Page 24 of Esperance

Carver wasn’t sure what to say to that. Because, despite everything, he thought he might like Amryn, too.

And that was dangerous, if she was indeed a traitor.

Argent may have followed his thoughts, because he suddenly lightened his tone. “I know why you’re looking a little frustrated. It’s because your charm isn’t working like it usually does. Amryn Lukis is going to make you actually put forth an effort.”

Carver rolled his eyes and changed the subject. “You shouldn’t have given up your place at the head of the table this morning. Some could interpret that as a weakness, or you deferring to the high cleric.”

“Iamsupposed to defer to him. So are you.”

It was really the only way to make sure things in Esperance ran smoothly. The Empire’s Chosen were made up of princes, princesses, and other important nobles. Not to mention Carver was a decorated general, and Argent was the future emperor. But they could only have one leader here, and Emperor Lorcan had chosen High Cleric Zacharias. The general in Carver understood that; in a battle, the line of command had to be clear. But the strategist in him understood the importance of Argent keeping at least some of his power.

“You could have kept your rightful seat and brought Jayveh with you.”

“I don’t think High Cleric Zacharias would have appreciated me telling him to scoot down a chair.” Argent glanced at Carver. “Besides, my move was calculated.”

“It was?”

He nodded. “First, I wanted to see who would try to take the head seat—Trevill, or Zacharias. It wasn’t really a surprise that the high cleric took it, but it tells us something about him.”

Carver scoffed. “The man’s speech told us all about him.”

Argent chuckled. “Yes, he’s a bit more pompous than I expected. But that wasn’t the only thing I was trying to do.”

“Do tell.”

“Well, I needed to make sure any rebels in the room are convinced I’m enamored with Jayveh—to a foolish degree.”

“Your plan is to play the fool?”

He almost looked offended. “I’m quite capable of playing a fool.”

“I know. I’ve seen it. But it’s always been unintentional on your part.”

Argent’s eyes narrowed. “I could have you hanged, you know.”

“So you’ve been saying all our lives.”

The prince rolled his eyes. “If I’m wholly besotted with my wife, people will underestimate me. They may get reckless and show their hands prematurely. And it will keep Jayveh safer, because any watching rebels will think she’s thoroughly seduced me.” He lifted a finger, stalling Carver’s response. “Which, admittedly, she has. But I can do my part to make it obvious so our enemies might lower their guard. And besides, you have to admit, by allowing Zacharias to take my seat this morning, I may have emboldened others to attempt to undermine me.”

Carver frowned. “That’s not a good thing, Argent.”

“Isn’t it? Don’t we want to identify those who might try to bring down the empire?”

“You shouldn’t be playing any games. It’s too much of a risk.”

“So you just expect me to sit back and watch you, Jayveh, and Rivard do everything to flush out the traitors?”

“Yes. Exactly that.”

He muttered something under his breath. It didn’t sound complimentary.

Carver sighed. “You can’t play the spy, Argent. You’re a terrible liar.”

“Some would consider that agoodtrait.”

“Not for a spy.” Carver glanced over at him. “I appreciate your desire to help. Really. But we’ve been over this; your job is to keep yourself safe. Leave the rebels to me.”

“You realize there’s an argument to be made that the rebels are more my problem than yours, right?” But he let out a sigh, and Carver knew he’d won the argument. For now, at least.