Page 115 of A War Apart

“He can try.” The tsar’s face was grim, his lips pressed together in a line.

Warning filled the prince’s voice. “Using your Sanctioned Gifts against the unSanctioned is an abomination, Borislav.”

It didn’t sound like the first time they’d had this conversation. Before it could go further, though, Han cleared his throat. “How would you get into the city?”

“Draw them out,” the tsar said. “They’ll be focused on the main gate, on defending against the siege. We’ll take a dozen men around the city in a boat, climb into the city here,” he pointed to a spot on the map, “and travel to the hidden door from there.” He traced the path with his finger. “Their focus will be on our attack from the land. They won’t notice a small group coming from the sea.”

“A few minor points,” Prince Radomir said dryly. “First, and perhaps most important, you are the tsar. We can’t risk you entering combat. Second,” he went on as the tsar opened his mouth to respond, “once you reached the palace, Miroslav wouldhave the entirety of the palace guard there to protect him. A dozen of our men against the hundred in the palace guard won’t stand a chance.”

“I agree with the tsar,” Han said.

I stared at him. The two royals fell silent, looking at him as well.

“If there’s a chance to limit the bloodshed, whatever the risk, I think we need to take it.” He frowned, tapping his fingers like he always did when he was deep in thought. “A dozen men might be too few, but if we add to that number a dozen Drakra… I think it’s worth the risk.”

He’d changed since I’d been gone. The Han I’d married would never have been so bold. Would never have spoken so freely to royalty.

Tsar Borislav and Prince Radomir didn’t seem to find anything strange in Han’s behavior. The prince looked at his cousin. “It’s an unacceptable risk. We can send the men, if you think it’s necessary, but you cannot go with them.”

“This is between me and my brother,” the tsar said. “I have to face him.”

“This is between Otets and His chosen Heir,” the prince retorted.

“If Otets has chosen me to be His Heir, He will protect me. If I die, it will be clear He’s chosen you.”

They stared at each other, locked in a silent battle of wills. Finally, the prince loosed a breath. “This war isn’t about you, Borislav, but if you choose to throw your life away on a fool’s errand, I won’t stop you.”

“Good.” The tsar picked up a bell and rang for a servant. “Mila Dmitrievna, you must be exhausted after your trials. I have need of your husband, still, but I’ll return him to you as soon as possible.” He smiled warmly at me. “Is there anything else youneed for your stay here in the camp? I will have someone deliver fresh clothing to your husband’s tent, of course.”

I glanced down, my face heating. I was standing before a tsar in a sarafan that was stained and wrinkled from days in a dungeon. “Thank you, your majesty. I don’t believe I’ll need anything else.”

Han clutched my hand tight in his. “I’m sure Mila could be of some help,” he said. “There’s no need to send her away.”

“The lady has been trapped in my brother’s dungeon for days, Han,” the tsar said sternly. “I’m not so selfish as to deny her a full night’s rest.”

Han swallowed and nodded once. “I’ll be back as soon as I can, Milochka.” He took my hand and held it to his lips, closing his eyes. Then he glanced at the tsar. “Would you change her back to her own body now, your majesty?”

My breath caught. I’d grown comfortable in this body, living as Sofia. I’d known it would have to change once I returned home, but was I ready for that yet?

“Later.” The tsar had already turned away. “For now, you can remain the seamstress. Once the battle is over, I’ll return you to your own body, Mila Dmitrievna.”

I breathed a silent sigh of relief. At least I would have a day or two to prepare myself. “I’ll bid you goodnight, then, your majesty.”

I squeezed Han’s hand and let it go. He caught my eye and mouthed,I love you.I gave him a tight-lipped smile in return, but I couldn’t bring myself to say the words back to him.

Chapter forty

Before the Storm

Han

Iwas aware of my wife even before I fully awoke the next morning. She was warm and soft, pressed against my body. I opened my eyes to see her strange, familiar face on the pillow next to mine, illuminated by the gray pre-dawn light.

She stirred, blinking sleepily.

I pulled her closer and kissed her forehead. “Good morning,dorogusha.”

“Hm.” Then her eyes flew open, and she sat bolt upright. “The battle!”

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