Threads of Desire (Spellcraft)

Chapter Thirteen

If not for the bright blue paint on the door and the silver scrollwork covering the upper windows, this would be the plainest room in the villa. He’d chosen it for Ily because she’d wanted as few distractions as possible. He’d grown up in Lasura. This had once been his schoolroom, and he knew from personal experience that this was the least distracting room in the house.

He’d spent an awful lot of time inside these walls, and it was strange to think of living elsewhere. His home in Cresa wasn’t nearly as grand. He hoped Ily would like it. He smiled at the birds carved into the fresco on the ceiling. If she didn’t, he’d build her another to better suit her taste. She could arrange to hire whichever masters she chose. Or none at all if she wished to completely isolate herself from the guild. So many years of deprivation. He planned to spoil her outrageously. Her and Nira both.

Why did you stay in the city?” The coolness of her voice jarred him from his daydream.

He raised himself up onto his elbow and took in the mess. The rug was...ruined, quite possibly beyond repair. Frayed threads and tangles of cloth. The center was intact, but he had no idea if it would be possible for her to separate it from the rest. He felt badly for her lost work—but not about the end result. In the beginning, he’d regarded the rug as little more than bait but had enjoyed watching it take shape beneath her hands, watching her as she worked. He hoped it was salvageable. He’d long since decided to keep it and send another to Haran. Ruined or not, he’d bring this rug with them to their new home if only for the pleasure of seeing Ily blush when visitors asked after its state. A reminder of this day.

His smile faded when Ily turned her face and he realized she didn’t share his joy.

Why didn’t I leave? I couldn’t really. Lanel was suspicious when Nira died. By staying in Lasura and resuming my life after publicly grieving the loss of my daughter, I was able to deflect the rumors that I’d spirited her away. My business interests take me regularly to the warehouses. And—” He looked at her, chose his words carefully. “There would have been no possibility of locating a tutor for Nira outside of Lasura. The children kept their eyes and ears open for me.”

Your own little network of spies.”

He dipped his head in acknowledgement. “They hear things. I asked them to bring word if they noticed anyone of true talent in the markets. I had some hope of finding a person with basic training. Hope that they could be bought and that it would be enough. You...I never expected to find you.” He turned her wrist, pressed a kiss to the tender skin over the guild seal that marked her as a master. “Seli noticed this and told me of it.”

Seli? That boy is far too curious for his own good.”

He is, but clever too. And quick. I might take him with us.” He paused and regarded her closely. “You look as if you’re reconsidering your decision.”

She shook her head, but there was something off. Despite the flush to her cheeks and the fact that he knew he’d satisfied her, she was not remotely at ease. He loved to speak with Ily after sex when she was warm, relaxed and playful. That Ily he’d fallen in love with. This Ily was stiff and resolute, grim as a warrior. Fear settled like a cold weight in his stomach. Absently, she reached down to stroke the edge of the rug, her graceful fingers sifting through the loose thread.

Ily,” he said, “if you truly don’t want to do this, I won’t coerce you. You do know that, correct?”

Her mouth curved and when she glanced his way there was a light in her eyes that reassured him even though her words were sharp. “When has your charm ever failed you so completely that you were reduced to coercion?”

You didn’t find me charming when we first met.”

She looked at him as if he’d lost his mind. “I did find you charming. That’s what I hated about you.”

He chose to ignore the illogic of that and, rising, he moved so that he knelt before her. He needed to see her face. Taking her hands—her small, steady, capable hands—he asked, “What is it then?”

He’ll follow me now that he knows where I am. That will place Nira in danger.”

He won’t bother to track us to Cresa.”

No, he won’t.” Her hands tightened on his. “I intend to make certain of that.”

* * *

Kal accompanied her to the University. There’d been no gainsaying him. They waited in the anteroom outside of Lanel’s library after Diani had rebuked them for not scheduling an appointment. Diani had taken Ily’s place as Lanel’s liasin and seemed to revel in what little power that gave her. Ily wished her much pleasure of it. She’d found none.

Kal, who seemed completely at ease, watched the small, brightly colored fish swim up behind the wall. When he caught her staring, he smiled. “How do they feed them?”

Truthfully? I’ve no idea. It was never one of my responsibilities.” She tipped her head to one side. “Did I gawk when I came to your home?”

Not so I noticed. But then my attention was...fractured. I’d decided to approach you with my offer of partnership, hoping that I could gain your trust when you offered me your body instead. You do know how to discomfit a man.”

And yet you walked away from me. Twice.”

I ran. You don’t trap a street cat, you coax her to you.”

She arched her brows. “Street cat?”

Hmm. Exactly like a cat—proud, wise, impossible to tame. With sharp claws and sharper teeth.”

She reined in her smile. “You like when I bite.”

I do.” His gaze was warm as sunlight, chasing away the shadows. “It’s how I knew I had to have you, beloved.”

The heated look he gave her tempted her to crawl into his lap. He was working hard to distract her. Perhaps she should let him succeed. Surely they could pass the time better than staring at fish. But while she was still pondering how long Lanel would make them wait, the door swung open and Diani gestured them inside. Kal rose first and reached for her hand. Perhaps he saw something in her expression, perhaps he was as attuned to her as she was to him and simply sensed the dart of fear that struck her when she saw that open door.

Pulling her to her feet, he bent his head and whispered, “Steady. This will go as we planned it.”

And if it doesn’t?”

The corner of his mouth twitched. “Then we make a new plan. We do this together, Ily. I won’t let him hurt you.”

But it wasn’t the prospect of new injury that had her trembling as she crossed the threshold. It was the memory of old wounds—and what could Kal do against those?

This room, brightly lit but well sealed from the salt air, had always seemed cold to her. The walls were whitewashed. The wooden furniture bleached. The colors of the fabrics in the rug, upholstery and tapestry deliberately muted. She’d always hated this room and Lanel knew that. He knew so much about her, some of which she’d never confessed to anyone save Kal. She’d had to tell him the details of her plan to blackmail the guildmaster, which meant explaining how she’d come to know such sensitive information.

She glanced uncertainly at Kal and his smile widened. No fear in that smile. Nothing but encouragement. She would have thought he regarded all of this as a grand adventure, if she hadn’t been aware of how carefully he watched her. He was here for her, guarding her like a dragon, ready to breathe fire on her enemies if any dared raise a hand against her. Against them. But for now he stood tamely at her side, content to let her take the lead.

His smile, the proud and mocking tilt to his mouth that had once so annoyed her, gave her the courage to lift her face and meet Lanel’s gaze. He was seated behind his desk in a straight-backed chair, wearing the robes of his office as if this was a formal reception. It was strange how little the guildmaster seemed to have changed since she’d left. His hair was perhaps a little grayer but his eyes were still sharp and his smile was just as deceptively benevolent as she remembered. Fixing his gaze on her with a disturbing intensity, he ignored Kal completely. Sheer perversity made her slide her hand around Kal’s arm so that Lanel was forced to address them both when he invited them to sit.

Now that the moment had come, she doubted her resolution to face him. Her confidence, hard-won over many years of struggle, at this last moment threatened to desert her. A fine tremor ran down all of her limbs and her feet felt as if they’d rooted to the rug—one she’d created. It took Kal nudging her toward the waiting chairs to get her moving.

I can do this. With Kal beside her, she could do anything.

Lanel leaned forward, soft hands clasped before him on the polished wood. “Ily, it is a pleasure to see you again. Dare I hope this visit means you’ve decided to return to the guild?”

The question hit her like a fist to the gut. How could he possibly imagine that she’d want to return to him?

She cleared her throat. “I’m afraid not. Kal told me that you’d asked after me. When I left here, it was with the understanding that we’d severed our bond permanently.”

His expression cooled. “Can you blame me for being concerned for your welfare? I haven’t interfered with you.”

Ha.” When she’d first left the University, she’d attempted to sell her services to the aristos she was familiar with. Of course, those she knew well enough to approach were Lanel’s friends and she’d found every door barred. “You never asked anyone to deny me a project?”

When asked for a recommendation, I would say only that you were no longer sanctioned by the guild. If they chose to engage another master...” He shrugged.

Her hands had drawn to fists but she forced them to open. The anger steadied her. She hadn’t come to address past slights. She’d come to ensure Nira’s safety. And that meant following the plan she and Kal had decided upon over a fortnight ago. Everything was in place. This was the final step.

I’ve seen your spies outside of Kal’s home. They followed us today. Surely that violates our agreement.”

I watch Kalar. Of course, I do. He is the head of House Azi. If you happen to accompany him, I can hardly tell my men not to take note of it. Speaking of violations, why is he here? You’ve clearly spoken to him of our agreement and I—”

He is my husband now and I share everything with him.”

He married you?” Lanel looked momentarily stunned and then began to laugh. When Kal stiffened beside her, she laid her hand on his arm. This mild insult would be the least of Lanel’s weapons.

The head of House Azi married you.” Lanel shook his head. “You know he only did that because he wishes to use you against me.”

How could he have possibly planned for this? He suspected nothing until I told him the truth.”

His lips thinned. “That he is here with you now is enough. That you told him of our agreement—”

The agreement you violated first,” she reminded him.

Lanel took a deep breath and straightened. “I only needed to know that you were well. I never stopped caring for you.”

You will stop now,” Kal said, voice hard as she’d ever heard it. He reached over and gave her hand a comforting squeeze. Knowing her husband, she suspected that his hand lingered because he enjoyed the way the guildmaster’s face contorted at the contact. She could feel Kal glance her way, feel his smile, but she kept her attention fixed on Lanel. It was never a good idea to take your eyes off a venomous snake.

She waited until Lanel looked at her again. “So that there’s no misunderstanding. I don’t return your sentiment. I never did.”

You were never unwilling.”

I was a child!”

You’d reached your majority when you came to my bed.”

You made certain of that, didn’t you?” Claiming her as his own special apprentice shortly after she entered the University, limiting her contact with her age mates, taking on the whole of her training. He’d become her entire world, and he’d known exactly what he was doing. But that was the guildmaster—he’d twist the law like spun thread but never actually break it.

I made you,” he hissed. “And you threw it all away. Leaving the guild, living on the streets just to spite me.”

I rejected you, not the guild. You made it clear I couldn’t have guild support without accepting you as well.”

Lanel shook his head and glanced at Kal. “These outbursts... You see why I said that Nira’s death was a mercy.”

Kal rose to his feet and she moved with him, holding his arm lest he lunge across the guildmaster’s desk. As much as she’d like to see Lanel dead, she wasn’t going to lose Kal. Lanel had come to his feet as well, a sly, satisfied smile on his face.

She glared at him. “If you wish to exchange threats then let us speak of Jilar.”

It was the information she’d originally used as blackmail. Kal had assured her that the information was still dangerous. Dangerous enough to hang the guildmaster with, the most important knot in their net. Jilar was the emperor’s right hand, his advisor and enforcer. He was also the guildmaster’s bastard son. Lanel had managed to place Jilar within the palace household as a child and then over the years, he’d carefully maneuvered him into the position he held now. Jilar served the young emperor but he was truly the guildmaster’s man, one of many who formed his large network of spies.

Control. Lanel couldn’t look upon even the emperor without trying to make him a puppet.

Rather than back down, Lanel merely shook his head. “You disappoint me, child.”

Four words and she was reduced to a quivering girl, shaking as she placed her palms on his desk. Her voice trembled when she spoke, but she wasn’t backing down from this man. Not ever again. “I’m no longer a child and you are unfit for your position. I’ve requested an audience with the emperor this afternoon. Either I attend and tell him about Jilar and your treachery or you attend and announce to the court that you intend to step down from your position. Which will it be, guildmaster?”

Ily—”

Which will it be?”

Rather than answer immediately, he slowly lowered himself into his chair. Likely using the time to consider her threat. Looking for a way to slither out of it. When he looked up at her, his dark eyes were narrowed in calculation. “When you left the University, I expected you to run directly to the emperor. You kept your promise then. Why the change now?” He jerked his chin toward Kal. “It’s him isn’t it?”

When she’d first left the University, she’d been terrified and alone. She’d only wanted to hide away. She’d been so worried that the guildmaster would change his mind and hunt her down. Saving the emperor had not been on her list of concerns. She’d only wanted to survive the day. She’d lived like that for too long.

This wasn’t Kal’s decision,” she told Lanel. “It was mine. If he had any part in it, it was simply because he made me look at the world differently, to see myself as he does.”

As a whore?” Lanel sneered.

Kal’s fist slammed into the desk. “You will treat her with respect or we will not allow you even this small dignity. Ily is a wonder whose trust you abused. You’ll not make that mistake again.”

Ily touched Kal’s hip and it seemed to settle him. To the guildmaster, she said, “I never believed that you intended to harm the emperor, only that you wished to know exactly what was happening within the palace walls. But my opinion doesn’t change the fact that Haran will view such a violation as a betrayal.”

I don’t wish the emperor any harm,” Lanel insisted. “Why seek to remove me?”

Because of Nira. You let her die rather than help her. You attempted to convince Kal to place her exclusively under your wing. I know what you intended. Diani may be here willingly but in the end, you haven’t changed.”

Lanel waved his hand. “You can’t prove anything about Jilar. His mother died years ago and no one else was aware of the connection. As for you, Kal—Haran knows that you’d like nothing better than to see me cast down. Anything you say against me will be suspect.”

The emperor might not take my word.” Kal smiled tightly. “But I imagine he’ll believe Jilar himself when he throws himself upon the emperor’s mercy.”

The blood drained from Lanel’s face. “He would do no such thing.”

You underestimate your son. Jilar is a good man and I didn’t want him to pay the price for his father’s overreach.” Kal wrapped his arm around her shoulders and she leaned against him, drawing strength from his confidence. “I’ve seen the evidence of his influence on Haran. The emperor may be young but he’s strong-minded and strong-willed, not a man to be easily led. Part of that’s due to Jilar’s tutelage. I wanted to give him a chance to run, so we went to him several days ago and told him of our intentions. He’ll break his ties to you one way or another. You can act like a father and spare your son by releasing him and allowing another to lead the guild. Or you can condemn him. Haran might spare Jilar’s life after he confesses to a lifetime of betrayal but I would wager not.”

You can’t do this. Ily—”

She smiled at the man who had once seemed so large to her, so incredibly powerful that even after she’d run away, she’d never really believed that she could escape him. He no longer owned her. And she wasn’t alone anymore.

We can,” she said. “In truth, we already have. We’re allowing you a choice. If you refuse to make it, we’ll make it for you. What will it be, guildmaster?”

You haven’t left me any choice. It will take time to arrange for a successor.”

She inclined her head. “You have until the court leaves for the summer palace.”

That’s two weeks.”

Even so.” She took Kal’s hand. “We expect to hear news of your announcement by morning.”

Lanel’s stern face was pinched with anger and he didn’t meet her gaze, just stared stiffly at the door in silent dismissal. It felt as though a great weight had fallen from her shoulders and she couldn’t help but smile. For Lanel, to be controlled by another, to know that someone else could force his hand, was the cruelest sort of punishment.

Ily turned and left the University, Kal walking behind her. She wasn’t certain if he was giving her space or guarding her back. Each step she took toward the gates, she felt lighter and when she stepped onto the road leading to Lasura, she turned to Kal and smiled.

That went well, I think.”

His frown eased but his voice was strained when he spoke. “You shouldn’t have had to confront him. He—” He broke off and turned away from her, staring at the gates for several moments. When he turned back, his voice was steadier. “I’m sorry you had to do that, Ily.”

I’m not. I feel better for it...though clearly you don’t. Have you changed your mind?”

He shook his head. “As you’ve said, it was the only way.”

The only way that wouldn’t end in your execution, yes.”

Gently, he pulled her into his arms and rested his chin on her head when she burrowed against him. “You were incredible in there, more regal than the empress. You’ve amazed me at every turn. And that...you faced him down for me. For Nira.”

And for me.” The warmth of his body seeped into her. His strength and his love.

He dropped a kiss to her forehead and tugged her toward the waiting horses. “Let’s get out of here before I change my mind and go back for his head.”