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She met Valara’s gaze steadily, willing the other woman to trust. Moments were sliding through the hourglass. If they delayed too long, it wouldn’t matter what Valara believed. Galena gave a whispering sigh, as if she, too, were calculating the time.
Finally Valara said, “So you will help me get away from Osterling Keep? To meet with your friend?”
“Yes.”
“No,” Galena said. “Ilse, you promised to talk to her. Ask her questions. You didn’t say anything about helping her to escape. That’s treason.”
“I know,” Ilse said quietly. “I can’t expect you to—”
A soft rapping interrupted them. Galena started to her feet, knife held ready. Ilse motioned for her to stop. “Go into my bedroom,” she whispered. When Galena frowned, she added, “Do it. Unless you want to explain yourself to the house guards, and after them, Lord Joannis.”
Galena scowled, but she lowered the knife. She and Valara hurried into Ilse?
?s bedroom and eased the door shut. Ilse waited, hoping her unwanted visitor would leave, but another knock sounded, louder this time. “Ilse? You’re awake. I know it.”
Alesso. Ilse cursed softly. Anyone else she could easily send away without an explanation. She went to the door and opened it a crack.
He was little more than a shadow and a scent in the darkness, but she caught the tension in his attitude. “You have visitors,” he said softly. “And before you deny it, I saw you admit them through the side door. Or rather, you admitted one visitor and the two of you carried the other. Let me in, or I will cry to the watch that robbers have invaded your rooms.”
This was no bluff. He would do it. Ilse stood aside and motioned for him to enter. Alesso glided into the room, glancing to either side. His gaze paused at the lit candles, the map of Fortezzien spread over Ilse’s desk, then the closed bedroom door. He 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.”
