The Traitor Queen (The Traitor Spy Trilogy #3)(79)

Cery nodded. “Thanks. Again.”

His gratitude only made her stomach twist with anxiety.

“You’re obviously worried that Skellin might find his way in here before the Guild are ready to help.”

“Yes. If Skellin finds us before we’re ready to spring the trap, and doesn’t want to risk that you or other magicians are close by, he might collapse the roof on us and slip away.”

She imagined Anyi suffocating under bricks and dirt, and shuddered. It would not be easy to sleep, knowing that her friends might die if she didn’t sense an attack on the barrier.

“If I feel anything happen to the barriers I’ll come as quickly as I can,” she said.

Cery nodded. “If there are any other signs someone has entered the passages Anyi will go to your room to fetch you. Or get Jonna to. How often is Jonna there?”

“A few times a day. Should I ask her to visit more often?”

“That might be a good idea.”

Lilia nodded. “Is there anything else?”

“That’s everything.” Cery looked at Gol and Anyi, who nodded.

“Then I had better go back,” Lilia told them. “I have some studying to do.”

“I’ll come with you as far as the room,” Anyi said.

“Don’t distract her too long,” Cery told his daughter. The corner of his mouth lifted slightly.

Anyi rolled her eyes as she turned away. Beckoning to Lilia, she led the way toward the Magicians’ Quarters.

“Sometimes I wish he didn’t know about us,” she muttered.

“It’s nice that he doesn’t mind, though,” Lilia reminded her.

“Yeah.” Anyi shrugged and smiled reluctantly.

“So why’d you want me to leave earlier tonight?”

Anyi glanced behind. “I’ll tell you when we get there.”

As always, the climb up the wall to the panel behind Sonea’s guest room was uncomfortable in the confined space. Lilia went up first, then lifted up the now-empty lacquer box she always brought food in with magic. Anyi came up after it. They dusted off their clothes.

“My poor old coat,” Anyi said, examining the scratches in the leather.

Lilia looked down at herself. “I had better get changed.” She took a step toward her room.

A knock came from the door. They exchanged looks of dismay.

“Not Jonna,” Lilia said. “She doesn’t knock like that.”

“Get into your robes,” Anyi said. “I’ll delay them.”

Lilia hurried into her room and stumbled into her robes. It seemed the faster she tried to put them on, the more tangled she got. She could hear voices from the guest room, but Anyi didn’t sound alarmed.

At last she was dressed. Opening the door, she looked out and sighed with relief.

“Lord Rothen,” she said, bowing to the elderly magician.

A strange, uncomfortable look crossed Anyi’s face as she realised she’d forgotten the gesture of respect, and she quickly bent in an awkward bow. Rothen looked amused.

“I came by to see how you are, Lilia,” he said. “I’ve come past on other nights but you’ve been out.”

“Oh. Sorry.” Lilia spread her hands.

“I have a hunch I know where you’ve been, but you can trust me to keep your secret. Sonea told me of Cery’s visits.” He smiled at Anyi, then turned back and his expression became serious. “So how are you?”

“Um …” Lilia gestured at a chair. “Why don’t you sit? Can I get you some sumi?”

“Yes, thank you.” As he sat down Anyi settled into one of the other seats.

“I’m … fine,” Lilia told him as she lifted the sumi-making set with magic and moved it to the table, then, as an afterthought, brought over the raka powder. She sat down and set to making the brew. “You know that Cery is in hiding?”

Rothen nodded. “Kallen told us as much.”

“Us”, Lilia thought. I suppose that means the rest of the Higher Magicians.

“Well … I worry about him.” She handed Rothen a steaming cup. “And Anyi.” And Gol, but he may not even know about Gol.

“That’s understandable.” Rothen was frowning now. He looked at Anyi. “Is he safe?”

Anyi shrugged. “For now, but how long we can remain undetected …” She shook her head. “They could find us tonight, or never find us at all.”

Lilia handed her a cup of raka, grimacing at the strong smell of it, and poured some sumi for Rothen.

“Well, if there’s anything we can do to help keep you hidden, let me know,” Rothen said.

Anyi hesitated, then nodded. “Thanks.”

The old magician sipped his sumi and turned back to Lilia. “How are your studies?”

It was her turn to hesitate. Should she be honest, or try to delay the inevitable?

Rothen chuckled. “Looks like you are aware of how badly you’re failing to keep up. I’m also here to tell you that we’ve decided that you can drop a few classes for now. You will have more time to finish them – possibly graduate half a year later. Kallen’s lessons have added to your workload, and you had much to catch up on from your months of absence. It is better that you learn well, than learn within the allotted time.”