The smell of beef pies roused me from my dark thoughts. Hanni set one in front of me. Despite my upset stomach, I ate the entire portion. I had to stay strong for the baby. The rest of the evening blurred together. Soldiers returned and left in waves, carrying crates. I noticed that none of the people were familiar. This crew appeared to be close to or younger than Cahil’s age of twenty-nine. None of Cahil’s old gang—the ones who’d raised him and lied to him about being King Ixia’s nephew—were part of this group. Maybe they were stationed at the garrison. Or maybe he no longer trusted them.

Thinking about trust, I almost groaned aloud. Just how loyal were his people? They’d all eaten the spiked food and been brainwashed. What if I managed to wake Cahil, but his agents refused to obey his orders? There was nothing in the contract about his people following the terms of our agreement. I’d have to ask Cahil about it when—or should that be if?—we were alone.

Later that night, Cahil woke me. I’d been dozing with my head on a desk.

“Come on,” he said, pulling me to my feet. “Let’s go.”

“Where?”

“We don’t sleep here, and unless you’d rather be chained—”

“No.”

“Thought not.” He clamped a hand around my arm, escorting me up and out of the warehouse.

Once again, Cahil’s crew surrounded us as if they expected an ambush. I pulled the hood of my borrowed cloak up and over my head. No need to tip Bruns off that I was with his general. Few people strolled along the quiet streets. Clouds blocked the moon, but I guessed it was close to midnight. A light breeze blew dead leaves along the road, their rattle the only sound.

“Are you still worried I’ll escape?” I asked after a few blocks.

“No. But I’m sure your husband is nearby.”

“He promised not to interfere.”

“But that won’t stop others from trying to get to you. There’s still that bounty on your head.”

True. We headed toward the southeast quadrant of the Citadel. Before reaching the government’s area, Cahil turned right, and we entered one of those old factories that had been converted into apartments.

“You don’t live in government housing?” I asked.

“Too many nosy neighbors.”

We climbed to the sixth floor, and I waited in the hallway outside number sixty-six with a couple bodyguards while the others checked the apartment and lit the lanterns.

When it was declared safe, Cahil dismissed his crew. “Hanni, Faxon and Sladen, report here at first light. The rest of you, meet us at the stables an hour after dawn.”

“And don’t eat any of the food at the Council Hall,” I added.

Cahil yanked me roughly inside. “You don’t give my people orders.” He locked the door.

“What happens once you know I’m right, but your people are still loyal to Bruns?”

“They’re loyal to me.”

“For now. You and Bruns are on the same page. What happens when you no longer agree?”

“That’s not going to happen.”

“Use your imagination, then.”

He opened his mouth but then closed it.

Not waiting for him to catch up, I said, “They’re not bound to our agreement. They can endanger both of us. They should all avoid the Theobroma and wear null shield pendants.”

Cahil rubbed a hand along the blond scruff on his jaw. “I’ll think about it.”

Progress. I glanced around his apartment. Functional and masculine, a deep blue couch and several armchairs occupied the main living area. A few paintings of horses decorated the walls, and I recognized a lifelike portrait of Topaz in one. The small kitchen lined the left wall next to a door to the washroom. Two doors on the right side must lead to bedrooms. The air held a faint stale scent, and I suspected Cahil didn’t spend much time here.

Pointing to the furthest door, Cahil said, “That’s your room for tonight. I suggest you lock the door, just in case.”

“In case an assassin breaks in?” Not a comforting thought.

“Yes, but I highly doubt it. No one followed us from the warehouse.”

“I’m not worried about the ones you can spot.”

“And I’m certain Valek is ensuring the others won’t bother you.”

If Valek was actually keeping an eye on my whereabouts. A strange emptiness filled me and I drifted, unconnected and alone. After washing up, I entered the bedroom—a stark, impersonal space meant for guests—and collapsed on the bed.

Cahil woke me the next morning. His people had arrived and brought cheese and bread for breakfast. I longed for a cup of hot tea—more for the warmth and comfort than an actual need. When we left the apartment, I pulled my hood up. Once we exited the building, Cahil grasped my arm again.

The morning bustle filled the streets. Factory workers hurried to report for their shifts and wagons trundled by, delivering goods and supplies. No one appeared to take any interest in us. A gray blanket of clouds sealed the sky, and a chilly, moist wind brushed my cheeks. The prospect of traveling in the rain soured my mood further.

As we walked to the Council’s stables, Cahil said, “I thought about your concerns over my unit. And if you’re right and Bruns is...brainwashing us, I’d like to have my loyal people free of his influence, as well. Can Fisk get us twelve more null shield pendants?”

I perked up at the good news. “I don’t know if he can get that many with such short notice. But you can send someone to the market and ask one of the Helper’s Guild members. Make sure your runner mentions my name.”