The Traitor Queen (The Traitor Spy Trilogy #3)(145)

Lilia bowed and headed for the door. As she passed Rothen he smiled and nodded.

It’s all over, she thought, as much as it can be “over”. Anyi is as safe as any new Thief can be, which is not particularly safe but better than when Skellin was around. I can now finish my studies. Even though I have no choice about what I’ll be doing after that, I don’t mind so much now. As long as I still get to see Anyi.

How they’d manage that, she didn’t know. But one thing she was sure of: Anyi would find a way.

Sonea slipped Osen’s ring off her finger and put it away.

“Well, that was interesting.”

Regin turned from the window of the carriage to regard her. “Oh? What news from the Guild?”

“The Rogue Skellin is dead. So is his mother, Lorandra. I don’t have the details yet. Osen said they can wait until I get home.”

“That’s good news.”

“Yes, but there’s bad as well. Lord Telano was working as Skellin’s spy, and had set himself up as the main supplier of roet to the Guild. His powers have been blocked and he now resides in the Lookout.”

Regin’s eyebrows rose. “Telano? The Head of Healing Studies?”

“Yes. Of all people.” She shook her head. “The only good to come of that is they’ve finally banned roet.”

“What about the magicians who are addicted to it?”

“Vinara managed to acquire roet seed, so the Guild can wean magicians off it. She has started looking for a cure, too. Osen wants me to help her.” Sonea looked out of the window at the wasteland. “Now I understand why he was so insistent that I come home.”

Regin smiled. “I’m sure that’s not the only reason.”

“Why? Do you think there’s another reason?”

He shrugged and looked away. “Lilia isn’t quite Kallen’s equal, yet. You’re the only one who can keep him in check.”

“Ah. Kallen.” Sonea grimaced. “Until you mentioned him, I was looking forward to getting home.”

Regin turned so that his elbow rested on the top of the seat back. “I got the impression you wanted to take charge of Healing in Sachaka. Perhaps start a hospice.”

Sonea shook her head. “No, not really. I would like to see things change for the better in Sachaka, but I don’t think they need me to do it for them. I just … I don’t want to be so far from Lorkin.” She sighed. “Are you looking forward to seeing your daughters?”

He shrugged. “Yes. But they don’t need me. In fact, I’m not looking forward to getting back at all.”

“No? You want to stay here?”

“Not particularly. But …” His eyes narrowed. “I’m not sure I’ve quite figured you out yet.”

Sonea blinked. “Me? What’s there to figure out?”

Regin eyebrows rose. “Oh. Plenty.”

Crossing her arms, she turned to face him. “Really? What have you figured out so far?”

He smiled. “That you are attracted to me.”

Sonea stared at him and felt her heartbeat suddenly increase. Curse him. How did he work that out? She drew in a deep breath, let it out slowly, and considered all the ways she’d thought of to let him down gently.

“Lord Regin. I—”

“I also know that you have worked out that I am attracted to you,” Regin interrupted. “You took your time with that one, though I supposed you first had to forgive me for being a malicious, bigoted bastard when I was a novice.”

This was not going to be easy. For either of us, she had to admit. “Regin, I’m not …”

“Attracted to me?” His eyebrows rose. “So you deny it?”

She hesitated, then forced herself to straighten and look him straight in the eyes. “Yes, I do.”

His eyes narrowed. “Liar.”

What am I doing wrong? Uncrossing her arms, she attempted to place her hands on her hips, but it proved too difficult in a moving carriage, so she settled on shaking one finger at him.

“Don’t you call me a liar when …”

He laughed. “Ah, Sonea. If I’d known it was so much fun to tease you, I’d have started sooner.”

The panicky feeling that had been growing in her eased. He’s only having fun with me. He’s not serious. Relief was followed by disappointment. Oh, don’t be silly, she told herself. She sighed, straightened in the seat and leaned against the back.

“You may not be a malicious, bigoted bastard any more, but you are still just as manipulative, Lord Regin.”

Regin shrugged. “Well, that’s not news. I hope you agree, I always do it for a good cause.” He leaned toward her. “But I would like to know what you have against the idea of you and me being a couple.”

She paused before answering. At least he wants to discuss it sensibly. Maybe we should. Get the idea aired and out of our heads.

“It would be … well, a lot of people would object to it. I’m a black magician. You’re … married.”

“Is that all?” He shook his head. “How conventional of you. Sonea, the woman who changed everything – the Guild, Kyralian society, the way we regard black magic – is worried about gossip?”

“Of course. It took years for me to gain people’s trust. I can’t risk losing that.”