sniffed, as though he could scent the mystery in her rooms.
Or the magic.
Ilse stole behind him. She could take him down with a hold and a sweep, then silence him with a blow to the throat. Alesso whirled around and seized her wrist. “Please,” he said. “We are two old friends. We do not betray each other.”
She tested his grip. It was too strong to break without making noise. “How sweetly you talk,” she said. “I wish I could believe you. Speak plainly.”
Alesso laughed. “This is why I adore you. Very well, I shall speak plainly. You have two visitors. One illicit, if not dead. Tomorrow, you face an interrogation with Lord Markus Khandarr, who is recovering from a rather strenuous interview this past evening. My guess is that these two incidents are connected. Let me help you in your endeavors.”
“For what payment?”
His eyes were bright with amusement. “You are so blunt. I shall return the favor. I want you to plead my cause—Fortezzien’s cause—with your beloved, Lord Raul Kosenmark.”
Her skin went cold at Raul’s name. “I left him and his house.”
“You did, but rumor tells me your heart did not. What is your answer?”
Ilse thought quickly. She did not trust Alesso. But he had proved discreet. He had not gossiped about her letter and visit to Lord Joannis. He clearly knew more about Osterling Keep than she did. And she had not forgotten his words about political games, how not all of them concerned the king and his court.
“Do you want money?” she asked. “Or influence? You must have many friends in need. Shall we call them rebels, or do you have a more polite name?”
“Our names are not important. Nor do I want money. I want your promise of Lord Kosenmark’s assistance in the future. We can discuss the details later. Introduce me to your friends and tell me your plans.”
He smiled easily. Ilse wanted to slap him. “Galena,” she called softly. “Bring our visitor, please.”
They emerged from the bedroom. Both of them stared at Alesso with open curiosity.
“A prisoner,” Alesso said softly. “And a soldier of the kingdom. So I guessed correctly. You should know that I could overhear your argument. You want to smuggle this woman out of Osterling. I can help you with that.”
Galena hissed and drew her knife. “I told you no, Ilse. I meant that.”
She darted toward the door. Alesso grabbed her arm, but Galena was as tall and strong as Alesso, and she had a knife. Ilse darted forward and disarmed Galena with a blow to her finger bones, which distracted Galena long enough for Alesso to complete a sweep and throw her to the ground.
Ilse bent over her, the other knife in her hand. “Galena. I am sorry. I cannot let you report to your officer. Not yet.”
“You lied.”
“I did. I’m sorry.”
“That is your mistake,” Alesso said. “Being sorry, that is. Do we kill her?”
“What? No.” But she eyed Galena uneasily.
Galena lay there, her eyes wide and pale. Valara had circled around and observed the scene with her arms folded. Her lips twitched in a smile when Ilse glanced in her direction. “Let her live,” Valara said. “She will hate that worse than dying. Won’t you?” she asked Galena. “Betrayal is a coward’s weapon.”
Galena flinched. “I am not a coward.”
“Nor a friend,” Valara said. “You have no reason to like or help me. But her”—she nodded at Ilse—“you care a great deal about her. Do you want her dead? Locked in prison and tortured? Better you let us go tonight and salve your conscience tomorrow.”
Bells whispered through the open shutters. Three quarter chimes. Ilse glanced at Alesso. He nodded. He, too, understood they had little time before the watch changed, before someone sent a runner to the garrison prison and Valara’s absence was discovered.
“Choose,” Alesso said to Ilse. “Death or—”
“Forgetfulness,” Ilse said. “I know magic to lock her memories.”
He shook his head. “Not good enough.”
He pressed the knife’s edge to Galena’s throat. Ilse reached for Alesso’s arm, but it was Valara who intercepted him before he could do more than make a shallow cut. “One moment.” Her voice was calm, dispassionate, as though they were not discussing murder. To Galena, she said, “Help me and I will take away the word on your face.”
Galena’s eyes went wide.
Ilse held herself still, watching them both, but especially Valara. Oh, she is perceptive. Even at such a time as this.
“Can you?” Galena asked.
“Of course.”
“They’ll see,” Ilse said. “Your captain and everyone else will notice