Page 6 of Shadows of Winter

“I’m a loyal subject, the same as you. I came to spread my family’s business to the capital and make a name for myself.”

His gaze dropped to the dead man.

Kaylina grimaced, not knowing if Naybor had set her up, or if she’d stumbled into a crime scene due to her own bad luck. The latter wouldn’t surprise her much.

“I’m not a spy,” she added. “And I’m absolutely not a murderer.”

“Even those who don’t deliver the killing blow can watch the river for the approach of witnesses,” Vlerion said softly.

“Listen, my name is Kaylina Korbian, and I told you the truth. My family is loyal to the king.”

Technically, her family was loyal to their kin, their customers, three out of the twelve moon gods, and their roots in the island community. But they paid their taxes and never made trouble for the lord who ruled in the king’s name over their southern province.

“We’ll see.” After a grave nod for the fallen man, Vlerion turned Kaylina back toward the front of the castle. “Because you were, at the least, present when a noble was murdered, I’m taking you to jail. You may speak to the adjudicator about your ship and journey, and he can determine if you are a spy or not.” Vlerion paused before rounding the tower at the front corner, and his fingers tightened on her arm. “If you assisted in the murder of one of the king’s chosen tax collectors, I will slay you myself.”

“Oh, goodie. I was afraid an underling with a shaky hand would do it.”

Something dark and dangerous sparked in his eyes, fire scorching away the ice. Kaylina stumbled, fear making her wish she could retract her words.

The fiery spark disappeared, and Vlerion’s cold facade returned.

Had she imagined the change? No. A shiver went through her, and she told herself to refrain from ticking him off. He had a temper. Who knew what he did when he exploded?

Kaylina hoped the adjudicator he’d mentioned cared enough about justice and the rights of kingdom subjects to research her story. She had told the truth, that her name was on the ship’s manifest. Thanks to the funds her brother had brought, they’d both bought passage legally. When she’d left on her own with scarcely any coin and only the honeycomb and yeast, she’d planned to stow away or trade and barter her way here. Now, she was relieved that hadn’t been necessary.

Vlerion guided her to the front doors to rejoin his comrade. Jankarr had his sword pointed vaguely in Frayvar’s direction but didn’t appear worried about him. He smirked as he glanced at the taybarri shirt.

“What do you think, my lord?” Jankarr tilted his head toward the doors—no, he was indicating the body out back.

Vlerion looked at Frayvar before giving Kaylina a long moment of consideration.

Though she bristled under the cool study, she kept her mouth shut, reminding herself she also wanted to be dismissed as a non-threat. And she wasn’t a threat. Just because she came from the most recently annexed part of the kingdom didn’t mean she cavorted with spies and murderers.

“I deem it unlikely they had anything to do with Lord Darringtar’s death,” Vlerion finally said. “I suspect they are the ignorant tourists that they claim to be.”

Kaylina bristled even more—they weren’t ignorant because they’d arrived that morning and hadn’t been filled in on local threats—but Frayvar spoke before she could say anything unwise.

“Yes.”

Jankarr snorted. “Let them go?”

“No,” Vlerion said without hesitation. “We’ve been duped before by spies who appeared innocent. We’ll take them to the adjudicator for questioning.” He watched for Kaylina's reaction when he added, “Under the influence of kafdari root.”

While she scraped through her mind in an attempt to remember why that was familiar, Frayvar reacted. His eyes bulged with terror.

Confusion swept through Kaylina. She’d only seen him react that viscerally to the promise of some tincture or potion if—

Frayvar sprinted away, charging for the corner of the tower.

“Shit,” Jankarr said, starting after him.

“Stay with her.” Vlerion’s cool voice didn’t change, but when he glanced at Kaylina, his eyes burned with the certainty that he’d unearthed a traitor—a spy.

“No,” she blurted as he raced after Frayvar.

Vlerion drew his sword as he ran. By the moons, would he kill Frayvar?

Jankarr reached for Kaylina, but she dodged and sprinted after Vlerion, yanking out her sling. Terrified for her brother, she didn’t consider the ramifications of using a weapon on a ranger.

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