Dawn Study. Maria V. Snyder

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       2

      VALEK

      Yelena’s mouth opened slightly in surprise, and concern flashed in her green eyes over the news. But Valek had expected something like this. If he focused on the logic, the move made perfect tactical sense. The Commander had warned Valek that leaving Ixia would be an act of treason. And acts of treason, no matter what the reason, were punishable by death. Plus, he now had magic, of all things. He’d inadvertently traded his immunity to magic for the power to wield it. And the Commander had a standing execution order on all magicians found in Ixia.

      Except he and the Commander had been close friends, and he was unaware of Valek’s magic—only a handful of people knew. He’d hoped the Commander would give him the benefit of doubt and not send an assassin after him.

      Yelena put her hand on his arm. “He’s being influenced by Owen’s magic.”

      “We don’t know that for sure.” There had been a few inconsistencies, like when the Commander had tried to protect Valek from Owen by sending him to the coast to deal with the Storm Thieves. He was also supposed to be protected from Owen’s subversion by the null shields that Leif had woven into his uniforms, but the Commander could have lied to Valek about wearing them.

      “He has to be,” she said.

      He pressed his hand over hers and enjoyed not only her touch but the respite from the constant presence of his magic. With his mental shield in place, it wasn’t as bad, but contact with her turned it all off, and he returned to the man he’d been for the last forty-one years of his life.

      “Are you worried about Onora?” she asked.

      Was he? They had sparred a number of times, and each time he had defeated her. But perhaps she planned to ambush him. “No. She’s the best to come along in the last twenty-four years, but unless she catches me off guard, I don’t expect her to cause me any trouble.”

      “And you’re never relaxed,” she teased.

      “I am when I’m with you, love.” He picked up her hand and kissed her palm.

      “Really? And those knives under our pillows, the swords on the floor, the darts in the headboard?”

      “I said relaxed, not stupid. Being prepared is never a bad idea.”

      “No.” Her gaze grew distant as she rubbed her side.

      Probably remembering The Mosquito’s attack. While Valek was proud she was able to get away, he planned to ensure that would be the assassin’s last attempt on her life.

      “Speaking of being prepared,” he said, “you need to leave the Citadel until I’ve taken care of any bounty hunters coming after you. Either go to the Stormdance farmhouse, or travel to the Illiais Jungle to visit your mother. Both are safer than here.”

      She gave him a tight smile. “Nice try, handsome, but I’m not going anywhere. At least not until Leif and Mara return from Broken Bridge with my father, and we’ve looked over the information from Bavol’s.”

      “At least promise me you’ll stay in HQ until they arrive.” He leaned close and kissed her neck, then whispered, “Do it for your handsome husband.”

      Laughing, she said, “I promise to stay in bed for the rest of the morning as long as you stay with me. After that...no promises.”

      “What if I give you a very good reason to stay in bed until I squash The Mosquito?”

      She drew back, and desire burned in her gaze. “What’s the reason?”

      “Me taking care of you until you’re out of breath and a puddle in my hands. A service I’ll be happy to perform anytime during your...bed rest.” He nibbled on her earlobe.

      “Oh, my. Someone certainly has a high opinion of himself,” she teased.

      “Is that a challenge?”

      “Oh, yes! Show me what you can do, and I’ll consider your request.”

      He grinned. “Accepted.”

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