Fireblood (Frostblood Saga #2)(59)

The wharf wasn’t ready to sleep. A tavern facing the road had its door propped open, spilling light and laughter and the reek of sweat into the night air. Sailors guffawed and argued, their rough accents familiar from my time on the ship. I was about to move on, when I caught sight of a familiar broad, sun-lined face. Jaro sat at one of the tables, his cheeks red with drink, his easy smile flashing as his companion spoke and gestured with his hands.

Jaro looked up, and for a second I thought he might have seen me, but then he took another slow sip. I moved on.

A minute later, I heard the clump of approaching footsteps. I spun around, my hands automatically heated and ready to fight.

Jaro chuckled and showed his palms. “I surrender.”

I dropped my arms. “I didn’t think you’d seen me.”

“A good sailor is aware of any passing breeze.” His grin was wide. “Even one from the north.”

I just hoped he wouldn’t ask me why I was passing by so late at night. “How is Aver?”

“Angry. I enrolled her in the school. She would prefer to be at sea with me. But I have a peace offering. I built her a small vessel she can sail around the island.”

“On her own?”

“With a friend. As long as she watches the weather and tells me when she’s going out.”

“Am I considered a friend?”

“Of course, Ruby.” He stuffed his hands in his baggy pockets and rocked back on his heels. “You don’t even need to ask. If you want to sail, you can find me down at the seventh pier most days. Or here in the tavern at night.” His smile widened. “And it’s good to hear you speaking Sudesian. You learned quickly.”

“I had a good teacher.”

He made a dismissive gesture, but he looked pleased.

After we said our good-byes, I continued on until I reached the school. Sweat had beaded on my forehead, and my stomach roiled. The poison’s effects hadn’t left me entirely, but I ignored the discomfort. I needed to be back in the castle before dawn.

I crunched over the gravel drive and entered through the gate. No masters in sight. I crept through the school like a ghost, rolling each leather-clad foot from heel to toe.

The hallway was empty until I reached the black door of the library where two older masters dozed, one with her cheek pressed into her palm, the other with his head leaning against the door. Moonlight spilled in from the arcade of windows, and a single lantern burned from its perch on a hook.

Slowly, carefully, I lifted the lantern and walked it back outside, leaving it in the courtyard. I could barely see the guards in this light, but of course they could summon fire to brighten the scene at any given moment.

I needed to create a diversion.

I was considering lighting one of the straw-filled practice dummies, when a voice nearly startled me out of my skin.

“A little late to be practicing, isn’t it?”

I spun around. A tall form stepped into a patch of moonlight.

“Prince Eiko,” I said, hand to my chest where my heart was trying to break through. “What brings you here?”

The shadows shifted over his face. “I was going to ask you the same question.”

I watched him warily. His eyes glittered green in the moonlight, but his posture was relaxed. He crossed his arms, waiting for me to speak.

Every excuse for being here would sound weak, but I had to tell him something. “I’d hoped to practice alone for a while. It’s so peaceful here at night.”

He paused for several too-loud beats of my heart. “I may not rule this island, but I do know what goes on here. In fact, I know more than most give me credit for.” He took a step closer. “If you tell me what you need, perhaps I can help you.”

I resisted the urge to step back, instead meeting his eyes squarely and trying to read the expression in them. What was he hinting at? And how could I question him without revealing something about myself? I had no reason to distrust him, but not enough reason to blurt out my secrets. It was like sparring blindfolded. “Even if I needed help, why should you want to offer it?”

“I think we might have a common interest.”

I doubted that. I tried to buy time and to draw him out more. “Thank you for pleading my case with the masters.”

His lip curled. “Master Dallr is a pompous—” He cleared his throat. “Well, that is neither here nor there. They seem to have made up their minds. Only the queen would be able to overturn their decision.”

“But she won’t. She said as much.”

“She never has before.” He paused before giving a frustrated little breath. “As much as you don’t trust me, I don’t trust you completely, either, Ruby. You need to meet me halfway. Tell me what you are doing here. Alone. At night. Dressed like a thief.”

My heart stuttered and picked up speed. That was almost an accusation. “I’m dressed for practicing. Am I not allowed to be here?”

“I won’t tell the queen, if that’s what you mean.”

That surprised me, the hint that he would protect me, even if it meant hiding something from his wife. He was trying to gain my trust, but I couldn’t afford to make a mistake. I’d already made too many. This confusing dance was losing its appeal. Time was running out, I had a book to steal, and I was standing here trading riddles with the queen’s consort.