The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms

Because Im so weak-willed and sentimental that Id blabber all my secrets to save him?

He scowled. Because youre not like the rest of us. I thought you would do what you could to save a friend in pain, yes. I wanted to spare you that. Hate me for it if you like.

I turned to him, privately amazed. Tvril still saw me as the innocent, noble-hearted girl who had been so grateful for his kindness that first day in Sky. How many centuries ago had that been? Not quite two weeks.

I dont hate you, I said.

Tvril exhaled, then came over to join me at the window. Well Scimina was furious when you left, as you might imagine.

I nodded. Nahadoth? Sieh?

Zhakkarn and Kurue took them away. Scimina lost interest in us and left shortly after you did.

Us?

He paused for a second, and I could almost hear him cursing to himself under his breath. After a moment he said, Her original plan was to play that little game with the servants.

Ah, yes. I felt myself growing angry again. Thats when you suggested she use Sieh instead?

He spoke tightly. As I said, Yeine, the Enefadeh can survive Sciminas amusement. Mortals usually dont. You arent the only one I need to protect.

Which made it no more rightbut understandable. Like so much in Sky, wrong but understandable. I sighed.

I offered myself first.

I started. Tvril was gazing out the window, a rueful smile on his face. As Lady Yeines friend, I said, if youll forgive me for presuming. But she said I wasnt any better than the rest of the servants. His smile faded; I saw the muscles ripple along his jaw.

Dismissed again, I realized. Not even his pain is good enough for the Central Family. Yet he could not complain too much; his unimportance had saved him a great deal of suffering.

I have to go, Tvril said. He lifted a hand, hesitated, then put it on my shoulder. The gesture, and the hesitancy, reminded me of Sieh. I put my own hand over his. I would miss himironic, since I was the one slated to die.

Of course youre my friend, I whispered. His hand tightened for a moment, then he went to the door to leave.

Before he could, I heard a startled murmur from him; the voice that responded was familiar, too. I turned, and as Tvril stepped out Viraine stepped in.

My apologies, he said. May I come in? He did not close the door, I noted, in case I said no.

For a moment I stared at him, amazed at his audacity. I had no doubt that he had magically enabled Sciminas torture of Sieh, just as he had Nahadoths. That was his true role here, I understood nowto facilitate all the evil that our family dreamt up, especially where it concerned the gods. He was the Enefadehs keeper and driver, wielder of the Arameri whip.

But an overseer is not solely to blame for a slaves misery. Sighing, I said nothing. Apparently deciding this constituted acceptance, Viraine let the door close and came over. Unlike Tvril, there was nothing resembling apology in his expression, just the usual guarded Arameri coolness.

It was unwise of you to interfere in Menchey, he said.

So Ive been reminded.

If you had trusted me

My mouth fell open in pure incredulity.

If you had trusted me, Viraine said again, with a hint of stubbornness, I would have helped you.

I almost laughed. For what price?

Viraine fell silent for a moment, then moved to stand beside me, almost exactly where Tvril had been. He felt very different, though. Warmer, most noticeably. I could feel his body heat from where I stood, a foot away.

Have you chosen an escort for the ball?

Escort? The question threw me entirely. No. Ive barely thought about the ball; I may not even attend.

You must. Dekarta will compel you magically if you dont come on your own.

Of course. Viraine would be the one to impose the compulsion, no doubt. I shook my head, sighing. Fine, then. If Grandfather is set on humiliating me, theres nothing I can do but endure it. But I see no reason to inflict the same on an escort.

He nodded slowly. That should have been my warning. I had never seen Viraine be anything but brisk in his mannerisms, even when relaxed.

You might enjoy the night, at least a little, he said, if I were your escort.

I was silent for so long that he turned to face my stare and laughed. Are you so unused to being courted?

By people who arent interested in me? Yes.

How do you know Im not?

Why would you be?

Do I need a reason?

I folded my arms. Yes.

Viraine raised his eyebrows. I must apologize again, then. I hadnt realized Id made such a poor impression on you over the past few weeks.

Viraine I rubbed my eyes. I was tirednot physically but emotionally, which was worse. Youve been very helpful, true, but I cant call you anything like kind. Ive even doubted your sanity at times. Not that this makes you any different from other Arameri.