Page 123 of Shadows of Winter

Jana’s voice rose as she snarled, “I tasted your mead.”

“The mead you had someone steal from our root cellar?”

“I tasted it,” Jana repeated softly without admitting to the rest. “It’s the same as I had down south. It might even be better.”

This was not the time to feel pride, but Kaylina filed that comment away to enjoy later… if she survived until later.

“Your ranger won’t find the delivery boy.” Jana slid a hand under her cloak.

“Did you kill him after he did your awful work?”

“Of course not. I am, as the queen said, an upright kingdom subject. I’m not a murderer.”

“But you would have no trouble killing me.”

“You’re a girl venturing into a world you’re ill-prepared for. If your grandmother wanted to extend her empire, she should have sent someone with more experience, someone with more than a child’s toy for a weapon.” Jana glanced at the sling on the desk.

Likely so, but Grandma hadn’t sent Kaylina. She didn’t point that out to Jana.

“The dose in the mead wouldn’t have killed you. Just confirmed your guilt while giving you crippling abdominal pain and explosive diarrhea. At the queen’s feet.”

“I’m extremely disappointed I didn’t try it.”

Death might have been more merciful.

“She might have killed you afterward. Likely would have. She has a history of getting rid of people.”

“So I’ve heard.”

“The funny thing about those who use poison to solve their problems is that they’re quick to believe others will do the same.”

“Did you start the fire in the castle when you were stealing my mead?”

“I did not. I believe that was a test.” Jana withdrew her hand, a small vial of a purple liquid inside. “The Virts wondered if they could trust you or if you were feeding information to the rangers that people kept noticing at your side.”

Yes, they hadn’t done a good job of feigning there was no link between Kaylina and the rangers. Kaylina and Vlerion.

“Had the castle burned without intervention, they would have believed you were an entrepreneur working on your own. After all, not even the fire brigade would go near that cursed place.” Jana squinted. “Not unless they were ordered to. Not only did the fire brigade assist in putting out the flames, but Lord Vlerion himself did.”

“If the Virts had burned the castle to the ground, even if I weren’t working with the rangers, I wouldn’t have been eager to jump in bed with the arsonists who targeted me.”

“A risk I believe they were willing to take. You’d have to speak with their leaders for the details. I suspect they mostly wanted the catacombs and that exit into the city to remain unwatched.” Jana set the vial on the crossbar next to the gate.

“Is that the same poison that you sabotaged my mead with?” Kaylina glanced toward the stairs, wondering if the guard was listening, or cared if he was. Probably not. He’d been paid.

“In this small concentrated dose, it would be fatal,” Jana said. “I’ll leave it there in case you want to end things instead of getting your ranger killed.”

Kaylina looked sharply at her. Did Jana know about Vlerion’s secret?

“I saw the way he looked at you. When he doesn’t find the messenger, he’ll be driven to do something foolish. Ask yourself if you want him to give up his career and probably his life for you.” Jana raised her eyebrows frankly. “If he attacks and kills guards to break you out… even if he only defies the queen’s wishes… it’ll be the end for him. Even nobles aren’t above the law.”

“I’m innocent. Breaking me out wouldn’t be a crime.”

“Except that I’ve ensured that it would be.” Jana smiled, bowed, and backed away.

“Because you’re too much of a coward to compete fairly with me for customers?”

“I haven’t gotten this far in life by being fair.” Jana pointed at the vial. “I suggest you make your decision quickly. That guard has some notions about what he’d like to do with you. Acts that might also drive the ranger to rage-fueled slaying if he returns at an untimely moment. Love prompts young men to make poor decisions.”

---