I am serious. There are killers and there are animals and there are predators yearning to be free. You know this, Scarlet-friend. You have already freed one. Winter stood and placed a hand on the wall for balance, then skirted around the small table.

Scarlet rolled her eyes, but it was Iko who spoke. The barracks, she said. The barracks where Levana keeps her soldiers are in the lava tubes.

Thornes gaze swiveled from Iko to Winter. Her soldiers? You mean, her mutant wolf soldiers? Are you insane?

Winter started to giggle. I might as well be, she said, placing a hand on Thornes cheek. For everyone tells me so.

Forty-Four

The queens on edge, Jacin said as he strapped his gun holster on over his uniform. Shes keeping quiet about it, trying to pretend like nothings happening so the families wont panic. But you can tell somethings changed.

Cross-legged on the cot, Cress was cradling her portscreen against her chest. The temptation grew by the hour to send a comm to Thorne and the others. Her curiosity was killing her, and the separation from them had left her anxious and lonely. But she wouldnt risk the signal being traced. She wouldnt put them in any more danger than they already wereor herself, for that matter.

Still. Being so disconnected was agony.

You dont know if the video played? she asked.

Jacin shrugged and went through a process of checking the guns ammunition and safety with practiced movements. He tucked it into the holster.

I know the queen recorded an impromptu broadcast of her own. I guess she dragged the emperor out for it too, but it didnt broadcast in Artemisia, so I dont know what it said. It could have just been wedding announcement garbage.

Cress licked her lips. If I could have access to the security center again, I could find out

No.

She glared at him, and was met with a finger jutting toward her nose. We already risked enough. Youre staying here. Turning away, he adjusted his shoulder armor, looking once again like the queens loyal servant. Long shift tonightIm on duty for the entire wedding and celebratory feast. But most of us are, so it should be quiet around here at least.

Cress sighed. There had been a time when the quiet and solitude would have been comforting. That was what shed been accustomed to aboard the satellite, after all. But now it made her feel even more like a prisoner.

Bye, she muttered, before adding half-jokingly, Bring me back some cake.

Jacin paused with his hand on the door. His face softened. Ill do my best.

He pulled open the door, and froze.

Cresss heart leaped into her throat.

Another guard stood in the hall, his hand raised to knock. His attention flitted from Jacin to Cress.

Recovering faster than Cress, Jacin crossed his arms and leaned against the doorjamb, blocking the guards view of her. What do you want?

Whos she? the guard asked.

Thats my business.

Oh, please. The guard shoved aside Jacins arm, forcing his way into the small room. Cress pushed her back against the wall, squeezing the portscreen so hard she heard the plastic creak in protest. Lots of guards might take mistresses, but not you.

The door shut behind him.

Cress was watching the stranger when she heard the click of a guns safety releasing.

The guard froze, his back to Jacin. His gaze turned surprised as he raised both hands to the side of his head.

Who said anything about a mistress? Jacin growled.

Cress swallowed. This guard was unfamiliar, with dark eyes and wavy hair cut above his ears. She didnt remember him from the ambush at the docks, but she couldnt be sure.

Not the welcome I was expecting, said the guard.

Jacin kept the gun aimed at his back. I dont like people knowing my business. His face was calm. So calm it terrified Cress almost as much as a strangers presence. Kinney, isnt it?

Thats right.

I never got to thank you for vouching for me at the trial.

Dont mention it.

Take his weapons.

It was a long moment before Cress realized Jacin was talking to her. She gasped and scrambled off the bed. The guard, Kinney, didnt move as she took his gun and knife and backed away again, glad to set the weapons down.

Id rather not kill you, said Jacin, but youre going to have to give me a really good reason not to.

Kinneys eyebrow twitched. He was looking at Cress again. He seemed curious, but not as afraid as he should have been. I saved your life.

Covered that already.

How about the sound from the gun will bring every guard running?

Most are already on duty. Ill take the risk.

Cress thought she detected a smile, but then Kinney turned around to face Jacin. Then how about because I saved Princess Winters life?

Jacins eyes narrowed.

There are rumors of rebellion in the outer sectors. I just got back from a raid on RM-9, and while searching the house of a known rebel sympathizer, I was pretty shocked to run into none other than the princess herself. I believed her dead just like everyone else. He cocked his head. It must kill you, to have everyone thinking you killed her out of some petty jealousy. I admit, I believed it. Ive been half-tempted to kill you myself, for retribution, and I know Im not the only one.