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“We will, of course, extract you before marching on the city, should that become necessary,” the tsar said.
The assurance wasn’t comforting. If anything, I felt worse. Sending my wife into an enemy court, a court that might soon be the site of a battle for the kingdom? “But, your majesty, what would I tell people about her absence? Our servants would be concerned, to say nothing of our friends and neighbors.”
“While I by no means wish to compound your personal tragedies, Han, if your wife consents to take this position, your journey to Tsebol this week provides a most convenient reason for her absence.” Seeing our uncomprehending looks, he added, “Moon Fever. There’s been a rash of cases in the city recently.”
The horrid fever was named for the speed at which it killed. People woke healthy in the morning, and by the time the moon rose, they were dead. I stared at the tsar, struck dumb.
“To…pretend I died?”
Mila’s expression matched my own, I was gratified to see. Maybe she would see sense after all.
“Not necessarily,” the tsar said. “Han Aleksandrovich can spread the news that you contracted the fever during your visit to Tsebol, and once you survived the first night, your husband chose to have you sent east to recover fully.” Survival of Moon Fever was rare, but if anyone survived the first night, they could make a full recovery, although their healing took months. “There’s a hospital near the Spider Mountains where a team of Blood Bastards is studying the disease in hopes of finding a cure. You can explain to your friends that due to the nature of the hospital, she won’t be able to receive visitors or communicate with anyone.
“Mila’s absence would also provide a reasonable excuse for yours, Han.” The tsar shared an inscrutable look with Lord Ilya. “With Ilya gone to court, I need someone to assist me. I’ve already told you of my desire to have a survivor of Barbezht with me. I can think of no one better to help me raise my army.”
All thoughts left my mind. “Me?”
The tsar nodded.
“But what about Boris Stepanovich?”
“Boris Stepanovich prefers to work from the shadows. He’ll remain here in Tsebol. But you, Han, you sought me out. Your story of life under my brother’s rule, the trials you’ve faced, can inspire others to join me. I want you to help raise my army.”
I swallowed. This was too much to process at once. “I’m honored, your majesty. May we have time to consider your offers?”
Mila cut in. “There’s no need. We would be proud to assist your majesty in any way possible.”
I caught her eye and held it. She was firm, mouth a tight line. I knew I would never be able to convince her otherwise.
“We are yours to command,” she said.
The tsar raised his glass. “To my newest recruits: may Otets grant us swift success and expedient justice.”
I raised my glass with the others, but my mind was in turmoil. I sat in silence, allowing the conversation to flow around me as talk turned to lighter subjects.
As we finished dining, the tsar turned to us again.
“Ilya Sergeyevich will leave for court on the first of the week. Mila, you will need to spend that time here preparing, of course. Han, in the morning you can journey home to ensure everything is taken care of during your absence. Tell whoever you must about the Fever and that you are going to stay near the hospital until your wife is well enough to return home. As soon as your business is finished, you can return here.”
This was all happening too quickly. We had one night together. One last night, and then we would be separated for who knew how many months. My throat tightened.
The tsar rose. “Mila, if you would attend me in a short while, I would be most grateful. At your leisure, of course. I’m sure the two of you would like some time to talk.”
Chapter eleven
A Stranger's Body
Mila
Icould sense disapproval radiating from Han as we walked back to our room in silence. As soon as he closed the door behind us, I rounded on him.
“What was that about?”
“What do you mean?” He tried to take my hand, but I shook him off.
“You weren’t going to let me go.” As though he had any right toletme do anything. As though he were my master, my lord.
“I never said that.”
