Page 24

It was easier to talk to him like this, she realized. About plans and logistics rather than emotions.

“I’ll need to speak to my mother as well. She’ll want proof I’m alive.”

“Of course. Once I have sent the diplomatic message, Ela will arrange for you to make contact.”

“Ela? She hates me.”

His lips twitched.

“Perhaps. But I assure you, she can be trusted.”

“And Rhyn and Baelon? Are they trustworthy too?”

Vahn hesitated.

“That is for me to worry about, not you.”

“Fine. I’ll leave the politics to you. So what do we do next?”

“For you, nothing. You need to rest. Bathe, eat, sleep.” He looked her up and down. “And possibly get some new clothes.”

“Yeah, Vraxian tailoring doesn’t exactly work for humans.”

“I’m sure we can find something.”

“Will I… will I be staying with you?”

His mouth quirked at the corner.

“Would that be so bad?”

“I only want to know where I’ll be.”

“Onceshaa’baarastarts, you’ll be housed in the Potentials’ quarters.”

“And until then?”

He looked away, suddenly uncomfortable.

“For now you’ll be kept in a prison cell here in the Imperial Palace.”

Kara couldn’t believe her ears.

“You’re locking me upagain?You have got to be fucking kidding me!”

“Oh good. The temper’s back.”

“Fuck you, snake-boy. I’ve only just got out of thelastshitty cell you threw me in. If you think I’m agreeing to one more minute behind bars…”

“Kara, there are things that have to be done. Arrangements to be made. I have to announce the peace plan to my people. I have to inform the nobles that a human will be taking part inshaa’baara.”

“I don’t give a rat’s ass about your schedule.”

“And I have to bury my father.”

She pulled up short. The sadness that flitted across Vahn’s face punctured her anger like a balloon.

“I’m sorry,” she said quietly.