“It might kill him yet,” was the dire reply.
“And he’s going to march to the library, interrupt the Arkon, and discover that you lied.”
“You know what I’ve said about betting?”
“That it’s a waste of time and you don’t understand its appeal?”
“I would like to rescind that. What would you care to bet?”
“You talked to the Arkon?”
“As it happens, I did not consult with Lannagaros, no.”
“So you expect he’s going to lie?”
“Not at all. I expect he’s going to confirm that he would be delighted to join us for dinner. As it seems to be Diarmat’s insistence that we have a minder for the visit, and the Arkon is the most senior member of the Court, there’s not a lot Diarmat can say.”
“I’m sure he’ll surprise you—I think he can say a lot.” She grimaced and looked at the report which Bellusdeo had not even opened. “Let me see that.”
“You can’t honestly imagine it will have useful information?”
“Not that I want to defend Diarmat, but actually, I imagine it has a lot of what he considers useful or necessary information. And to be fair to him? Some of it probably is.”
“You’re actually going to read it.” Bellusdeo was nonplused.
“The Imperial spies are probably a lot more forthcoming than the Barrani themselves. If the Emperor is concerned about political upheaval as a result of this dinner, it’s probably going to have information on how or why that upheaval might occur. Yes, I’m going to read it. It’ll probably tell me more about the High Court than the Consort or Teela would.” She warmed up to that thought. “Diarmat was severely injured fighting toprotectthe High Halls, and I’m certain his personal preferences would be to see the Barrani as a giant heap of collective ash. He’s going to look down on me no matter what I do, I can’t change that.
“But this might be useful. Do you think he’ll let me keep it?”
“Kitling,” Bellusdeo said, her eyes as gold as they had been since entering a room that also contained Lord Diarmat, “Sometimes you really surprise me. In a good way. Yes, I’m certain he’ll let you keep it. If you ask, he might be slightly mollified.”
“Could youtryto stop antagonizing him on my behalf?”
“I’m doing it on my own behalf.”
“Then could you try to antagonize him when I’m not here? He’s had it in for me since the first day we met—and I’m his only safe target.”
“Which is contemptible; it is hardly deserving of consideration.”
Kaylin generally agreed with this. “I don’t think he’s trying to be contemptible. I think he’s worried.” Before Bellusdeo could speak, she rushed on. “Look—I’m the last personIwould send into diplomatic waters. I’m only sent to the expensive parts of town when there’s been magical interference, or worse, and I’m sent with senior Hawks who do all the talking. I’m trying to learn how to behave—”
“I see nothing wrong with your behavior.”
“—like a Hawk. I’m trying to think before I speak. But I often fail, and I don’t want that to reflect poorly on the Halls of Law. He’s not wrong about me and diplomacy.”
“Why is it that you’re expected to conform to everyone else, and not the other way around?”
“Because I’m mortal, and I’m a private?”
“That was rhetorical. From everything you’ve said, the Consort knows what you’re like, and she accepted the invitation. She’s hardly going to start a diplomatic dustup if you fail to behave like any other Barrani Lord.”
“Oh—and that’s another thing. Could youpleasestop calling me ‘Lord Kaylin?’”
11
Lord Diarmat was not gone long. Kaylin had made it through four pages of High Barrani when the door opened; she almost dropped the report. But she wasn’t doing anything wrong, even by draconian standards, and managed to maintain her grip on what was essentially a large book.
“It appears,” Lord Diarmat said, to Bellusdeo, not Kaylin, “that the Arkon is, indeed, planning to attend.” The words sounded more like an accusation than a confirmation.