Page 59 of A Pact of Blood

I offer a sheepish smile. “I know. But being certain of a thing in your head and convincing your bodily instincts of it are rather different matters, aren’t they?”

Marclinus’s lips curve slightly upward in return. “I suppose you have a point. It does remind me, though—I had something forged for you…”

He digs through the small trunk by our feet and retrieves a slim knife. The sheath gleams with a trim ofintricately carved gold, but the grip is covered in smooth leather, and the entire weapon is barely longer than my hand.

Marclinus hands it to me. “I gathered from what I heard of your combat lesson that you prefer a discreet blade. It does seem suitable for a woman who prefers not to fight at all. Still, you should be able to take some comfort that you can defend yourself if need be.”

I draw the blade from the sheath and turn the knife experimentally in the air. It’s light enough not to strain my wrist but maintains a heft that reassures me it can get the job done. My fingers fit perfectly around the grip.

My husband wasn’t even present for my one lesson so far, but he’s observed me closely enough to specify a weapon utterly suited to me.

“Thank you,” I say, with a mix of gratitude and apprehension. And then, because I doubt I’ll get a better opening than this one, “Do you think I need to fear attack from parties within our own court?”

Marclinus cocks his head. “What do you mean?”

I motion vaguely toward the procession of carriages behind us. “You seemed concerned about your foster brothers’ loyalties. Have you seen any reason to believe they pose a threat? Should I be particularly on my guard around them?”

My husband’s gaze lingers on me a beat longer than is comfortable before he replies. “If I had evidence that they were working against me, I’d have already eliminated the threat. I simply thought it was wise to remind them who holds the power in the empire, even if they’re royalty at home.”

If he had ulterior motives regarding my reactions, he clearly isn’t going to admit as much.

I can’t risk my concern for the princes bringing moreharm down on them. What can I say that would sound like a woman considering them a problem rather than allies?

I rub my chin thoughtfully. “I suppose they do seem to keep to themselves rather than mingling much with the rest of the court. That sort of detachment is a little concerning. If they were going to conspire together, they’d have plenty of opportunity.”

Marclinus leans back in his seat, his fingers tracing over the hilt of the dagger sheathed at his own hip. “You raise a reasonable point, wife. How would a dedicat of Elox propose we address that concern?”

How indeed?

I make a show of pondering, my mind racing through the possibilities. I need something that would deflect suspicion without disturbing my secret lovers more than necessary.

“Perhaps they need to be prodded to integrate more with the rest of the court,” I suggest. “Have them spend the rest of the journey to Ubetta apart, riding with different groups of nobles. If they come to see your allies as friends, so much the better. And your allies could inform you if they notice any seditious inclinations.”

Marclinus laughs. “I don’t know how friendly my nobles will be tothem, but the gist of your strategy has merit. It’s possible my father was too lenient on them, allowing them to shun the rest of us when they took a mind to. Let them shun each other for a little while. I like it.”

That isn’t how I’d have put it, but his approval settles my nerves. His expression has relaxed, no more hawk-eyed stare.

The sooner he trusts my advice, the sooner I may be able to sway him in the directions I actually want.

On the second morning of the trek, Marclinus glances around as we’re heading back to our carriage with a jaunty air. “I fear we’ll become boring if we spend too much time just the two of us, wife. Why don’t we pick a few companions to share our carriage until lunchtime?”

He doesn’t even wait for my response before waving toward Bianca at one of the other carriages. “Vicerine Bianca, I’d enjoy your company for the morning. Ah, and Marchionissa Pontelle, I’m sure you’ll offer lively conversation as well.”

His gaze slides back to me, his gray eyes glinting. Waiting to see who I’ll suggest.

Is he still thinking about the princes—wondering whether I’ll take an excuse to spend time with them under the cover of the strategy I put forward yesterday?

I’m not that much of an idiot.

I catch sight of Raul standing by one of the carriages with a few of the other nobles and twitch my hand at my side in a subtle gesture of apology. His gaze passes over me as if he’s barely noticed me, but he gives a brief nod a moment later.

Who here can I safely invite who won’t make me feel as if I’ve asked a viper on board? I cast my attention farther and spot a couple of ladies who recently arrived for a stint at court—two baronissas married to each other.

I turn back to Marclinus. “Why not Baronissas Damina and Hivette? I haven’t had much chance to get to know them yet.”

And given their romantic inclinations, I may be spared watching my husband paw atfourother ladies in front of me rather than just one or two.

Marclinus shows no sign of disappointment. “An excellent gathering. Let them join us, and we’ll be on our way.”

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