They rounded a corner, and she was righttwo guards stood in front of a set of ornate doors, huge guns already trained on them.

Iko froze and raised her good hand in a show of innocence. She tried to smile sweetly, but with her missing ear and a twitching cheek muscle, she was not performing at the height of her abilities.

Then recognition sparked through her processor. You! she screamed. Hes thats the guy that saved Winter.

Though the guard was immobile, probably thanks to Cinder, his face was free to twist with disgust as his eyes traveled the length of Ikos battered body, dead wires, loose parts, and all.

And youre that disturbing robot.

Iko bristled. The correct term is escort-droid, you ignorant, inconsiderate

Iko.

She clamped her mouth shut, though her synapses were still firing.

Cinder cocked her head to the side. So youre the one who killed Levanas captain of the guard?

I did, he said.

The second guard snarled, casting his glare between his companion and Cinder. Traitor.

A low, humorless laugh echoed through the first guards throatKinney, Iko remembered. Youre wasting your energy controlling me. I have no intention of shooting you.

Fine, Cinder drawled, though Iko could tell she didnt fully trust him. So long as you dont try to harm us, I have no reason to manipulate you. It wasnt a real concession. If he tried anything, Iko knew Cinder could stop him.

The muscles in Kinneys arms relaxed. So youre the cyborg thats been causing so much trouble.

Wow, Iko mused. Hes pretty and smart.

His wrinkling nose made her wonder if she was starting to overdo it on the sarcasm, but her smarting ego made her irate. Shed gotten used to people looking at her like she was human. Not only human, but beautiful. But now she was stuck with a flopping arm and shredded skin tissue and a missing ear, and all this guard saw was a broken machine.

Not that his opinion mattered. He was clearly a jerk.

Except for the whole saving-Winters-life thing, which was probably a fluke.

Is Levana in there? Cinder asked, gesturing to the barred doors.

No, just the coronation guests. Our orders were to contain them until either the queen or a thaumaturge retrieves themI suspect shes preparing to slaughter all the Earthens if you dont surrender.

Sounds like her, said Cinder, but I doubt she has the strength to glamour so many people at once right now. Otherwise, I think she would have come straight here.

Kinney frowned, speculative. He wouldnt have seen the video. He didnt know that the truth beneath Levanas glamour had been revealed.

Where else would she go? asked Cinder. If she was trying to lure me somewhere, somewhere she feels safe and powerful.

He shrugged. The throne room, I guess.

Cinders jaw flexed. Thats where the feast was the other night? With the balcony over the lake?

Kinney had started to nod when the second guard reeled his head back and spat. Literally spat on this gorgeous tile floor.

Oh! Iko cried. You heathen!

When she catches you, the guard snarled, my queen will eat your heart with salt and pepper.

Well, said Cinder, unconcerned, my heart is half synthetic, so itll probably give her indigestion.

Kinney looked almost amused. We guards tend to be treated well here. Youll find that a lot of us will stay loyal to Her Mato Levana. The queens given name was awkward and Iko wondered if hed ever said it before.

Why arent you? Cinder asked.

Something tells me Im going to like your offer more. His gaze slipped toward Iko. Even if you do keep strange company.

She huffed.

Stepping forward, Cinder disarmed the second guard, taking his handgun for herself. Maybe when this is over I can convince them that I intend to treat you pretty well too.

Cinder turned, and Iko could make out the conflict warring across her facial muscles. Stay with Kai. In case she does send a thaumaturge after them, I want someone there who cant be controlled. And try to get him and any Earthens away from here. She inhaled sharply. Im going after Levana.

No, wait, said Iko. I should come with you.

Ignoring her, Cinder jutted a finger toward Kinney. If youre loyal to me, then youll be loyal to the Earthen emperor. Protect him with your life.

The guard hesitated, but then brought a fist to his heart.

Her new gun in one hand and her knife in the other, Cinder turned and started running back the direction theyd come from.

Cinder, wait! Iko yelled.

Stay with Kai!

But be careful!

When Cinder turned the corner, Iko swiveled back to the two guards, just as the second guard realized he had control of his body again. Gaze darkening, he lifted the gun, aiming for Iko.

Kinney clubbed him over the head with the butt of his own rifle. Iko jumped back as the guard sprawled face-first on the ground.

I feel like I should be going with her, said Kinney.