The Will of the Empress - By Tamora Pierce Page 0,109

it. I certainly got asked for it often enough, travelling with Niko. Even when they start out nicely, it always comes down to "Kill people for me."

"I am flattered, of course," she replied, her voice quiet and polite. Three years earlier she might have been cruder, but she had learned a few things. Nowadays she alwavs thought before she spoke in these situations. "Deeply flattered. Might I have time to consider this?"

Ishabal inspected her nails. When she looked up, she met Tris's eyes and said in a businesslike tone, "Five hundred gold argibs the first year. Your own rooms here in the palace, your own horses and maid. Your health is tended by imperial healers without charge. Materials for your magic and research are supplied free of cost, within reason. I determine what is reasonable, not a Privy Purse clerk who doesn't understand mage work."

Mila bless me, thought Tris, rattled despite her resolve. The offer was ferociously generous.

Her practical self gripped her greedy self by the ear. It always comes back to war magic, and I want to go to Lightsbridge! she told herself firmly.

No need to rush or offend anyone, not if I'm stuck here for at least another month, Tris told herself. "I must think it over, please," she said. "You must understand how overwhelming this is, for someone like me."

"Of course," Ishabal replied, getting to her feet. "You are wise to think about it. But Her Imperial Majesty also wishes you to know she sees your worth. She values it."

Tris got up and nodded. "I am greatly honoured. Please thank her for me."

She saw Ishabal to the door and let her out, then closed it behind her. I am not going to think about the money, or the funds, or the healers, she told herself, biting her lip. I want to go to Lightsbridge. She turned the key in the lock. And I won't do battle magic. Ever.

She was settling into her chair when someone rapped hard on the door. She had locked out the maid.

*

They all gathered in Sandry's rooms before the welcoming party so that Sandry could inspect them. Briar wore his favourite deep green tunic and breeches with a perfect white shirt, Tris a vivid blue undergown and sheer black over-gown in the Namornese style. Daja was glorious in a bronze silk tunic that hung to her knees, and leggings of the same colour, the tunic heavy with intricate gold embroideries. Sandry had chosen an undergown of pale blue and a white lace overgown, with blue topazes winking at her ears and around her neck. She smiled at her family.

Gudruny sighed, looking at them. "If clothes were armour, you would be defended against all your enemies," she said. "And you've your wits, too — that's something."

"Splendid," said Briar drily, "I now feel suitably armed for a swim in a tub of molasses."

"She's just being cautious — that's Gudruny's way," Sandry told him. "And you do look fine." She smoothed away a wrinkle in Tris's overgown. "Definitely a match for all these Bags."

Briar grinned at her use of slang. Bowing, he offered her his arm. "May I?" he asked gallantly. "At least, until one of those Bag boys tears you away from me?"

Sandry laughed. "There isn't a man here who could do that for more than an hour."

"Are you sure?" asked Briar, raising an eyebrow. "Nobody?"

Sandry blushed slightly, but said firmly, "Nobody."

One of Sandry's new footmen led them to the Moonlight Hall, where the party was being held. As they entered the room, Briar said, "Well, I mean to tear myself away from you a bit tonight. That Caidy just might get herself kissed, if she's lucky."

"And more if she's unlucky?" Daja asked.

"No girl who draws my eye is ever unlucky," Briar assured her solemnly. "How could she be?"

"It's a good thing we know you're not really this conceited, or we'd have to take you down a peg or twelve," murmured Tris. "Shurri bless me, this room is packed."

"Don't run away too soon," Sandry pleaded, looking over her shoulder at Tris. "I know you hate parties, but please stay with me. You can glare all the idiots away, since Briar's leaving me forlorn on the sidelines."

Though Tris consented to keep her company, Sandry did not remain on the sidelines for long. Fin was the first to claim a dance when the musicians began to play, followed by Jak, Ambros, and Quen.

After Quen handed Sandry off to Shan, he chose to sink into a chair beside