Rosen is absent.This amused her, but did not surprise her.
An’Tellarus has been waiting for you.
Yes.
Severn didn’t tell her that the High Halls weren’t safe to visit. He did allow her a glimpse of his first encounter with An’Tellarus, and followed it with his second. On both occasions she had attempted to injure—if not kill—him to satisfy her curiosity.
Ybelline didn’t approve, but the disapproval was unadorned with words.From Helmat’s expression, he is pleased with neither of his visitors this morning.
Since this was the truth and Severn had nothing to add that would make it more palatable, he said nothing.
You will accompany us?
With Elluvian. Given his reaction, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Wolflord join us.
This amused, rather than angered, Ybelline.He will not, but yes, he is almost alarmed.
He was well past alarmed, in Severn’s opinion.
You are not.
I know why you’re going. No—I know what you hope to discover. I don’t know how you intend to discover it. For the Barrani—almost any Barrani—it would be safer if you were dead.
It would be safer ifallof my people were dead. Safer for them. Safer for you.
Severn shook his head, and then stilled; the gesture was only likely to dislodge the delicate connection between them.That’s not safety.
We can, with a touch, know everything about you that we want to know.
You don’t want to know anything.
No. But the knowledge is a powerful tool—and the powerful believe that if it is not a tool in their arsenal, it’s best that it not be in anyone’s. Apologies, Severn. You know all of this.
You’re nervous.
Yes.A faint sense of warmth or amusement accompanied the word.
You asked An’Tellarus to escort you?
No. I was told only that an escort would come for me in the Wolves’ office.Her grip tightened briefly. Severn thoughtnervouswas the wrong word to describe what she was feeling, but didn’t try to find the right one.
Why have you not told them that you’re the castelord?
Them? You mean the Wolves and the Imperial Service?
Yes.
Technically, I am heir designate, not castelord. Yes, in any way that matters, I have made my claim—but there are ceremonies that must be observed, and they have not occurred yet.
When will they occur?
It depends on the outcome of this meeting.
Who are you visiting?
As you must suspect, An’Sennarin.
He released her hands, stepped back, and bowed.