Page 156 of Blood Stone

Nial nodded. “Of course, madam. I understand. We can do it your way.”

“Thank you.” She placed her hands together in her lap once more. “Cyneric has all the information you will need to deal with the unspoken ones that will rise because of your meddling, especially The Deadly Moon. Do not hesitate to use him.”

“Thank you, madam,” Nial replied, and there was no hesitation in his reply, no hint in his voice of reservation.

Khurshid tilted her head to look at him. “You’re lying,” she said flatly.

Nial stared back at her. “Madam?”

She was frowning, and brought her hand up to her chest, over her heart, to press against it. “You’re angry…” she whispered. “Betrayed.” Then she shook her head and looked at Winter. “Where is that drink?” she demanded, her voice a whiplash.

“I had to open another bottle of gin and the seal is stuck. A few minutes,” Winter promised.

“Hurry up!” Khurshid shrieked, pressing her fingers to her temple.

Winter lowered the bottle she was struggling with, staring at Khurshid curiously. She swivelled and held the bottle out to Sebastian. “Sebastian, finish the drink,” she said, her voice remote.

Sebastian slid along the seat.

“What are you doing?” Khurshid screamed, both hands at her temples, now.

“Shh…” Winter said, her voice warm and smooth. “I can help.” She transferred her weight over to the seat Khurshid was on. “Let me help.” She touched her shoulder.

Nial sat forward. “You’re telepathic, Khurshid?”

“Empath,” Winter amended. “She reads emotions. But I’m going to make all those go away for a while,” she added, looking into Khurshid’s eyes and speaking gently and softly, “Without the need for you to drink it away. Just for a while, to give you a rest.” She kept her hand on Khurshid’s shoulder, maintaining contact.

Khurshid drew in a shuddering breath and her hands dropped to her lap and lay there, twitching. Until, finally, they grew still. Khurshid sighed.

Winter sat back, studying her. “Better?” she asked.

Khurshid laughed. “Better? My child, there is no word in English or any other language I know to describe the difference you have just made inside my head.” She pressed two fingers delicately against her temple and whispered a few words in a language that was not English. “Unbelievable,” she added, still speaking softly.

“It will not last,” Winter warned her. “What I did was the equivalent of putting your leg or arm to sleep, or like a dentist would numb a tooth before drilling it. The effect will wear off.”

Khurshid turned her head toward Winter, her eyes wide. “How long?”

Winter pursed her lips. “I don’t know. A few hours, perhaps.”

Khurshid sighed. “Is there—”

Winter shook her head. “I won’t make it permanent, madam. I’m not certain Icouldmake it permanent and not maim you in the process. Besides, it’s who you are. In a few hours without the noise in your head, you will notice the lack and start to miss it and want it back, because it’s a part of you.”

Khurshid put her hands together in her lap, her gaze steady upon Winter. “You have far too much wisdom for one your age. I will consider your words once I have settled the debt between us.”

She looked to Nial. “You were angry and felt betrayed. Why is that?”

Nial shook his head. “A private thought, madam. Surely I am entitled to keep it private?”

Khurshid’s smile was small. “Perhaps I can guess, anyway. You resent being foisted with Cyneric because you believe he is Menes Heru’s man.”

No one reacted, but Khurshid smiled anyway.

“Your lack of reaction gives you away. Great poker faces say as much as shock on an innocent face. You knew this already.”

Nial leaned forward once more. “You’re saying he’s not with The Deadly Moon?”

“He has been Heru’s confidant for nearly twenty years, because I wanted someone inside The Deadly Moon’s household,” Khurshid replied.