two years.

When I entered the conference room, three neutral expressions and one livid greeted my arrival. Roze threw a ball of furious energy at me. It hit me square on the chest, and I stumbled back before deflecting her attack. Pulling power to me, I projected my awareness toward her. Her mental defenses were impenetrable, but I aimed lower. Through her heart and into her soul. A much more vulnerable spot.