He pouted, flopping forward onto his belly and regarding me from his folded arms. Youre not happy to see me.

Im wondering what Ive done to deserve such attention from a god of games and tricks.

Im not a god, remember? He scowled. Just a weapon. That word was more fitting than you know, Yeine, and how it burns these Arameri to hear it. No wonder they call you a barbarian.

I sat in the reading chair beside the bed. My mother often told me I was too blunt, I said. Why are you here?

Do I need a reason? Maybe I just like being around you.

I would be honored if that were true, I said.

He laughed, high and carefree. It is true, Yeine, whether you believe me or not. He got up then and began jumping on the bed. I wondered fleetingly whether anyone had ever tried to spank him.

But? I was sure there was a but.

He stopped after his third jump and glanced at me over his shoulder, his grin sly. But its not the only reason I came. The others sent me.

For what reason?

He hopped down from the bed and came over to my chair, putting his hands on my knees and leaning over me. He was still grinning, but again there was that indefinable something in his smile that was not childlike. Not at all.

Relad isnt going to ally with you.

My stomach clenched in unease. Had he been in here all along, listening to my conversation with Tvril? Or was my strategy for survival just so painfully obvious? You know this?

He shrugged. Why would he? Youre useless to him. He has his hands full dealing with Scimina and cant afford distractions. The timeof the succession, I meanis too close.

I had suspected that as well. That was almost surely why theyd brought me here. It was probably why the family kept a scrivener in-house, to ensure that Dekarta didnt die off schedule. It might even have been the reason for my mothers murder after twenty years of freedom. Dekarta didnt have much time left to tie up loose ends.

Abruptly Sieh climbed into the chair with me, straddling my lap, knees on either side of my hips. I flinched in surprise, and again when he flopped against me, resting his head on my shoulder.

What are you?

Please, Yeine, he whispered. I felt his hands fist in the cloth of my jacket, at my sides. The gesture was so much that of a child seeking comfort that I could not help it; the stiffness went out of me. He sighed and snuggled closer, reveling in my tacit welcome. Just let me do this a moment.

So I sat still, wondering many things.

I thought he had fallen asleep when he finally spoke. Kuruemy sister, Kurue, our leader inasmuch as we have oneinvites you to meet.

Why?

You seek allies.

I pushed at him; he sat back on my knees. What are you saying? Are you offering yourselves?

Maybe. The sly look was back. You have to meet with us to find out.

I narrowed my eyes in what I hoped was an intimidating look. Why? As you said, Im useless. What would you gain from allying with me?

You have something very important, he said, serious now. Something we could force you to give usbut we dont want to do that. We are not Arameri. You have proven yourself worthy of respect, and so we will ask you to give that something to us willingly.

I did not ask what they wanted. It was their bargaining chip; they would tell me if I met with them. I was rabidly curious, thoughand excited, because he was right. The Enefadeh would make powerful, knowledgeable allies, even hobbled as they were. But I dared not reveal my eagerness. Sieh was nowhere near as childish, or as neutral, as he pretended to be.

I will consider your request for a meeting, I said in my most dignified voice. Please convey to the Lady Kurue that I will give you a response in no more than three days.

Sieh laughed and jumped off me, returning to the bed. He curled up in the middle of it and grinned at me. Kurues going to hate you. She thought youd jump at the chance, and here you are keeping her waiting!

An alliance made in fear or haste will not last, I said. I need a better understanding of my position before I do anything that will strengthen or weaken it. The Enefadeh must realize that.

I do, he said, but Kurue is wise and Im not. She does whats smart. I do whats fun. He shrugged, then yawned. Can I sleep here, sometimes, with you?

I opened my mouth, then caught myself. He played innocent so well that Id almost said yes automatically.

Im not sure that would be proper, I said at last. You are very much older than me, and yet clearly underage. It would be a scandal, either way.

His eyebrows flew up almost into his hairline. Then he burst out laughing, rolling onto his back and holding his middle. He laughed for a long time. Eventually, a bit annoyed, I got up and went to the door to summon a servant and order lunch. I ordered two meals out of politeness, though I had no idea what, or whether, gods ate.