“I can’t agree to that. I’m going to be at war with Estrid.” Tohon waited.

Realizing Tohon would negotiate only on my actions, I conceded the point.

“And I’ll add that you will not sabotage any parts of the experiments, the research and the results.” Ink flowed over the paper.

Last issue. “What do you consider running away?”

“Leaving the castle complex without my permission. I don’t wish to lock you up every night or chain you to a chair in the lab. It would become tiresome. You kept your word with Kerrick, and he didn’t deserve it. All I ask is the same thing.”

Interesting and scary. “How did you know I gave Kerrick my word?”

“Please, Avry, don’t insult my intelligence. I’d be a poor leader if I didn’t know what’s going on in the enemy’s camp.”

He had spies in Estrid’s army.

Tohon smiled at my expression. “One robed acolyte looks much like another, don’t you think?”

“What if Estrid storms the castle?”

Cellina huffed in amusement.

Tohon shot her a sour look. “In the highly unlikely event that I’m defeated or dead, you’re free to go. How’s that?”

“How long do I have to stay here?”

“As long as I say. I will be king of all the Realms soon, which will make me your king. Then I don’t need a contract.”

More incentive to find a way to stop him.

“You already have the clause in case my plans do not pan out. And you will be well cared for in exchange. That I promise.”

Giving my word not to leave the complex, I would have a difficult time contacting Sepp, but it wouldn’t be impossible. I hoped. Besides, I really didn’t relish the idea of being confined. “Agreed.”

He had the decency not to smile or gloat. “I’d like to add one more…request.”

Uh-oh. I glanced at Cellina. Her amusement was gone. She stared at Tohon as if daring him to continue.

“What is it?” I asked.

“On occasion, I have formal events, parties and meals that I have to attend. I’d like you to accompany me to them.”

“And in exchange?”

His grip on the stylus tightened, but he kept his ire from his expression. I guess I was supposed to be grateful for the opportunity to spend an evening with him.

“For each event you attend, you can make a small request like a trip into town or new clothes or a day off.”

Those small favors might give me some wiggle room. “Agreed.”

Tohon finished the document. He signed his name with a flourish, then passed it to me. I read every single word twice, seeking loopholes and wording issues. He had stated the terms and conditions in plain language. Nothing jumped out at me.

When I’d arrived here, I’d expected to be locked in a cell. At least this had the illusion of being a better situation. Although I’d had no delusions that he would keep his word.

Tohon handed me the stylus. Signing this, I would once again surrender my freedom. Last time it had saved Melina and two others from a horrible life. This time it would save so many more. I had to believe that as I wrote my name. The alternative was too horrible to contemplate.

Cellina signed the contract last. She shoved the paper and stylus over to Tohon. “Can I go now?”

“You’re dismissed.”

She glared at us both and stormed from the room.

“Don’t worry about her, my dear.”

Hard not to. Although compared to what I just agreed to, Cellina’s…anger or jealousy was a minor concern.

“You must be exhausted, my dear. Bashin, has Winter arrived?”

The guard poked his head out the door, then widened it to let a servant in. The young lady curtsied.

“Winter, this is Miss Avry. You will be her lady’s maid for the duration of her stay. Show her to her rooms, and assist her with anything she needs.”

“Yes, my lord.” Winter curtsied. “Miss, please follow me.”

“Go on,” Tohon said to me. “Get settled and I’ll stop by later to make sure you’re comfortable.”

My heart did flips in my chest as I followed Winter through the castle. The day had not gone as expected. Not at all.

My rooms consisted of a receiving area with a couch, armchairs, tables and a rug all arranged in a semicircle in front of a stone hearth built into the back wall. Lanterns lit the room, revealing the deep purple, blue and green colors of the fabrics and tapestries. The colors blended well together. A small wooden table with a few chairs occupied the left corner, and a desk, chair and bookcase had been placed in the right corner.

Next to the hearth was an entrance to a bedroom that shared the hearth. I bent down and spotted Winter building a fire to push back the chill. The huge canopy bed used up most of the floor space. I walked around it, thinking Kerrick and his gang could all fit on it. The room also contained an armoire, bedside table and a lantern. I removed my cloak and tossed it onto the bed.

Heavy curtains blocked the three windows on the far wall. I pulled them aside and peered out into the semidarkness of twilight. A few torches bobbed below. My rooms looked like they were on the third or fourth floor. I let the fabric drop. The swish-thud matched the leaden feeling inside me.

My mood lightened a bit when I found the washroom adjoining the bedroom. The marble walls, floor tile and pedestal washing basin were nice, but the tub had captured my full attention.

Winter appeared in the doorway. She held my knapsack. Blond wisps of hair had sprung from her bun and her blue-eyed gaze held apprehension. She wore a long white apron over a light blue linen shirt and a navy skirt that reached the floor.