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“We argued, and I let him know that I didn’t consider myself under his authority. We parted company. He returned to Vendel, and I and a few trusted men continued to the north. My instincts were right. We discovered the most gorgeous set of caves and tunnels. No doubt it was Arcadius’s lost cave city. And when he heard of our discovery, rather than congratulate us, he attempted to shed doubt on the finding.”

“But others know it was you who found it?”

“Indeed, they do. The Imperator desires to continue Arcadius’s great legacy of Empire, so of course, he was thrilled. He and his wife honored me in a beautiful ceremony in the

Imperial Palace. Such a proud day.”

“How wonderful.”

“And now I have something for you.” He pulled a small gem from the folds of his toga and held it out in the palm of his hand. It sparkled crimson in the firelight. “Do you see? It’s in the shape of a flower, a delicate flower, just like you. A jewel for a jewel.”

It was a ruby brooch, with petal-shaped gems upon a slender golden stem. I turned it over, recognizing the mark of a jeweler on Corlivo’s high street.

“Here, let me pin it to your dress.” He bent forward, and his fingertips brushed the skin below my collarbone. He inhaled, and his nostrils flared. “Exquisite.”

The touch of his fingers made me uncomfortable, but I worked to keep my face impassive. How could I keep my promise to Valentina if I accepted this gift? He would expect me to wear the brooch, and she would see it.

I took a quick step back. “Sir, forgive me, but I cannot accept this.”

His mouth pursed in confusion. “Isn’t this the way all of it works? We follow the steps of this lengthy ritual, with its visits and gifts, and then finally—?” He broke off, staring at the fire, and then his gaze snapped back to my face. “Or are you implying that my gift is not generous enough? You’ve received a more valuable gift from someone else? The Archidux, perhaps?”

“Not at all.”

His expression relaxed. “Or perhaps it is the custom for you to demur at first. Yes, I see. We must abide by these old traditions, even though the outcome is already known. Very well. But I insist. You shall keep it and think of me when you wear it.”

I thought again of Valentina’s tired, desperate face. Pretend you are interested in someone else. Promise me.

I took a deep breath. “The Archidux may be a poor leader, but he is interesting in his way. We had a fascinating talk about astronomy.”

His back stiffened, and he slammed his palm down on the fireplace mantel with a force that startled me and rattled the vases of lilacs. Through gritted teeth he said, “Ah, but you continue to be coy with me. You have been taught to increase my ardor, to goad me on to more generous offers by reminding me that I have competition.”

He sat down and crossed his long, thin legs, jiggling the top one nervously. “We’ve talked quite enough about the Archidux for one evening, and I have only one jewel to give you, my dear. But I’ll play your game. How about this? You have a taste for adventure, that much is clear. What if I told you I could take you with me on my next journey? Would that be enough to capture your interest?”

It was as though the world around me stilled. His words seemed like the answer to a prayer I hadn’t ever dared utter. Who knew what I might learn once I was out in the world? Perhaps even the answer to the great mystery of my life: the identity and fate of my mother. With a shame that made me nauseous, I realized that this was a bargain I was willing to enter into.

He smiled broadly. “I see that I’ve finally caught your attention. Do you like the sound of that?”

He had shot an arrow, and it struck true. Despite the promise I had made to Valentina, I found myself nodding.

“Then see that you make the right choice.” His white teeth gleamed in the firelight.

I thought of a wolf grinning as it closed in on its prey.

vi

I SPENT AN HOUR SITTING WITH KYRA THE NEXT MORNING in the cool, quiet infirmary, but she remained asleep, breathing faintly in and out. She was the only patient; the animal trainer no longer lay in the bed in the corner. I moistened her dry lips with a cloth from a cup of water the medicus had left beside her cot.

I missed Kyra’s kind heart and steadying wisdom. Would she be disappointed in me for the way I was betraying Valentina, or would she understand? How could I justify it? I had to have a bid; we all did. And Lord Fabius had dangled such a tantalizing opportunity in front of me. What else could I do?

My thoughts whirled. I kissed Kyra’s cheek goodbye and left. Searching for company, I wandered back up to the dormitory where my fellow tirae were passing the hours on our sunny terrace. Marina, Camilla, and Luna gathered around the tabula board, and a glance at the pieces showed that Marina had nearly won, as usual. Vesta stood at the stone wall with her back to us, shading her eyes with her hand as she looked out at the valley and the surrounding mountains. The midday sun reflected brightly off the snowcaps and flooded the patio with light. There was a brisk breeze, and I pulled my shawl around my shoulders.

“How is she?” Marina asked.

“Still sleeping.”

“Strange that a person could sleep for so long,” Camilla said. “Doesn’t she need food and water?”

A vise turned in my stomach at her words.