Page 104 of The Study of Magic
His agent held up his hands in a placating gesture. “You needed to eat first. And, yes, it appears that she’s fine. Her clothes were torn and covered with blood, but Brigi says she moved without wincing and just looked tired. Two captains from Signe’s entourage caught up to her and then they parted ways. The men went to the Council Hall, and she entered the Magician’s Keep.”
Relief surged through his body, leaving him weak and lightheaded. He rested his head in his hands for a moment.
Gabor laid a hand on his shoulder. “Now you can take the day to recover.”
Except, he couldn’t. Ferde, and perhaps Alea remained a threat. Although Yelena proved she could handle Alea on her own, they were still stronger together.
“I know what you’re thinking. Brigi is watching the Keep and will let us know if Yelena leaves. Besides, Cahil and his thugs are out hunting for you.”
“Will you stop being so logical?”
“Okay. Go ahead, throw on some lame disguise and rush to her rescue. Oh wait…she doesn’t need to be rescued.”
“Not helping. I’m a man of action.”
“Clearly. How about I go check in with Brigi for any updates? Will that help?”
Actually, it would. “Thank you.”
“Anything for you, boss.”
“I’m your boss now? You were just treating me like a toddler.”
“That’s because you wereactinglike a toddler. Now, am I going to have to put you down for a nap or are you going to behave?”
Valek considered adding Gabor to his people-he-must-kill list.
Gabor correctly read Valek’s cold expression. “Just kidding. Don’t forget, I saved your life.”
“You’re lucky I’m unarmed.”
“The weapons’ closet is next to Brigi’s room.” Gabor grabbed his cape and headed out.
Most of the knives and lock picks the Wannabe King had taken from him were replaceable. However, he’d lost the cloud-kissed dagger he’d gotten from Sven—his agent who had died while working undercover. Even though he could probably purchase a new one at the Citadel’s market, it wouldn’t be the same.
Valek found the closet and tucked a few small daggers into his clothing. The action improved his mood. Returning to the couch, he thought he’d shut his eyes for a moment.
A scrape of metal on metal woke Valek. On his feet with a knife in hand, he waited. Anotherclanksounded. He tracked it to the back door. Gabor and Brigi had keys and wouldn’t need to pick the locks.
Valek waited until the door opened. Then he pulled it wide, grabbed an arm, and yanked the person inside. Dropping them onto the floor, Valek followed and pressed his blade on?—
He cursed. “Did something happen? Were you followed?” he demanded.
“Hello to you, too,” Janco said. “Can I get up now?”
Valek helped him to his feet and closed the door. “Talk. Now.”
“Wow, you’re jumpy. I guess it’s the whole…” Janco motioned to his neck. “Almost getting hung thing.”
“You talked to Ambassador Signe?”
“Yes.” Janco straightened his tunic. He wore nondescript Sitian clothes and a pack, which he handed to Valek. “This is yours. We found it where you were jumped.” He huffed. “And I’m insulted that you think anyone can follow me.”
Glad to have his kit, Valek said, “Sorry, it was a knee jerk reaction.”
“You’re forgiven. Anyway, the Ambassador wanted me to update you.”
“Come on in. Do you want some tea?” He set the bag on what he was starting to consider his couch.
