The vein on Lizaar’s temple pulsed. “And you used it,” she hissed. “Congratulations. Now tell me why you didn’t free me.”
“Because if I freed you, in a month I would have to fight against your father. Or your brother. Or any of your many cousins.”
Lizaar was silent only for a heartbeat. “How can you be sure you won’t have to do it anyway?”
“Because you will pass them a message from me. ‘Lizaar will die on the day another landshaper Challenges me.’” Lannahi felt Ashared’s and Erril’s gaze on her. After a meaningful pause, she continued, “Once you tell them that, your family and their allies won’t be in such a hurry to Challenge me, don’t you think?”
Tension hung in the silence.
“Your plan is faulty, witch,” Lizaar said slowly. “You didn’t take into account that my family might care more about defending the estate than my life.”
Lannahi smiled. “After what I saw in Blacktower I know enough. I bet your brother will be the first to jump to your defense.”
She wasn’t so sure at all, but after the hateful glare Lizaar sent in her direction, she knew she’d read the relationship between the siblings correctly. Unlike with her own siblings, Lizaar and Mahhir openly cared for one another.
“This doesn’t have to be difficult, Lizaar,” she said more gently. “Work with me and you will hardly notice the change. I want you to continue to attend to the city’s affairs and all that you have been doing thus far. The only difference will be that you will consult your actions with me first.”
“I will hardly notice the change?! You’ve made me a slave! No one will take me seriously! You’ve taken everything from me, you bloody witch—”
Ashared moved uneasily, and Lizaar interrupted her tirade to look at him. After a nonverbal exchange between them, the second that day, her lips clamped shut.
“I understand your anger,” Lannahi said, “that’s why today I will forgive you any insults you sling at me. Remember, however, that from tomorrow there will be consequences. If you disrespect me like this in public, the consequences will double.”
She thought it was impossible, but the level of hatred in Lizaar’s gaze grew stronger.
Seeing that the other woman was ready to hurl a bunch of curses at her, Lannahi suggested, “Let’s take a break and meet here in an hour. With cooler heads, you can inform me of what I need to know about Goldfrost. And we can discuss the terms of your cooperation.”
Lizaar sprang from her seat, knocking over her chair. “I won’t agree with you on anything, witch! You want to know the situation in the city? I’ll tell you! If you want our goldcopper, you’ll have to dig it up yourself, because no miner will lift a finger to help you! They’d sooner backfill the mine than give you anything. The same with the soldiers. Winter cities may delay the attack for a while, but sooner or later one of them will Challenge you.” Her lips curved into an unpleasant smile. “Unless they are forestalled by an enchanter inspired by your escapade. Either way, be assured that none of the soldiers will give their lives up for you in the Royal Battle. You will be alone on the battlefield, just as you will be alone in this city because no one wants to live under the rule of a golden witch.”
Lizaar was about to turn away when something else occurred to her. “One more thing,” she added in an almost conversational tone. “Shapeshifters living outside the city walls are infuriated that they need to share the hunting grounds. It would be good if you warned your father in case one of them takes out their frustration by ripping out your throat.” She gave her a fake smile. “If you pass this information along to your family, the gameboard likely will not turn red.”
After these words, she left the chamber, slamming the door behind her.
Before Lannahi had time to react, Ashared took a few steps forward, ignoring Erril who slid his hand into his knife pack. “Your Highness, please show her mercy and do not punish her for her behavior. She’s lava-born and her emotions often eclipse her reason, but I’m sure that when she cools down, she will be receptive to your terms. She’s a pragmatic woman.”
Lannahi forced a smile. “That was what I heard. A capable bookkeeper and pragmatic woman.”
Ashared hesitated. “What she said about the shapeshifters… you need not fear. As long as you are here, the Palace Guard will protect you.”
Lannahi regarded him closely. She didn’t delude herself that his words accrued from kindness. “As long as you are here” meant that the guards, like the rest of the army, wouldn’t fight for her in the Royal Battle. The only reason Ashared might want to protect her was for fear of Sarkal’s reaction if Lannahi met an untimely demise.
“Why are you here?” she asked. “From what I’ve heard, you aren’t associated with any court. How did it happen that in a few days’ time, you were appointed the captain of the Palace Guard here?”
“I owe a debt of gratitude to Lizaar’s uncle,” the man said calmly, apparently prepared for the question. “I’m here to fulfill it.”
Lannahi stifled her surprise. The uncle Ashared had in mind was probably swordmaster Nahid, and the gratitude he spoke of was that of a student to a teacher, but his explanation made sense even if she was wrong. He was a mixed-blood who foregathered with people that fixated on blood purity—it wasn’t hard to guess that the path he took wasn’t smooth and straight, and the favor of a relative of the king of Winterfort was likely to be one of many he’d benefited from. Ashared’s debt must have been substantial if he agreed to accept a position in which he risked his life, but Lannahi felt there must have been something else behind his present assignment. Lizaar’s father must have trusted him since he’d confided to him his daughter’s protection. And that mutual understanding between Ashared and Lizaar… Ashared may not be here only out of obligation.
“What about your training?” Lannahi asked.
“I believe that I will be able to reconcile it with my new duties,” he replied.
She tried to discern any information from his behavior, but Ashared remained steady and calm under her perusal. He seemed genuinely concerned about getting along with her. It was a welcome change from Lizaar’s explosive temperament and raised her hopes that not all would be as recalcitrant as the former queen.
However, Lannahi wasn’t fooled. Ashared bowed and used polite words, but there was no fear or respect, or even calculation in his attitude. He didn’t appear to try to please her for personal gain. She felt that he was steadfast, and this was the attitude of someone who was ready to swallow his pride to attack at a more favorable time.
Ashared was not her friend.
“I would like a map of the palace and the city so that I and my guards can become better acquainted with them both,” she changed the subject. “I would also appreciate it if later today you or one of your soldiers shows my guards the palace and provide information concerning the security in place. Can I count on you in this regard, captain?”
