Page 75 of A War Apart

As we left the trade quarters, he offered me his arm. I accepted, grateful for the warmth his proximity offered against the biting cold. The moon sparkled on the fallen snow, lending an enchanted air to the palace grounds.

“How was the baroness this afternoon?” I asked as we walked.

“Better than this morning.” He glanced at me. “She had an announcement for the baron when he returned.”

I put on a guileless expression. “Did she? What was that?”

Alexey narrowed his eyes. “Why do I get the feeling you already know?”

“I haven’t the slightest idea.” He frowned, and I couldn’t suppress my grin. “Yes, fine. It may have come up in conversation.”

He squeezed my arm. “I’m glad for her. If nothing else, this should give her some reprieve. Whatever else Lord Kazimir may be, I don’t believe he’d risk hurting his heir.”

I stopped, turning to him. “Why do you work for him? If he’s so cruel, why stay?” I couldn’t reconcile the kind, caring man I’d come to know with someone who would profess loyalty to such a villain as Kazimir.

He let out a sigh. “I thought it would be a good position for me. He had a reputation, yes, but he’s close to the tsar. I’d like a permanent position at court eventually, as a guard for the tsar or something equally respectable. I thought working for him would grant me more opportunities.”

“And now?”

“I wish I could leave, but who would be there to temper him?” He shrugged. “At least while I’m there, I can draw his attention away from the baroness. Keep him distracted.”

“I see.” I rested a hand on his arm, feeling the strong corded muscles through his coat. “You’re a good man, Alexey.”

He held my gaze, placing his hand over my own. “You don’t know how much that means to me.”

I swallowed and looked away, a hot flash of guilt going through me. I shouldn’t be leading him on like this, letting him believe there was something between us. I was married.

No, not married. Not anymore. I had another purpose here, one that couldn’t be pushed aside on account of something as trivial as guilt.

“Lord Kazimir must trust you a great deal,” I said as we began to walk again. Flatter him. Gain his trust. Find the knowledge he had access to, and use it to bring Miroslav and Kazimir down.

“I suppose so. I strive to be trustworthy, no matter what I think of him personally.”

“And the tsar?” I glanced up at him, seeing the moonlight silhouette his sharp face. “Has he noticed you at all?”

He shook his head. “Tsar Miroslav is too busy fighting a war to notice me. And it’s not really his attention I need. He doesn’t oversee the hiring of his household himself. I’d do better to earn the regard of his advisors.”

“I can’t imagine who could be more deserving of his attention than the man who promised me he would single-handedly end the rebellion.” I nudged him with my elbow, giving him a flirtatious smile. “Surely honoring you should be his highest priority.”

He inclined his head toward me, a smile playing on his face. “Much as I appreciate your esteem, fair sun, the rising tensions with Vasland and the Grand Duke’s rebellion take priority over even me.”

Rising tensions with Vasland? Our northern neighbors had allied with Miroslav during the previous uprising. I hadn’t heard about any conflict between them and Inzhria since. “I thought Vasland was our ally.” I injected a tremor into my voice. “They won’t back Borislav, will they?”

He patted my arm. “No, they won’t join Borislav. They’re angry that Tsar Miroslav hasn’t paid them for their aid at Barbezht, but they won’t want to risk allying against him and going unpaid. They’re more likely to try to take the country for themselves.”

And if Vasland attacked while Miroslav was still on the throne, they wouldn’t be likely to stop their attack once Borislav took the country. I frowned.

“There’s no need to worry,” he said. “I’m sure Tsar Miroslav will resolve things before it comes to that.”

“I hope so.”

We’d reached the Frozen Boar, the inn near the palace. It was busy, the court’s return having brought life back to the capital. Alexey led me to a table in the corner and ordered our supper.

“So, what happens next?” I asked as the barmaid left. “Against the rebellion, I mean. It’s been over a month since the last battle.” A minor battle had been fought somewhere in the midlands, concluding in another victory for Borislav. “Will you be leaving to join the army again?”

“I don’t know. The Grand Duke’s army is still traveling, so Tsar Miroslav may send Lord Kazimir to oversee an ambush soon, or he may choose to keep him here as an advisor.”

“Where?” I asked, then realized my mistake. If my questions were too eager, he might grow suspicious. “I’m sorry. I only mean—they won’t be near Tsebol, will they?”

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