Then an idea strikes. "Go look for Drusus or the governor. I've got Gaius."

CHAPTER 39.

When the dance ends, I'm standing on the edge of the floor, wearing my best I'm alone and frightened look. The face the doctor gave is lovely enough to draw Gaius's gaze-and when nobody comes to claim me, he pauses, hesitant. My gaze meets his, equally timid, then skims away, because clearly I'm not worthy to look upon the prince's nephew.

Naturally, he joins me. "Are you here with someone?" His voice is a pleasing tenor, soft enough that I can barely hear him over the music.

"The legate said he would be back directly..." I trail off with uncertainty that invites him to be decisive.

"Would you like to dance with me then?" It's an invitation, not a demand.

Maybe Gaius isn't a Nicuan noble at all. If he was switched at birth, it would explain so many things. I incline my head and offer my hand, which he takes. He seems surprised, like even submissive females regularly reject him.

The music commences; the dance is more graceful and ceremonial than anything I ever did in a spaceport bar, but I follow his lead without trouble. At this moment, my body feels younger than it has in turns, and that's disconcerting. That little twinge in my knee has gone away entirely, and I can't feel where I dislocated my shoulder. The doctor was probably referring more to taut skin and perky breasts when he said I would like the Rejuvenex results, but it's nice not to have those little aches. It also feels like I'm living in someone else's skin, and for the first time, I think, This is what it's like for Vel.

For a few moments, there's silence between us. He's counting steps, I think, and I'm playing the shy ingenue. But to get anywhere, I can't be mute, so I murmur, "Thank you for asking me. I don't know anyone."

"Your escort shouldn't have left you. These parties can get a bit..." He trails off as if at a loss for a word that won't shock me.

Which is rather hilarious, considering that Mishani sleeps with Legate Flavius in return for her room and board. So it's not like the sweet young thing doesn't know the score; unfortunate necessity dictates her actions within the confines of the shinai-bond. Yet I play along. Gaius needs to feel like a hero. At a glance, I can tell he's rather broken, sad, and feeling worthless. I might be able to use that.

"You're kind."

"Not really." But he's smiling now, maybe because I've been nice to him. "I'm Gaius, by the way."

"Mishani."

"Which legate...?" Awkward, leading question.

"Flavius." It's not hard to let a little trepidation slip into my eyes. "I don't know where he went."

"If he's looking for you, I'll explain how you came to be with me." Evidently, Gaius understands that nobles can be irrational and hotheaded. He doesn't want to see me beaten for an imaginary infraction.

"You might get in trouble," I say softly, because Mishani doesn't know about Gaius's connections. He likes that because he thinks she danced with him on the strength of his smile.

"No, I'll handle it, don't worry."

"What do you do?" A harmless question, and I'm curious how he'll answer.

"I work in the governor's office."

Truth, then, but not all of it-there's no mention of his uncle, the prince. Which means Gaius wants to be liked for himself.

"You must do important work." Mary, I'm already tired of this girl, with her wide eyes and breathy voice.

"Not as much as you'd think," he mutters.

So he's discontent. I file that away as potentially useful information and cock my head as if bewildered.

He smiles down at me. "Never mind."

"Have you been here long?" I ask.

He won't tell me about the scandal or why he ended up here during this dance, but he needs a confidante. With skillful management of our encounters, I can become that person.

"Since just before the troubles."

That's what Nicuan nobility calls the growing insurrection that will end with nothing short of complete expulsion of enemy forces. They don't realize how serious the situation is despite the planetary lockdown. Because there are glittering rooms full of expensive art and purchased women with painted faces, they think everything can continue as it always has. Most have no idea what's going on in the provinces.

"You can't go home then," I say with real sympathy.

He shrugs. "I couldn't anyway."

"Oh." Mishani wouldn't pry, so I finish the dance in silence.

When he escorts me to the edge of the dance floor, Vel is waiting with arched brows. "I told you I would be right back, Mishani."

Oh, he's good.

Gaius steps up, as promised. "It's my fault. I implored her to favor me with a dance."

Only then does Vel pretend to recognize him. "Of course. Anything for Marcus's nephew."

"The prince is your uncle?" I shrink back toward Vel, like I'm unworthy to be in the presence of such greatness. Maybe I have a bit of theatrical talent, too.

"Yes," Gaius admits.

"It was a pleasure." Vel steers me away.

I cast a quiet look over one bare shoulder. Gaius stands gazing after me with flattering intensity. Young men can be so tiresome in that respect. They fall in and out of love on the weight of a shared glance or a touch on the arm, constant as the wind.

"How did you pass the time while I danced?" I'm careful to keep my questions innocuous, in character for the girl I'm pretending to be.

"I spoke at length with the Imperator."

"I don't know him. Is he important?"

Vel smiles, the indulgent expression of a man who thinks the woman beside him is an adorable idiot. "Very. Dance with me." Not a question. He owns Mishani, after all, and her compliance is a given.

Yet I'm surprised as he leads me out. I figured we'd go after the governor next, but on second thought, this makes more sense. He can't make a beeline for all the important men in the room. The machinations will be noticed instead of taken as normal social interaction.

He draws me against his shoulder with an expertise I shouldn't find surprising, and yet I do. "I didn't know you danced."

"You've barely scratched the surface of my skills, my sweet." It's a reminder to be Mishani, not Jax.

I school my features into starry amazement, and he chokes a laugh. Aha, the perfect infiltrator has a weakness. Maybe I shouldn't be amused right now, but I've discovered I don't mind being undercover. At least, not all of it. I wouldn't want to do it forever, but for now it's an adventure, and I've never been able to pass one up.

Vel whirls me, attracting admiring glances from those sharing the floor with us. He moves like all men want to-with bold confidence, like he doesn't give a damn about the staring. That's the sort who gets noticed.

By the time we stop, I'm breathless, and some of the shiny-eyed stuff is real. I try to picture March doing any of this and fail utterly. He's a warrior, not a spy.

Me? I'm a bit of both. I guess that's why they're both in my heart. I miss March, but I'm experienced in sealing off the sorrow and not letting it interfere with my mission.

"Attention," Prince Marcus calls, as I catch my breath. "As you all know, we've gathered to honor Legate Flavius, who did me a great service at vast personal cost. He has not asked for restitution, yet my conscience will not permit his heroism to go unrewarded. So it is my pleasure to announce his new rank tonight. Welcome your new primus."

The crowd applauds, some with sincerity, others with daggered looks. A congratulatory mob surrounds us, and I press up against his side. Beyond the inner circle, I spot Gaius watching us with a return of his sorrowful stare. I guess he's remembered how much his life sucks. Poor kid. Yeah, right. At least he's better off than the La'hengrin.

From what I know of the convoluted ranking system, a primus is higher than a legate, serving the prince directly. Which means all the legates now glaring at Vel fall under his command. The governor is above the prince because there are so many princes from various houses, and somebody has to be in charge. The Imperator ranks higher than a primus, but only in matters of national security. It's all kind of confusing, but fortunately, Mishani doesn't need to know shit about politics; that's the upside to all my doe-eyed silence.

"Speech!" someone calls.

Soon the cry is taken up and echoes through the room, until Vel steps forward with a smile, ready to meet their demand. "I'm honored that His Highness thinks me worthy of this title. I'll do my best to live up to the standard of the primus who came before me."

Prince Marcus raises his glass. "To the new primus!"

Not everyone in the room is thrilled. Even as they toast, I feel the anger and envy burning across the distance. And all the while, Gaius watches in silence.

Afterward, Suni Tarn catches my eye from across the room. He holds the look long enough for me to gather he wants to speak with me. I guess that means Loras brought him in on the op. So I run my hand down Vel's arm to catch his hand in mine. He doesn't resist when I twine our fingers together, though this is a bold move for Mishani; it's a public claim on the new primus, and it doesn't go unnoticed. Most men of rank would disassociate at once from a presumptuous La'hengrin, but he permits the move, thus stating that he returns my regard. I haven't enjoyed subtext so much since we left Ithiss-Tor. Pity the Nicuan nobles don't know how to execute a proper wa.

Vel lets me lead him on a meandering course toward the former chancellor and his partner, Edun Leviter. The two men are handsome in their black formalwear. Leviter wears touches of silver at his cuffs, and it's an elegant echo of his hair. By the time I reach them, they've gotten rid of the few guests who wanted to make conversation. Leviter has a way with a brow raise and a sardonic look that makes you want to crawl under the nearest rock.

"Good evening," I say.

Tarn says, "It's a pleasure to see you again."

Since I haven't met him as Mishani, he's affirming my suspicion that he knows. Loras must have anticipated our need for aid and provided intel. That's helpful. Now we can arrange a meeting with no awkward fumbling.

"I understand you have quite an art collection," Vel replies.

Leviter nods. "Suni is the connoisseur, but I appreciate beautiful things."

"If it wouldn't be too forward, perhaps Mishani and I could come to see your Durand? It is rumored to be exquisite."

"Edun and I will be leaving the city next month for an extended holiday," Tarn says, and the words sound like a warning. "So it would be best to arrange the appointment soon."

"The day after tomorrow?" Vel suggests.

"Perfect. Do you have your handheld? What's the code?" After Vel's reply, Tarn pulls his out and beams his address to the device.

"I look forward to it," I say.

"We should mingle." When we move off, Vel leaves his hand in mine, telling everyone that he won't tolerate slights to me.

It's a bold maneuver. Enemies will reveal themselves faster over my unseemly rise. They won't be able to bear that a female like Mishani has so much power over the new primus. In time, after listening to enough vitriolic whispers, Prince Marcus may come to regret his generosity, but we're not trying to build a lasting political career, only obtain access to classified information while creating dissent in the Imperial government.

This should work like a charm.

FROM: E_L.

TO: [RECIPIENT_ENCRYPTED].

COMM CODE 18.255.91.23.88.

Our mutual acquaintance is well, but...not herself. Certain permanent alterations have been made; you should be prepared for that. She's serving the cause in the best possible capacity at the moment, and due to her work-and that of another changeable individual-we hope to have eyes and ears inside very soon. That will obviously help your efforts in the field. How is the campaign going? I saw in your report that the war effort is going well in the provinces, and that five more villages should be liberated by the end of the month.

Enemy forces are suppressing our ads at every opportunity, but I find ways to get them on the air. The private comm codes are busier than ever, with La'hengrin seeking information on ways to help the resistance. The centurions have come near to taking out our broadcast centers a few times, but we've scrambled, moved the equipment just in time.

Numbers are up in terms of recruitment, especially with the last three victories. I'll forward you a list of casualties and assets once I finish the final assessment. Though it's a quiet war, and Nicuan does its best to silence all signs of trouble in the provinces, the conflict will not be won via inaction. It's only a matter of time now. I've seen countless wars, and I believe that. The people have caught fire, and they will not stop.

E. L.

P.S. I haven't been blessed with offspring, but I hear they can be trying. As I understand it, the trouble is worth it.

FROM: M.

TO: [RECIPIENT_ENCRYPTED].

COMM CODE [MESSAGE BOUNCING; MULTIPLE RELAYS. ULTIMATE DESTINATION UNKNOWN].