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“And the painting—theSalvator Mundi—was it helpful?”

“It made me realize there’s more to that portrait than I first thought,” I say.Thanks to Mason, that is. “But again, I won’t know for sure until I’m immersed.”

I say it like I’m an expert, when the fact is, just because I managed to score the Sun doesn’t mean I actually know what I’m doing. But Arthur appreciates a good show of confidence, so I do what I can to appease him.

“Good.” He nods, but I can tell by his faraway look that he’s ready to move on to the other million things that occupy his mind. “The portal will stay open for two hours, on the off chance you should need to make a speedy return. Of course, I expect it will take much longer, which is why I’ll be sending another portal after forty-eight hours. If you should finish early, you are free to hang around until then. It should be more than enough time, so there’s no reason to worry about getting stuck. You are far too important to me to allow that to happen.”

I stare at Arthur, only partially relieved by his assurances.I mean, what about Song and Anjou—were they not important enough? Why isn’t this standard procedure for everyone?

I shake away the thought well before it has a chance to really take root and, more importantly, before Arthur can clock it on my face. “Thanks,” I say. “I appreciate the opportunity. I only hope I don’t disappoint.”

“Just make sure that you don’t,” he says. Then, looking past my shoulder, he adds, “Looks like your Tripping partner is here.”

My heart somersaults in my chest, and I turn, grinning with excitement and the heady anticipation of all that awaits us. The moment we’ve been waiting for has finally come.

Only it’s not Braxton I find.

And my stomach roils, my heart stutters to a stop, when I see Killian standing on the launchpad instead.

44

There’s been a mistake.

A horrible, dreadful, terrible mistake.

That’s the only way to explain it. The only way—

In a fit of fury, I turn away from Killian and whirl on Arthur.

“I don’t understand.” My voice rises embarrassingly high. “Braxton’scoming with me—it’s all been arranged. We’re starting in Venice, and—” The words fade as I become painfully aware of Arthur shaking his head.

“Braxton was needed elsewhere,” he says. “Killian is taking his place.” He speaks simply, plainly, as though it’s as easy as that. And, for him, I guess it is. But for me, there’s nothing simple about it.

“But I need to see him,” I say. “I—”

“He’s already gone,” Arthur tells me.

Gone? What the hell does that even mean?

“Braxton is Tripping. But I’ll make sure he’s here to greet you when you return.”

My eardrums throb from the frantic pounding of my own heart. “Did you do this?” I glare at Killian, already convinced that he did.

Killian stares down at his shoes as Arthur cuts in. “I assure you he did not.” His tone is so sharp, I flinch at the sound. “When it comes to Tripping, I am the first, last, and only word around here.”

But why Killian—of all people? I’d be better off with Elodie. I’d be—

“It was my understanding that you and Killian are friends.” Arthur’s gaze slices right through me with laser-like precision.

I sneak a glance at Killian, who still refuses to look at me. “It’s just—” I shake my head.Shit. I mean, seriously—this is the worst. I can’t go to Italy with this guy. I just can’t—

“Killian is loyal to me.” Arthur’s voice crowds out my thoughts. “I trust him implicitly. And I think he’s proven his willingness to protect you, no?”

Sure, by killing the Timekeeper.But neither of us says it—neither of us needs to.

“So, are you ready to accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, so that we can move past all this and prepare for launch?” He’s paraphrasing the Marcus Aurelius quote he sent to my slab, and I realize I should’ve known then.

Nothing with Arthur ever happens by chance.