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Tarian Ardalez was the king for a reason.

His power was that of the diplomat, smooth and shrewd.

As a leader, he was charismatic but ruthless, and during the last Malice Moon, he’d pulled me out of a dank dungeon cell.

I’d been locked there because of the thieving, expecting a flogging if I was lucky, a ruined hand if I wasn’t, and the king’s offer was one I couldn’t turn down.

Tarian said if I could convince a man that I wasn’t a thief when the evidence was in my hand, then I should come and work for the crown.

I’d been delirious from the beating and thought the man making the offer was an illusion.

So, I’d spouted something like, “The king would offer freedom instead of more thieving.”

He’d laughed, and I still remembered that sound, rich and amused. “You have a brother, don’t you? Bring him along. It’s better he trains with my guard than runs wild on the street.”

“Nikias is nine, too young for the guard.” I’d struggled to stand, my eyes swollen nearly shut, my legs unsteady.

I’d still been arguing, and it wasn’t until Tarian ordered a guard to carry me to the castle, that reality sank through the haze.

The king was offering me a pardon, and in return, I would owe Tarian Ardalez my life .

I lived to keep him happy, and he was happy as long as Silk did not fail.

Fear twisted in my stomach that I’d failed now.

“Stand, Silk.”

I rose to my feet. Tarian extended his hand, not to gain a kiss on the royal ring, but to help me step over the mess.

Beside Sevyn’s body, the sword-wielding priest was down on one knee.

His head was bent, and as custom demanded, he held the sword extended, balanced on both palms. He was offering to forfeit his life because of what he’d done—not killing Sevyn.

He’d been caught unprepared, and I’d slipped into his mind and took control.

Proving his weakness, a flaw neither the priests nor the king would tolerate.

For an instant, regret washed through me.

Then I remembered what the priests had planned for Sevyn and shoved the regret down.

“Rise, Ildoran,” the king said to the priest. “I need a word with Silk, and then you’ll have her.”

The red priest, Ildoran, nodded and slid the bloody sword into his scabbard while the king walked me several paces away.

Tarian Ardalez had never been a father figure, but I felt like a frightened child in front of him, waiting for the scold. The condemnation.

His voice held the command he’d used with Ildoran, cold without a softening. “You used your magic against a mage priest, didn’t you?”

“Yes.” My lips barely moved. “I’ve damaged your trust in me.”

“You’ve placed me in an awkward position.” The king took my hands in his and pressed hard with his thumbs. “You violated the rules, and there should be punishment, but I will forgive you because more is at stake than you realize.”

My head tipped down while my skin prickled.

“That boy was a test,” the king said. “To convince the priests of your loyalty. And now they’re doubting again.

We need them, Silk. They provide the mage magic that protects the realm.

Without the magic, we’ll be at the mercy of the elements, poor crops, starvation, all the disasters brought by the Malice Moon.

You don’t want the people to suffer for your failures, do you? ”

I shook my head.

“But rebels are a risk to everyone. Rebels like the man who influenced poor Sevyn and caused his death. These men come from the frontier, creating disorder, planting fear. They are the enemy, not the red priests. The Davinicans work to protect us, even if their methods are not yours.”

Tarian’s voice deepened. “Two days ago, we captured a man. A valuable man. The red priests are bringing him to Thales, and it is essential that we learn what secrets he hides. You will interrogate him, Silk. Tonight. As long as it takes. And you will succeed, won’t you?”

I nodded.

“So little time remains,” the king said, as if the words were heavy. “You weakened when that boy reminded you of Nikias. Acted impulsively. But this prisoner is important. Go back to your rooms and rest. In two hours, you will leave with Ildoran. Do what must be done. ”

He cupped my cheek through the veil and stroked once with his thumb. Never had Tarian Ardalez made such a gesture.

“Don’t disappoint me, Silk.” Then his hand dropped away from the veil. “It would disturb me if your brother suffered because you failed to accomplish this task.”