Sanabalis frowned, his brows drawing together. “Very well. She understands the possible difficulties.” He cleared his throat. “We have been informed of the incident in the fiefs. You are aware of the Emperor’s interest in the fiefs—particularly the stability of the Towers.” In other words: Nightshade was important. Kaylin was slightly annoyed, because shealready knew that. But she was pretty certain Sanabalis would say this to anyone; it wasn’t—or shouldn’t be—personal. “We will leave the guarding of the fieflord in your hands. If you were not who you are, I would forbid you to accept the Consort’s invitation at this time.”
Kaylin nodded. Had she any real choice, she’d’ve rejected it as well.
Ynpharion said nothing. He agreed and disagreed; minor approval at unheard-of caution clashed with outrage at the possible insult to his lord.
“Very well. I expect to hear back from you after your visit.”
Kaylin shrugged, uneasy. There were things she couldn’t discuss with Sanabalis. Or anyone who didn’t already know.
Luckily she didn’t have to.
Helen cleared her throat. “Teela has arrived, dear. I think she wants to speak with you immediately.”
Of course she did.
Teela was dressed casually; she didn’t wear the tabard after work, but neither did Kaylin. Kaylin hadn’t had a chance to change; she’d approached Nightshade at a full run, and the investigation and subsequent arrival home had been the priority. Still, Teela’s court dress was absent. Her sword was not.
Helen hadn’t opened the parlor, which meant this wasn’t going to be a cozy social time. Given the color of Teela’s eyes, that was obvious.
“Have you eaten, dear?” Helen asked. Helen was probably the only person in existence who could call Teeladear.
“No. I doubt Kaylin has, either.”
“She hasn’t. And she does need to eat. Would you join her?”
Teela didn’t look like she wanted food, but she knew Helen would fret if Kaylin didn’t eat. She gave a curt nod, which could pass as agreement, before turning her blue glare to Kaylin.
“I’m going to change,” Kaylin said. “Before dinner.”
“I’d suggest you bathe as well,” Helen told her as she headed toward the stairs.
Teela was waiting patiently in the dining hall.
She was speaking with Mrs. Erickson, who looked up when Kaylin entered. “Is Annarion all right?” Mrs. Erickson inquired.
Asking Teela would have made more sense, but Kaylin winced as she took her seat. “He’s not happy. But his brother is alive, and I’m sure, when he regains consciousness, Annarion will be much better.”
“Mandoran is worried about him.”
“They’re all very close, as you no doubt noticed.” She really didn’t want to keep talking about the cohort in front of Mrs. Erickson. If things went south—no, given luck,when—the last thing she wanted was Mrs. Erickson to be caught up in it.
“I did some baking for Annarion. I’ll take it up to him now, if you don’t mind.”
“You’re not going to eat?”
“I did eat,” Mrs. Erickson replied. “And I’m sure you two have Hawk business to discuss.”
“She’s impossible not to like,” Teela observed when Mrs. Erickson had gently closed the dining room door.
Kaylin nodded. “Mandoran and Terrano are very fond of her. I think Fallessian is as well, but I see less of him.”
“He is. All of them are, although Sedarias refuses to demonstrate any sign of it.” Teela exhaled, her lips losing the trace of affectionate smile that Mrs. Erickson had caused. It was now time for business.
“Mandoran implied that my presence by your side in the High Halls would not be appreciated or advised.”
Kaylin nodded again. “I think things are political.”
Teela snorted.