Sweep of the Blade (Innkeeper Chronicles #4) - Ilona Andrews Page 0,66

scorpion in it and dashed through the room to the door. She took a deep breath to steady herself.

“Open.”

The door slid aside. Arland looked at her. To the casual observer, he would have looked fine, but she’d spent too much time studying his face. She saw distance in his eyes and it chilled her. Something had happened. She frantically cycled through the possibilities. Had she embarrassed the House? Did she somehow hurt his feelings? Did he read her message and it pissed him off?

“My mother requests your presence at the picnic in the groom’s honor, my lady.”

“I’m honored, my lord. Weapons?”

“Not permitted.”

“Allow me a moment to check on my daughter.”

“No need. Lady Helen and the rest of the children have been taken to the lakeshore.”

And Lady Helen had failed to check in with her. They would have to have a talk tonight.

He stepped aside, letting her pass. They walked side by side.

“Lord Kurr?” she asked.

“He lives. Barely.”

“I apologize if I caused any offense.”

“You didn’t. Your conduct was exemplary. You exhibited remarkable self-control, my lady. House Krahr is fortunate to have the benefit of your service.”

Nope, he hadn’t read her message.

They entered a long breezeway leading to a tower which, in turn, allowed passage to another small mesa rising on their left. According to her harbinger, the picnic was being held there. Even without the harbinger, the clumps of vampires spread across the green lawn would’ve been a dead giveaway. Once they reached the mesa, they would be in public and she’d have to kiss any chance at a private conversation goodbye. She had to clear this up now.

“Is something the matter, my lord?”

“Everything is well,” he said.

Okay, that was all she was willing to tolerate. “Then why are you impersonating an icicle?”

He glared at her. She matched his stare. She was reasonably sure they were being watched from the mesa, but she didn’t care.

The look in his eyes got to her and she slipped into English despite herself. “Did a cat get your tongue?”

His face iced over. “No. Lions didn’t injure my mouth. You and I have a complex relationship, my lady. These complications notwithstanding, in public you must conduct yourself in accordance with your place in the chain of command.”

“Are you pulling rank?”

“Yes.”

She laughed and walked off. They were almost to the tower.

“My lady.” Unmistakable command suffused his voice.

“You should read your messages, Lord Marshal.”

She made it another three steps before he snarled, “Maud!”

Maud pivoted on her foot. “Is something the matter?”

He bore down on her. “You resigned. Why?”

“What do you mean, why?” It was painfully obvious. Maybe he really did have second thoughts.

“You should have at least given me the courtesy of telling me face to face,” his voice was quiet and icy.

“I tried but you were busy. The message was my only option.”

“When?” he asked, his eyes dark.

“I don’t follow.”

They definitely had an audience now. Their voices didn’t carry that far, but just about everyone on the lawn was looking their way.

He forced the words out. “When are you leaving?”

It stabbed at her. “Do you want me to leave?”

“Do you think this is funny? Because I fail to see the humor. I’ve given you a place in House Krahr. You’re throwing it in my face. That can mean only one thing. You’re leaving.”

He thought that she resigned because she wanted to quit him and his House. He’d honored her with trust and a position within the House and he thought she was throwing it back in his face.

Oh, you idiot.

Arland kept going. “You almost married Betin Cagnat on Karhari. You were in negotiations, with the contracts being drawn, and you haven’t even entertained my proposal.”

I wonder when he learned that tidbit.

“I told you that I’m content to await your decision. But if you have feelings for another from your past, it is only fair that you tell me.”

Oh. He thought she was having second thoughts because last night she’d talked to Renouard. Maud almost laughed.

“Being a knight of Krahr would have allowed you time to make your decision. It was the best option available under the circumstances.”

“Is that why you offered it to me?” she asked, keeping her voice mild.

“No. I offered it to you because you were in a dangerous situation without any authority to intervene. But after you accepted it, it felt like the best solution.”

He was trying to keep her close any way he could. He must’ve been worried she would leave and offering her an in-House position was his way to ensure she