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I could hear heartbeats—at least three people were inside. Maybe four.

“Has she left the inn?” someone asked. The voice sounded female.

“No. She took a bath and went to bed. Airrin and Hax are watching her now.” The report must have come from the Halfling I followed. He said nothing more and I heard a door open and close before anyone else spoke again.

“Do you trust her offer is legitimate?” I recognized the voice as Nikolai’s.

Someone grunted in response. I rolled my eyes knowing the grunt was Riven.

“And if it is not?” the female voice asked.

“Then we’re probably dead,” Nikolai retorted. He sounded bored. “She could be calling in reinforcements right now. She saw your face. She knows your name. She has all the power now, Riv.”

“I don’t need the reminder,” Riven answered. Even from the roof, I could tell he spoke through clenched teeth.

“Maybe not.” It was the female voice again. “If she has not sent word yet, it might not be too late. The scouts said she only stopped to eat before going to bed. We could still—”

“Have her over for tea?” Riven chided darkly.

“I was going to say we still have time to kill her,” the female mumbled. I gritted my teeth as I reached for my dagger. I’d like to see them try.

“Dark,” Nikolai scoffed. I agreed with him. “Shall I be the one to stab her in her sleep, then?” he added. Maybe I didn’t agree with him.

“Yes, Nik.” The female voice was thick with sarcasm. “Youare the one we send in to assassinate the king’s Blade.”

“It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve been accused of murdering someone in their bed,” Nikolai replied. I could hear the smirk in his tone.

“Do you not think it is time you grow out of such childishness?” the female voice said.

“It was obviously a joke—though there was this close call in Myrelinth...” Nikolai trailed off. “Besides, we can’t kill her. I thought you needed more information for yourtheory.”

“Feron’s theory,” Riven cut through their bickering.

What theory?I thought before Riven continued.

“And that was before she showed up in theFaelinthand found out who I was. We need to decide. I would prefer it if the decision was unanimous.”

“Can we eat first?” Nikolai asked. “I’m starving.”

Riven growled. Nikolai chuckled, completely unperturbed.

I leaned over and caught Nikolai’s reflection in the open glass shutter. He was leaning back in his chair, foot resting on a knee with both hands laced behind his head.

“Let me get this straight,” Nikolai said. “If we reject the alliance, she kills us. If we accept the alliance, sheprobablykills us?”

“Yes,” Riven answered bluntly.

“Seems like we have our answer.” Nikolai dropped the front of his chair back on the ground.

“Why are those the only two options?” the female voice countered. “I still think we could kill her.”

“We can’t kill her,” Riven said.

“Why not?” the female voice asked. I tightened my grip on the roof. Whoever she was, she was testing my nerves.

“First of all,” Riven said. “Whether she has been in contact with the Shades or not, they must know she’s here. If she goes missing, we’ll be giving the king a reason to send his armies into the Faeland.”

“Don’t want that,” Nikolai added. It sounded like his mouth was full of food.