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Unsurprisingly, the nobility had divided into factions inside the city, and with Sarina’s help,he’d managed to unite them under a tenuous alliance. But that partnership would quickly unravel if they began to question his leadership, which many of them would if they believed he was putting this city’s safety at risk out of mere sentiment.

It would be so much easier if they could just say what Taly was. Maybe, one day, they would be able to. If the situation ever became more stable. But for now, that simply wasn’t an option.

“Brother,” Sarina called as she swept into his office. The fire in the mantle immediately began to spark, and he braced himself for his sister’s temper. “Would you mind terribly if I murdered Lord Holfax?”

“Personally, no.” Ivain never looked up from the duty roster. He’d been staring at it for ten minutes now, but unfortunately, no new names had suddenly appeared. “However, it wouldn’t reflect terribly well on us if I let you execute members of the nobility based on contempt alone. What has that Shard-sucking bastard done now?”

Sarina was growling as she claimed the chair in front of the desk. “Eliza says she overheard him in the market this morning. He was moaning on about how we were wasting our time trying to rescue some Shardlessfilth, and very conveniently ignoring the fact that the only reason he’s still alive and free to make an ass of himself in a public street is because our Taly made it to the Vale relay.” As she spoke, she clenched her fists, a thin coating of fire rippling across her skin.

“Please don’t set my office on fire,” Ivain said flatly.

The flames immediately extinguished. “Sorry,” she muttered.

Ivain waved her off. “I think the bigger issue here is justhowhe learned of our plans. Less than a day, and it seems like the entire city knows exactly what we’re trying to do. Both Eula and Harin have already been in and out of my office—both volunteering to accompany Skye and Kato.”

“You told them no?”

Ivain nodded. Kato would go. He was Skylen’s brother, and despite the outward animosity between them, family protected family. That sacrifice was justifiable. Even his most vocal opposition wouldn’t think to question it. His other mages, however… Each one was indispensable. Each one even more desperately needed in the absence of his two strongest fighters. The enemy had breached their walls once, and despite his personal feelings, he had to think beyond the short term. He was responsible for the citizens of this city and he owed them a duty to ensure that they were protected. As much as it pained him, he had to plan for the possibility that Skye and Kato wouldn’t return.

“I wouldn’t worry about how news of the rescue spread,” Sarina said, rising from her chair and moving to the mantle. Fire mages were always attracted to fire. “We’re all stuck inside these walls together. There’s nothing to do but gossip and point fingers. No one outside of this family knows what Taly is—that’s the important part. If they did, the people in the market would be whispering about time mages instead of humans.”

She was right, of course. His sister was always right. “I don’t know what to do,” he said, glancing at the duty roster. “Skye and Kato can’t do this alone, but I’m already taking too big a risk just sending them. If I try to mobilize any of ourother forces, I’ll just be giving Lord Holfax and his allies additional ammunition. I have to keep the public sentiment on my side. I can’t hold this city without it.”

Kneeling, Sarina waved a hand through the fire, the flames turning blue as they danced between her fingers. Her brow furrowed in a look he knew well. She had an idea, but the way her lips pressed together told him he wasn’t going to like it.

“What about Kalahad Brenin?” she asked.

“No,” Ivain replied immediately. “I already said no.”

But Sarina went on, “Kato mentioned that they were on friendly terms, and I have it on good authority that Brenin has been maintaining his own personal guard.”

And there was yet another problem. Since the siege began, the nobility had been hoarding resources, food,mages. In a time when they all needed to be working together, certain factions were still trying to make this about personal gain. It made planning difficult, and if he tried to conscript those otherwise idle hands… well, he suspected he might have a full-fledged mutiny to contend with then.

“I don’t trust him,” Ivain muttered.

“I don’t either. But he’s popular in the circles where you’re not. You can’t give anything more to this mission. Not without coming under scrutiny. But Lord Brenin—he could spare a few mages. And he might be willing. I overheard Kato telling Skye that the man has a fondness for mortals. The Savior of Ebondrift might be a worthy use of his guard, and if we can get him to publicly backTaly’s rescue, then the other nobility can’t condemn you for misallocating resources.”

Ivain considered her for a moment. His baby sister was smart—he’d give her that. The woman could charm water from stone, and if she hadn’t cut all her ties on the mainland in favor of an ill-advised marriage, he had no doubt that she would’ve conquered the world by now.

Sarina rose to her feet, eyeing him. He knew that look too. She could see that he was wavering. “We need him,” she pressed. “I know how much you hate asking for outside help, especially when it comes to family matters, but if it brings Taly back…”

Then it was worth it. His own prejudices aside.

With a heavy sigh, Ivain pushed himself to stand.

“Where are you going?” Sarina asked, watching as he pulled on a coat.

“To speak with Kalahad Brenin,” he muttered as he moved toward the door. “And before you say it,” he added when she opened her mouth to speak, “I will watch my language. I might not be as well-versed in courtly manner as I once was, but I’m no fool.”

Sarina’s eyes followed him as he stepped out into the hallway. “I’ve never accused you of being a fool. Stubborn, yes. Set in your ways, certainly. But never a fool.”

Ivain resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “To my face, you mean. Or did you forget that I’m a shadow mage? I can hear all those things you’re always muttering under your breath.”

She smiled unapologetically. “Things you hear on account of nosiness don’t count.”

Ivain shot her one final glare over his shoulder. Her laughter followed him all the way to the stairs.

Chapter 28