I need more exercise.

“What are you talking about?” Rudiger said.

Gabriella turned her head to look at him. “I take it that was for your horse, not me?”

Rudiger grinned. “Yeah, sorry.”

You’re not sorry. You love it when they get confused by our conversations.

“That’s nonsense.”

You’ve gotten better at silent communication with me, so the only reason to speak aloud is so other people know we’re talking.

Rudiger rolled his eyes, but didn’t reply.

“You’re a weird man to be around, Rudiger,” Gabby said.

“You get used to it eventually, your Highness,” Hang said. He was part of their honour guard, riding to the other side of Gabby.

They were riding across the open snow-covered field north of the Palace compound. Although they were no longer on Palace grounds, they were still technically on Royal land. These were the Royal Hunting Grounds, although they weren’t here to hunt today, just have a leisurely ride.

Anyway, Rudiger said, what’s this about exercise? I thought the grooms exercised you every day. Unless you’re complaining about your healing time again. You had to stay still during that time.

I’m talking about now, Borisin replied. They let me out of my stall and just walk me around a bit. That’s not exercise.

Rudiger groaned. No, I suppose not.

You hardly ever come out to see me.

I come out as often as I can. It’s just lately, I’ve…

Borisin snorted. You’ve been busy, I know. I’m going to lose my musculature.

Rudiger sighed. “You’re right, of course. Sorry. I’ll make a better effort.”

“Apology accepted,” Gabby said. “Though I don’t know what for. I wish I could hear inside your head, Rudiger. Either you’re hearing a talking horse, or imagining you are. Either way, it sounds like a fascinating place.” She laughed.

Ha, that’s not the word I’d use, Borisin said. Cluttered mess more like.

Rudiger leaned a little in Gabby’s direction. “He says he agrees with you. My mind is a truly fascinating place.”

Hey! Don’t go misquoting me!

Gabby snickered. “Does he now? How convenient for you that he can’t tell me himself.”

“Oh, he can. He just chooses not to.”

Gabby laughed. “Why am I not surprised?”

Pastrin looked back. He and Ned were riding a short distance ahead. “Something funny, sis?”

“No, I’m just laughing for no reason.” She laughed some more, and rode forward to join them.

Serves you right for misquoting me, Borisin said.

“Sorry buddy, don’t follow you.”

She left you behind. The truth will always get you farther with flirting.

Rudiger laughed. “I wasn’t…” He paused and switched to silent communication. I wasn’t flirting. I don’t need to flirt. I’ve got Zandrue.

Like that’s gonna stop you.

She’s not my type! Besides, she’s not even into men!

You’ll flirt with anyone.

Rudiger groaned. Whatever. Look, I’m sorry about not visiting you enough, okay? It’s hard with all this mingling I’m supposed to do, but I promise I’ll push for them to do more things like this and less playing billiards. I’m crap at that game anyway.

Borisin took a moment before replying. Fine, but I’m holding you to that promise. Not getting off the hook.

Deal, Rudiger said.

This ride had actually been Gabriella’s idea. She had expressed a desire for something other than billiards for a change. She wasn’t into hunting like Malef and Pastrin, but she said she did like riding through the Hunting Grounds and seeing the places where they hunted. Rudiger had been glad for the change of pace. Especially with Malef not there most of the time now, the games were even more unbalanced in Gabby’s favour.

They were approaching the edge of the field now, riding up a small hill to the edge of the woods. The woods were thick according to Pastrin and Ned. Probably not the most ideal place for a horse as big as Borisin.

I’ll be fine.

“I have no doubt, buddy,” Rudiger said. “You should probably just prepare yourself for a few nicks and scrapes.”

Like I said, I’ll be fine.

Hang rode up towards him. “I will never get used to you and that horse, Rudiger. Even weeks on the road with you, and I never got used to him.” As he got right up to him, he lowered his voice. “Any word from Quilla?”

Rudiger shook his head. “Didn’t really expect there would be. It’s only been a couple days. Don’t even know how she’ll manage to get any word back.”

“I hope she’s okay. If they find out she’s…” Hang breathed heavily and shook his head.

“Riders coming!”

The cry came from the member of the honour guard at the rear. Both Rudiger and Hang stopped and looked back. There were three riders coming towards them from the Palace. They were waving a pair of flags. Rudiger had no idea what the heraldic symbols on them were, so looked to Hang.

Hang was already turning to face forward. He called, “Prince Malef and Lady Plavin!”

Pastrin, Gabby, Ned, and the third honour guard came to a stop. They all waited for Malef, Lady Plavin, and their honour guard to reach them.

“I thought you were too busy,” Gabby called out to Malef as they rode up.

Malef laughed. “When we learned you were going riding instead of just playing billiards, we decided to change our schedule. Lidda’s been dying to go riding since she arrived. She’s quite the accomplished rider, you know?”

“Really?” Gabby said. “You should have said something, your Ladyship. I would’ve been happy to ride with you.”

Lidda Plavin rode up beside Malef. “That’s quite all right, your Highness. There really hasn’t been time anyway. Malef’s been keeping me busy, haven’t you, dear?”

Gabby grinned. “I bet he has.”

Pastrin and Ned laughed—no, giggled was a more accurate description.

Lidda Plavin blushed slightly and lowered her head. “Yes, well, what happens between a lady and her paramour stays between that lady and her paramour, don’t you think?”

Gabby raised an eyebrow. “As you wish, your Ladyship.”

Malef turned his horse and rode over beside Rudiger. “Get a load of Rudiger’s horse, Lidda.” He held out his hand towards Borisin.

Let him, Rudiger said.

Borisin gave a very exaggerated mental sigh.

Malef ran his hand through Borisin’s mane. “Magnificent, isn’t he?”

Lidda rode up beside Malef, and rolled her eyes. “He’s certainly big enough. It’s almost obscene. The kind of horse only a man would ever find magnificent. No offence, dear.”

I don’t think she knows what obscene means. Can I bite her?

No!

“I can’t imagine he has much grace at all to him. Not like Zoë here.” She patted the slender palomino she was riding. The mare was not even half Borisin’s size.

I’ll show her grace.

Lady Plavin frowned. “I’ve never been very fond of roan, either. I’ve always found it...I don’t know...common. It lacks that aristocratic feel. And so many scars.”

Those are beauty marks, lady.

“He’s been in battle, dear,” Malef said.

She grimaced. “Like I said, a man’s horse. Very unsuitable for a ride through thick woods.” She turned her horse around and rode ahead towards Gabriella and the others.

Malef grimaced at Rudiger. “Sorry, Rudiger. Didn’t know she’d respond quite that way. But well...women, right?” He grinned and laughed.

Rudiger forced a laugh in return.

I bet I could spook that skinny thing she’s riding and get her to throw her.

I think her words were meant to insult me, buddy, not you, Rudiger said.

Think I care? She insulted me. Those are fighting words.

Rudiger groaned. We really can’t start any fights here.

You always say that.

That’s because it’s pretty much always true.

“Have you heard?” Pastrin said. “Rudiger can talk to his horse.”

Lidda Plavin scoffed. “Oh, can he now?”

“To be fair,” Ned said, “anyone can talk to their horse. I talk to mine all the time.”

“Yes, but the difference is, Rudiger’s horse talks back,” Pastrin said. “Least, so he claims.”

“And you believe him?” Lady Plavin said.

Pastrin shrugged. “He hasn’t given me any reason not to.”

“And you’re sure he’s at all sane?”

How about I knock her from her horse and trample her? We can say it was an accident.

Just pay her no mind, Rudiger said.

Borisin snorted.

They rode into the forest, most of the others staying ahead of Rudiger. They laughed a lot, mostly at Rudiger’s expense. Lidda Plavin led them on. Every time Borisin snapped a few branches trying to get through the tight foliage, or got scraped, she had a quick comment for them all to laugh at. So much for whatever friendship he thought he’d been forming with them. Except Gabby. She didn’t laugh along with the rest.

“She got it out for you or something?” Hang asked at one point.

Rudiger sighed. “Unfortunately, yes.”

“What did you ever do to her?”

Rudiger shrugged. “Not really sure. I think she wants my sword.”

Hang laughed. “That monstrosity? I thought she didn’t like big things.”

Rudiger grinned. “Who knows what goes on in her head?”

They reached Gabriella, who had stopped to allow them to catch up. “Gods, I can’t stand that woman. I’ve never liked her. Don’t let her get to you, Rudiger.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not.”

“Forgive me, your Highness,” Hang said, “but didn’t you offer to go riding with her? Seems an odd offer for someone you don’t like.”

Gabby nodded. “Yes, but that’s politics for you. Notice I offered after the fact.” She chuckled. “I would never have offered at the time.”

I think I might actually like this one, Borisin said. You have my permission to flirt with her.

Rudiger groaned.

“That’s not the response I expected,” Gabby said. “I figured you disliked her as much as I do.”

“No, that was...that was for Borisin. He...uh...he thinks I’ve been flirting with you.”

“Haven’t you?” She held a straight face for a moment, then broke broke into a grin and laughed. “If you could only see your face, Rudiger.”

“He says he likes you, by the way. Borisin, that is.”

“Oh, Borisin likes me, does he?” She laughed some more.

Hang laughed with her.

Rudiger just shook his head.

Gabby winked at him. “Don’t worry, Rudiger, I’m just teasing.”

He nodded. “I know, I know.”

As they rode deeper into the woods along game trails, the conversation gradually changed to things other than making fun of Rudiger, such as the events in Arnor City two days ago. Princess Annai had been thoroughly chastised by her mother for putting both herself and Thilin in danger. No one here was particularly sympathetic towards Annai, though they were towards Thilin. At least no one had been injured—especially Zandrue.

At one point, Rudiger found himself riding beside Lidda Plavin. Her head barely reached the height of his waist.

“So where’s that sword of yours, Rudiger?”

He didn’t look at her. “Not here.”

She chuckled. “I can see that. Somewhere safe, I take it?”

“Always.”

“I wouldn’t mind getting a look at it at some point. Could that be arranged?”

Rudiger shrugged. “I’m not sure, your Ladyship. Didn’t you say you have a busy schedule? My schedule’s busy too. Might be difficult to arrange a time, but maybe we can come up with something.”

“Yes, perhaps we could. Or course, since it’s not on your person, wherever it is, are you really sure it’s safe?”

“What do you mean?”

“Mean? I’m just asking a simple question. Presumably, it’s in Felitïa’s apartments, where you and that Volg have somehow finagled your way into.”

He looked down at her. “You…you…”

“Know about Zandrue?” She snickered. “Of course I do. Though you probably don’t want her new best friend, Princess Annai, to find out.”

“What are you getting at?”

“I wouldn’t worry,” she said. “As long as she doesn’t get in the way, she’s safe.”

Rudiger’s heart sank. He wished he had Slay here right now, though perhaps it was best he didn’t. He might cut her down with it. “In the way?”

“I did ask if you were sure the sword is safe.” She looked up at him, a smirk on her face. “Of course, you’re probably much too late now.”

“Shit.”

Borisin was already turning around. One kick right now and she’s toast.

No, we’ll get her another time, buddy.

“Everything all right, Rudiger?” Malef called.

“Yeah fine,” Rudiger called back. “I just...just remembered I promised to help Zandrue with something. I’m going to have to cut this short. So sorry.”

“That’s a shame,” Malef said, “but totally understandable. You don’t want to anger your woman.” He laughed.

Rudiger forced a laugh. “It’s been fun. I’ll see you all soon.”

“You okay finding your way out of here?” Malef asked.

“Yeah, Borisin knows the way.”

Gabby rode up beside him. “I’ll help.”

“That’s okay,” Rudiger said. “I’ll be fine.”

“No, no, I insist.”

“All right, thank you.” There wasn’t time to argue. “Let’s go, buddy.” With as much haste as you dare.

Borisin took off back through the woods. Unfortunately, he couldn’t manage much haste here. There was just too much underbrush.

Gabriella came up beside them. “All right, what’s up?”

“Like I said—”

“Don’t give me that bullshit. Something Lidda said spooked you to the core. I couldn’t hear, but I saw. Now tell me what the hell is going on.”

“It’s a long story,” Rudiger said.

“It’s a long trip back to the Palace. We’ve got time.”

I say we tell her, Borisin said. They won’t let me inside the Palace, so you might need her help.

“All right,” Rudiger said. “It’s about my sword.”

“That giant monstrosity of yours?”

He nodded. “Yeah, that one. I think Lidda Plavin’s sent someone to steal it.”

* * * * *

Zandrue took three glasses of wine from the tray, two in one hand and one in the other. “Thank you, Marna. Please give us some privacy now.”

The girl curtsied. “I’ll be in the next room if you need me, my Lady.” Zandrue had requested her services after Quilla had been banished.

As the girl backed away, Zandrue turned to Tianna, who was already making herself at home on the chaise longue. Zandrue handed one of the wine glasses to her, and placed another on the table. “For Laänne when she gets here.” She sat beside Tianna. They clinked glasses, then each took a sip.

“These are nice apartments.” Tianna pointed towards the fireplace. “I like the picture of Queen Felitïa. I suppose it’s appropriate for Princess Felitïa’s room. Still, her grandmother was a far greater woman than she’ll ever be.”

Zandrue frowned. “You don’t like Felitïa much, do you?”

“I know she’s your friend, Zandrue, but she’s been nothing but rude to me and Annai.”

Zandrue shrugged. “Maybe she has, but maybe you just need to sit down with her and work things out.”

Tianna rolled her eyes. “I doubt that, but then…” She looked away. “I didn’t like you at first, either, so…” She looked back and smiled.

Zandrue smiled back. “So, what’s this all about? Why did you insist we come here?”

Tianna smiled conspiratorially and put a finger to her lips. “I chose here because there’s no way Annai will ever come here, and this needs to be a total secret. It goes no farther than me, you, and Laänne. Got it?”

Zandrue took a sip of wine. “You’ve certainly got me intrigued, so yeah, I got it.”

“Well, as you know, I was trying to plan a surprise for Annai’s birthday, but she knows about that now. I still intend to do it, but it’s not a surprise anymore, so I need something new. I was thinking the three of us can do something together for her.”

Zandrue continued to sip at her wine. “What were you thinking?”

“We sing a song for her. At the concert. Laänne will play as usual, and you and I will sing a duet. A brand new song specifically for her. I’ve already started writing it, but I’d value your contribution.”

“I like the way you think,” Zandrue said.

Tianna grinned. “I knew you’d like the idea! As soon as Laänne gets here, we’ll go over it in detail. I wonder what’s taking her so long.” She looked towards the door.

“I’m sure she’ll be along,” Zandrue said.

“I know, but we’re supposed to stay in sight of each other.”

“Yes, but we knew when we made the agreement it would be impossible to do all the time.”

Tianna nodded. Then her eyes widened. “I know! How about, while we wait, you show me around these apartments?”

Zandrue shrugged. “Sure, why not? I mean, they’re not much different from Annai’s really, apart from how they’re decorated, I suppose.”

“That’s exactly the sort of thing I want to see!”

Zandrue stood up. “To be honest, there’s not much of that. Felitïa’s barely ever lived here, and I just haven’t had a chance to decorate.” Largely because she hadn’t really expected to be staying so long. “But I’m happy to show you what there is.”

Tianna jumped to her feet. “Great!”

Zandrue gestured towards the fireplace. “You’ve already noticed the portrait of Queen Felitïa. It...um...hangs above the mantel, which is...which is in some style or other. I presume.”

Tianna giggled. “You don’t have to explain everything. Just show me.”

Zandrue snickered. “Yeah, that’s probably the better way to do it. Follow me.”

“Is the room layout like Annai’s?”

“I think so,” Zandrue said. “The dressing room is through there. Bedroom over there. Study cabinet up the stairs. Handmaids’ room over there.”

The main door opened and the guard on duty, Edmon, let Laänne into the room. The slim woman was dressed rather informally in a light kirtle, her brown hair done up in a bun held together with the two hairpins she’d bought in Arnor City.

“There you are!” Tianna said.

“Sorry I’m late,” Laänne said. “I got held up.” She hugged Tianna, then Zandrue. “So, what’s this all about?”

“Tell you in a bit,” Tianna said. “Zandrue’s giving us a tour.”

“I thought that was just to pass the time until she got here,” Zandrue said.

Tianna waved her hand dismissively. “Yes, but we’re committed now. I want to see everything.”

“I’m game,” Laänne said.

So Zandrue gave them a tour around the apartments. It was quick as there wasn’t much to show. They walked into each room, Tianna and Laänne took quick looks, and then they moved on to the next room. As they moved about, Tianna told Laänne about her idea.

In the bedroom, Tianna went straight over to Rudiger’s wardrobe as soon as Zandrue pointed it out. She opened it and peered inside.

“I don’t think Rudiger’s got anything that’ll interest you,” Zandrue said.

Tianna laughed. “Just looking. A bit of fun, you know. Still, this sword here is incredible. It’s huge! Can I look at it?” She reached into the wardrobe.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea without asking Ru—”

There was a crash.

“Gods, that thing’s heavy.” Tianna backed away from the wardrobe a few steps. “Sorry. I might have knocked it over.”

Laänne looked over her shoulder. “That is a huge sword. Still, he’s a big man. He can probably lift it.”

“Can’t we just take a quick look?” Tianna said. “I’m sure you and I together could pick it up?”

Zandrue shook her head. “Not unless he says it’s okay. Ask him later if you want.”

Laänne put a hand on Tianna’s shoulder. “Zandrue’s right. Let’s go compose that song of yours.”

Tianna pouted. “I suppose you’re right.”

They returned to the lounge, where Tianna sat on the chaise longue again. She patted the cushion beside her and nodded to Zandrue.

“You know this is meant for one person to spread out on, right?” Zandrue said as she sat down.

Tianna shrugged. “I know.”

Laänne pulled up a chair near them.

Zandrue pointed to the glass of wine on the table. “That’s for you, Laänne. I made sure to leave one for you.”

Laänne smiled and reached for the glass. “Your glasses are empty. Let me refill them for you.” Instead of picking up her own, she picked up the empty ones and carried them over to the wine table.

“This is what I was thinking,” Tianna said. “Zandrue, you’re named after Zandromeda the Volg Killer, right?”

“That’s right.”

“I thought we could reference the Volg Killer in the song as a reference to you. Unfortunately, I’m not named after a legendary figure, so I’m not sure how to get in something for me.”

Laänne returned with the wine. “Why not just make something up? Just claim there was some other legendary hero named Tianna.” She handed one glass to Zandrue and the other to Tianna, then picked up her own from the table.

“Bur surely people will notice that,” Tianna said and took a drink of wine.

“There are hundreds of stories out there. No one will be able to prove it’s not just a story they’ve never heard before.” Laänne grinned. “For all we know, there really is one out there.”

“I suppose,” Tianna said.

“And of course, you need to reference the hero Laänne as well. Just because I’m only playing and not singing doesn’t mean I should be left out.”

Tianna laughed. “Don’t worry. We’ll definitely get a reference to you in there.”

They discussed the logistics of the song for a while, and Zandrue surprised herself by actually getting excited about it. She wouldn’t have liked to admit it to Rudiger or Quilla or Felitïa, but she was starting to enjoy all this singing.

“You haven’t touched your wine, Zandrue,” Laänne said.

Zandrue looked down at the glass she’d been holding to her chest and laughed. “Sorry, I just got caught up in everything. Besides, I’m trying to cut back.”

“At least have one glass,” Laänne said. “After all, I poured it for you.”

“Oh, all right, you’ve bent my arm.” Zandrue raised the glass and took a sip.

Tianna lay her head on Zandrue’s shoulder. “This is surprisingly tiring work.”

Zandrue lowered the glass. Tianna’s eyes were half closed. “You all right?”

Tianna smiled. “Absolutely perfect.” Her words were slurred. “Just tired, but happy you’re here.”

Zandrue looked at the table, where manuscript papers was scattered about. Tianna’s wine glass sat empty. Laänne was watching Zandrue.

Tianna put her arms around Zandrue. “I’m sorry I didn’t trust you at first, Zandrue. I was wrong. You’re wonderful.” Her eyes closed, and her body relaxed and slumped over.

Zandrue leaned forward, and placed her wine on the table, watching Laänne the whole time. She extracted herself from Tianna’s arms and stood up.

Laänne’s eyes followed her the whole time.

“Going to say anything?” Zandrue asked.

Laänne sighed. “You should have drunk your wine, Zandrue. Still, that small sip you took should slow your reflexes at the very least.” In a flash, she fell backwards in her chair and flipped off it as its back hit the floor. She landed on her feet, turned, and ran towards the bedroom.

“Shit!” Zandrue took off after her. She had no idea what drug Laänne had put in the wine, but Tianna had taken a full dose and it had taken several minutes to affect her, so the smaller dose Zandrue had taken would need time as well. Nevertheless, she needed to stop Laänne before it started to work.

Zandrue ran to the bedroom. Laänne was at Rudiger’s wardrobe. She reached down and picked up Slay, lifting the sword off the ground with one hand and pulling the sheath away with the other.

Zandrue ran around the four-poster bed and leapt at her. Laänne turned and pointed the sword at her. Zandrue stopped and stepped backwards. How had she gotten so strong?

“I have to commend you, Zandrue. All that sucking up to Annai, manipulating yourself into a position of influence. You got Annai to switch from hating you to considering you one of her best friends. Though that was a bit my fault. I should have chosen a different time to set the dogs on you.”

“So that was you. I didn’t even know you then.”

Laänne laughed. “But I knew you. And then you somehow managed to turn Tianna from paranoid you were going to steal Annai from her to being all love-dovey over you. All presumably so you could track down Servants in the Palace, and the whole time you never noticed the one right beside you. How will Tianna take it, do you think, when she finds out you’re the one who followed her and scared the hell out of her? Gods, you’re pathetic.”

Zandrue shrugged. “Once you’re exposed as a Darker, I’m sure I can make things right with Tianna again.”

Laänne laughed. “Yes, but I’m not going to to be exposed, am I? Tianna’s going to wake up, find you dead, and me injured. We were attacked by thieves and you perished. If you’re lucky, I might tell her you died in a valiant attempt to protect her. Feed into that little crush of hers and make her cry a lot. She’s incredibly manipulable.”

Zandrue yawned, making it as noticeable as she could. “Look, if you’re going to kill me, just get it over with. You’re boring me.”

Laänne sneered. “Oh, I was just distracting you long enough to get used to the balance of this ridiculously big sword.” She lunged at Zandrue.

Zandrue hurled herself to the side and onto the bed. Laänne swung Slay, which cut right through one of the posts. Zandrue rolled across the best as the corner of the canopy came down. Slay cut right through the frame of the bed as well.

Laänne gasped. “Ridiculously big, but what power!”

Zandrue rolled off the other side of the bed and hopped to her feet. “You’re a lot stronger than I realised. That was a good act in Arnor City.” Laänne wasn’t much bigger than Tianna. It was absurd that she could lift Slay effortlessly, never mind swing it one-handed. Hell, even Rudiger didn’t use Slay one-handed.

Laänne smiled. “That wasn’t an act. Things have just changed since then. A little perk of being a Servant. I’m still getting used to it.”

Zandrue pushed the bed at Laänne, who leapt backwards. Zandrue rushed around the bed again, and dove towards her own wardrobe, sliding across the floor for the last few feet. She opened wardrobe, then rolled aside as Laänne swung Slay down at her. She spun around, tried to use her feet to trip Laänne.

It was like hitting a stone wall. Laänne didn’t budge, but raised Slay again. Zandrue rolled again, only just avoiding the blow. She jumped back to her feet. The room swam around her.

Shit. The drug must be taking effect. She didn’t need this right now.

Laänne swung again, nicking Zandrue’s arm. “Getting a bit sluggish, I see. A shame. I was starting to enjoy this. Now your death’ll be too easy..”

Zandrue turned and ran for the door. Her only hope was to get to Edmon before Laänne could catch up to her.

Something hit her in the back of the shoulder, its blade going right through and sticking out the other side. A stiletto with a hilt shaped like the Bear of Arnor with sapphire eyes. One of Laänne’s new hairpins. Zandrue stumbled and fell forwards through the bedroom door. Her chin smacked into the floor. “Edmon!”

She started to pull herself back up, but a foot pressed down on her back, pushing her back down against the floor.

The main door opened and Edmon rushed into the room. “My Lady?”

Another stiletto flew through the air and right through Edmon’s neck. He sputtered, blood pouring out of both his neck and mouth.

The door to the handmaids’ room opened and Marna peered out. “My Lady, is—” Edmon gurgled and fell over. Marna screamed and slammed her door shut again.

“That was a much better shot,” Laänne said. “Some nasty little items Ulises got me, don’t you think? Now, let’s see. How should I finish you off? I could cut off your head with Daemonslayer here, hang it up on the wall for Rudiger to discover when you get back.”

Zandrue tried to crawl out from under her foot, but Laänne pressed down harder.

“Or I could just apply a bit more pressure and crush your spine and ribcage. That would be kind of messy though. I’ll probably get blood all over my shoes and skirt. Can’t deny it would be fun though.”

“Zandrue!”

Rudiger was at the open door, Gabriella right behind him. The Princess threw a dagger over his shoulder. Laänne bent aside to avoid it, loosening the pressure on Zandrue’s back. Zandrue slid to the side, rolled to her feet.

Rudiger rushed forward, but Laänne swung Slay at him. Rudiger dove out of the way. Zandrue shoved Laänne. It didn’t do much, but it did unbalance her a little. Zandrue ran past her and back into the bedroom.

Her vision was still blurred and spinning, but she knew where she was going. She made it to her wardrobe and grabbed her sword. She ran back to the lounge.

Everything was blurry at first, but after blinking a few times, things started to focus. Gabriella was dodging blows from Laänne. The Princess blocked a blow with her sword, but Slay broke the blade near in half. Gabriella dove backwards.

Rudiger ran at Laänne from behind, grabbing her sword arm and trying to wrest Slay from her. She jabbed her other elbow into his chest and he actually grunted. Then, with a heave, she flipped Rudiger over her head. He crashed onto the table with the song manuscript. On the chaise longue, Tianna jolted.

Gabriella rushed Laänne, jabbed with the jagged edge of her broken blade. Laänne swung with her free arm, hit Gabriella on the side of her face, and sent the Princess sprawling. Laänne raised Slay over Rudiger.

The room was starting to spin again, but Zandrue ignored it. She rushed forward while Laänne’s back was turned. She swung her sword into Laänne’s side. Laänne stumbled. Rudiger kicked out and knocked her off her feet. Slay clattered to the floor. Laänne fell on her back. Her hand reached for Slay.

Zandrue gripped her sword in both hands, turned it point down, and drove it into Laänne’s chest. Laänne screamed, then went still.

Rudiger got to his feet and grabbed Slay, gasping for breath. “How the hell is someone so small so strong?”

Zandrue stumbled. Everything was spinning so fast. “Darker. Like Mister Speedy maybe? Except strength?” She grabbed hold of something. The chaise longue? Yes, she was fairly certain it was the chaise longue. She tried to lie down on it, but there was someone already there. But that was okay. Whoever it was shifted aside and tried to make room. Oh, it was Tianna, wasn’t it?

“Zandrue?” Rudiger said. “You all right?”

Zandrue snuggled up against Tianna, who put her arms around her. That aggravated the pain from the stiletto in her shoulder. “I’ve been...um...what is it? Oh right, I’ve been drugged. Tianna too. I’m gonna nap now. Get this fucking dagger out of me, would you? That’s a good boy. Goodnight.”

She closed her eyes and let the sweet darkness of unconsciousness take hold.