Drakon and the other warrior bow and then charge off toward their comrades.
“So glad you could join us.” Abarrane smiles at me through gritted teeth. “We were just talking about how much havoc your little gift is causing Islor.”
I ignore her, focusing on Zander as he turns to face me. My heart skips a beat the second his eyes touch me. “What’s happening in Bellcross?”
He opens his mouth, but stalls.
“Are they hurting the humans?” I press.
“Not yet, but it will surely come. The reason behind the death of Lord Rengard’s tributary is now broadly known, as is the culprit behind the act. Beyond that, rumors run wild. Several immortals have supposedly fallen prey to tributary schemes, but the two names Drakon checked in on were of keepers very much alive. Still, it is only a matter of time before the fear takes hold of common decency.”
Elisaf joins our little group. “And what of Lord Rengard? What is his position?”
“He has not made it known. He hides within the walls of his manor, not allowing anyone in or out. I suppose I cannot blame him. The only reason he didn’t face the same fate as my parents is because Tyree made the mistake of assuming all mortals would wish their keepers dead.” Zander’s lips twist with distaste. “He did not travel to Cirilea for the fair, but we must assume he has received word from Atticus by now. If he hasn’t made any bold declaration yet, perhaps I have not completely lost his support. I will not know until I speak to him.”
“Wait, you’re going into the city?” I glare at him.
Zander peers up at the sun. “I should have enough time to get inside the gates before dark.”
“I will ready the horses.” Abarrane marches off, Jarek on her heels.
Zander makes to move away.
I grab hold of his forearm. “You can’t just walk in through the gate.” I’m sure at least some of the guards will recognize him.
“Of course I can. I’m the rightful king of Islor, which includes Bellcross.” Tension cords his muscles beneath my fingertips.
“Except Atticus has declared himself the king and you an enemy to the throne. What will happen if Rengard isn’t your supporter anymore?”
Zander’s eyes snap to Elisaf. “Is there nothing you don’t tell her?”
“Thankfully, someone around here does.”
After another lingering glare at his friend, Zander says, “There are other ways to get into Bellcross.”
I should have known he was planning to sneak in. He’s spent years slinking in the shadows of Cirilea, first as a prince and then as king. “I’m going with you.”
“No, you are not—”
“I am.” I set my jaw stubbornly.
“If your guard has informed you of the details of Atticus’s edict, then you know how perilous it would be for you if you were caught.”
“Except I won’t get caught.” I’m no stranger to lurking, remaining unseen and unnoticed.
“This is not your world. You are not merely a thief here.”
“I have Gesine’s morels, so I don’t have to worry about any scent outing me for who I am. How many people from Bellcross have ever actually seen me? And would recognize me like this?” I wave a hand over my breeches and tunic. “I look like any other traveler. I definitely smell like one after sitting on a horse for days.”
“Lord Rengard has seen you, for one. He and his wife were in Cirilea for our wedding.”
“I won’t go with you to the castle.”
He gives me an exasperated look. “Then why go to Bellcross in the first place?”
“She can come with me to find Ianca,” Gesine says, approaching us, unnoticed.
“Yes, exactly.” I silently thank the caster for the excuse. “I’m going with Gesine to find Ianca.”