“We need to talk,” I say, stepping up to the table. The nearest rebels steal looks at me as they work, a mixture of curiosity and unease. It’s different to the outright fear I’m used to getting from humans when they know who I am, but I suppose if any group of humans is going to be accepting of the number of Temple clerics I slayed in the war, it’ll be this bunch. In some ways, I suppose I should be some kind of hero to the Hand.
And yet, they’re still not completely sure of me. Never quite comfortable around a man with so much death attached to him.
“Your Highness.” Harman puts the parchment he’s holding down. “Is now the best time? We have a lot of work to do.”
“Now is the perfect time,” I say, my response harsher than I mean it to be. After all, I’m trying to get this man to see things from my point of view.
Harman’s eyes tighten slightly, then he nods. “Very well. There’s a more private spot this way.”
He leads me deeper into the cave toward a network of smaller caverns at the back. Harman stops inside one of them, and I peer into the darkness, realizing they’re not caverns at all.
“Where do these tunnels lead?” I ask.
Harman shrugs. “Various places.”
“But I’m guessing at least one of them comes out near the Wirstones.” When Harman seems reluctant to answer, I straighten up. “The passages through those mountains may be associated with the rebels nowadays, but I used them back before even your grandfather was born.”
“Yes, and we appreciate having someone with so much experience on our side,” Harman says.
If, in fact, you’re on our side.
He doesn’t need to say the words for them to hang in the air between us.
Beating around the bush has never worked well for me, so I cut straight to the chase.
“I don’t think Morgana should go to Bastion,” I say.
Harman tilts his head thoughtfully. “Isn’t that up to her?”
“Fine, then—if you need me to say it, I want you to advise her not to go to Bastion.”
“Why?”
“Because it’s not safe.”
“My men and women told me how she fought against the ruined in Hallowbane. She can handle herself.”
Irritation flares in my chest. I don’t appreciate him acting like I think Ana is helpless or fragile.
“It’s not about that,” I say. “Of course she’s capable. But since this mission doesn’t require her presence, it’s better she doesn’t take the risk.”
“On the contrary. She’s told me about her orbital abilities, and I think her powers could be very useful during the operation,” Harman counters.
“Useful enough that you’re willing to stake her life on it?”
“We’re all staking our lives, Prince Leonidas. That’s the nature of defying these Ethiran extremists. I thought you of all people would understand that.”
I try a different tack.
“Still, she’s your best bet at putting a ruler on the throne who will actually stand against the Temple. Surely that’s too precious to gamble with?”
Harman’s stare grows hard, and I think I may have offended him.
“That isnotwhat makes my sister precious to me.”
“Yet you’ll still lure her to Bastion,” I growl.
“I’m notluringher anywhere. She’s a grown woman who can make her own choices.” At last, there’s a harsh edge to Harman’s voice. I’m making him angry, and I don’t care, not when he’s lying to himself and me like this.
