Kushiel's Mercy

with such force that the wood was splintering beneath my nails. Sunjata gave me a worried look. I forced myself to breathe slowly and relax.
    We had to wait some time to dock and disembark, but a second delegation arrived, composed of Aragonian peers with stilted smiles and hatred in their eyes. Foremost among them was a tall, slender old fellow with silvery hair and beard.
    “Roderico de Aragon, I’ll wager,” Sunjata remarked.
    Kratos whistled. “The deposed king?”
    “He’s a political hostage . . . ha!” Sunjata nudged me with his elbow. “Well, well. Look who’s here. Justina.”
    I followed his gaze to spot an old childhood companion in the midst of the Aragonian peers. Justina. I hadn’t seen her in the better part of five years. Long ago, she, Sunjata, and I had all trained together under her ladyship’s aegis.
    “I didn’t know she was in Aragonia,” I said.
    “Neither did I,” Sunjata replied. “But her ladyship casts her nets far and wide. Well, that’s a gift from the gods.”
    “Good,” I said. “Because we’re going to need all the divine providence the gods have to offer.”
    Kratos glanced from one to the other of us. Over the course of the voyage, I’d assured Sunjata that he was trustworthy. Still, it was the first time we’d spoken openly in front of him. I could see the flicker of curiosity in his gaze, but he kept his mouth shut. Good man.
    The throng was still there when we finally disembarked. I paused at the top of the ramp.
    On the dock, Sidonie turned her head, gazing in my direction. I felt a sinking sensation in the pit of my stomach as our eyes met. What if she had changed her mind? But no, she tilted her head slightly and made a beckoning gesture.
    “You do plan on introducing me, I hope,” Sunjata said.
    “Yes, of course.”
    We left Kratos and the sailors to keep watch over our things while Captain Deimos made inquiries regarding lodging. I felt lightheaded and sick making my way along the crowded quay. We waited our turn amid other well-wishers, and then there they were before us.
    Sidonie and Astegal.
    “Messire Maignard.” She smiled at me. “I’m pleased you were able to join us.”
    “So this is the chess-playing Cytheran D’Angeline.” Astegal studied me, then chuckled.
    “I suppose I must thank you for providing my wife with a harmless diversion. She has an impatient spirit.”
    I bowed. “The pleasure was mine, my lord.”
    “You’ll lodge at the palace, of course.” Astegal waved a careless hand. A gold knot glinted on one finger. “There’s ample room, and I fear Sidonie will find it no less idle here, at least until we come to terms with the rebels.”
    Her brows rose. “Or you could do the sensible thing and leave me to administer New Carthage while you settle the matter.”
    A muscle in Astegal’s jaw twitched. He smiled at Sidonie. “When the last rebel has surrendered, my dear, I will shower cities at your feet and you may administer them to your heart’s content. Until then, a man’s firmer hand is needed.”
    “No one ever died of tedium, your highness,” I said lightly. Her quick gaze flicked to meet mine.
    “I suppose not,” she said slowly.
    So it was still there, gods be thanked. Her wits, her lingering fears and suspicions. I presented Sunjata to them, explaining my partnership in a business venture with the House of Philosir.
    “Ah, yes.” Astegal’s gaze rested on Sunjata’s face for a few heartbeats. “Good old Jabnit’s assistant. You did us a good service as I recall.” He laid his hand on Sidonie’s shoulder, the ring glinting. “Do you remember the painting of gems I presented to your mother, my dear? The House of Philosir procured the gems.”
    Sunjata bowed. “It was our honor.”
    “I remember you,” Sidonie said to him.
    Astegal’s hand tightened on her shoulder. “I’m sure you’re mistaken.”
    “No.” She shot him a puzzled look. “You were with Messire Maignard, were you not?”
    she asked Sunjata. “On the street outside the villa.”
    “Ah.” Although his reaction wasn’t visible, I could feel Sunjata relax beside me. “Yes, your highness. I was among your admirers.”
    “Then you must come to the palace as well,” Astegal said smoothly. “My lady wife should be surrounded by admirers. Speak to the chamberlain; he will see to everything.”
    With that, he turned away, taking Sidonie’s arm and steering her. I hoped she’d look back at me, but she didn’t. I forced