A muscle twitched in Jacins jaw.

Sorry I misjudged you. Kinney lowered his arms and hooked his thumbs over his belt. Jacin didnt move. I know you care for her more than any of us.

When the silence stretched painfully thin between them, Cress asked, So shes alive?

Kinney glanced back at her and nodded. I told her to go into hiding. As far as I know, everyone else still thinks shes dead.

Jacin sounded like he had sand in his throat when he asked, Did she look all right?

Kinneys lips curved with amusement. Id say she looked a lot better than just all right, but then youd probably shoot me after all.

Frowning, Jacin lowered his gun, but didnt put it away. So you saw her. That doesnt explain how you saved her life.

Jerrico was there too. I guess he knew about the queen ordering her to be killed. He wanted to kill her and drag her body back here, so I shot him.

Though he tried to sound nonchalant about it, Cress heard his tone waver just a bit.

Did you kill him? Jacin asked.

Yes.

They stood in a face-off for a long time before Jacin said, I hated that man.

Me too.

Jacins muscles slowly began to unwind, though his expression was still suspicious. Thanks for telling me. Im Ive been worried about her.

Thats not why Im here. I came to warn you. We saw a royal podship out there that shouldnt have been there, and Im willing to bet itll be traced back to you. If I figured it out, she will too. The queen might think Winter is dead now, but shes going to find out the truth soon enough. He paused. Who did she threaten to kill if you didnt do it?

Jacin gulped. No one.

Yeah, right. Kinney glanced at his weapons lying beside Cress but didnt move to pick them up. She ordered my little sister to be killed once, after I released a maid whod stolen a pair of the queens earrings.

Cresss eyes widened. Jacin, however, looked unsurprised.

Well, whoever it was, Kinney continued, youre both going to end up dead if you dont stop wasting time and get the hell out of here before Levana finds out you lied to her. He turned to Cress. Can I have my weapons back now? I have about five minutes to report for duty.

After a hesitation, Jacin nodded and put his own gun away. He was still frowning as Kinney reclaimed his gun and knife. Why are you risking your neck for me again?

Its what the princess would want. Kinney crossed back to the door, careful not to bump into Jacin as he passed him. Her Highness persuaded the queen to give my sister the maids position instead of killing her, so I owe her a lot. He tipped his head toward Cress. Whoever you are, I never saw you.

Jacin didnt try to stop him as he slipped out the door.

Cresss heart was still hammering. Im glad you didnt kill him, she whispered.

Im undecided, myself. His gaze slid around the room, evaluating what, Cress couldnt tell. Well wait until the wing is mostly cleared, but then its time to leave.

She clutched the portscreen, both excited and terrified to be leaving her prison, and her sanctuary.

Jacin, did Levana threaten to hurt someone, if you didnt kill Winter?

Of course she did. Thats how she operates.

Her heart cracked, for him, for Winter, for victims she didnt even know. Who?

He turned away and started rummaging through a drawer, but she could tell the action was just to occupy himself. No one, he said. No one important.

Forty-Five

Dont they have any newsfeeds on this star-forsaken rock? Kai grumbled, sliding his fingers along the base of the holograph, Lunas version of the ever-present netscreen.

We are in a dictatorship, Your Majesty, said Torin, his arms folded as he stared out the window, toward the sparkling lake below. Do you believe the newsfeeds would be reliable even if they had them?

Ignoring him, Kai swiped his finger again.

He had sent a message to the queen that morning that the wedding would, unfortunately, have to be postponed if he wasnt allowed to meet with his adviser prior to the ceremony, as his adviser was the one most educated on the vows and customs that would cement the wedding as a recognized political union.

Somewhat to his surprise, she assented.

It was a relief to see Torin again and assure himself that his adviser hadnt been harmed, but that relief was matched with his growing frustration and restlessness. The queens broadcasting networks were his newest cause for complaint. They seemed to contain a whole lot of mindless drivel and nothing useful at all.

I want to know whats going on out there, he said, flipping off the holograph. I know its started. I know Cinders done something.

Torin shrugged, somewhat apologetically. I have no more answers than you do.

I know. I dont expect you to. Its just so frustrating to be stuck here when sheswhen theyre all out there! Doing whatever it is theyre doing! He joined Torin at the window and clawed a hand into his hair. How can the people here stand to be cut off from the rest of the country? Without any media, they have no way of knowing whats happening in the other sectors. Doesnt it drive them crazy?