Ryne turned to me. “Is that true?”

Flea helped me to stand. “I did promise to return.”

The prince gave me a significant look. One that said he could work something out. I shook my head slightly.

“Why this elaborate ruse, Avry?” Estrid asked, gesturing to my sergeant’s uniform.

I explained what I’d been doing and my reasons. Jael tried to interrupt, but Estrid shut her down with a clipped “Let her speak.”

“And I planned to start working in the infirmary when Tohon attacks,” I finished.

“It doesn’t matter what you—”

“Jael, I’ll handle this,” Estrid said. “Attend to the army.”

Wow. Estrid treated Jael like a troublesome daughter-in-law. Didn’t she fear her power? The air seemed to vibrate with Jael’s fury, but she reined in her emotions, nodded to the High Priestess and strode from the room.

“She’s dangerous,” Ryne said into the silence.

Estrid agreed. “We need her.”

“And she needs you to defeat Tohon. Once he’s no longer a threat, she’ll—”

“Come after me. I’m well aware of her plans, Ryne. The creator will protect me from harm.”

“And if the creator doesn’t?”

“Then it is my time to go.”

I studied Estrid. Did she really believe that? Was her fervent demeanor and the passionate glint in her eyes all an act or true devotion? I couldn’t say for sure.

“What about Avry?” Ryne asked.

“She stays here.”

I clamped down on my protest when I saw Ryne nodding in agreement.

He caught my look. “You’ll be safer here.”

“Safe from Jael?” I asked. That was hard to imagine.

“Safer,” he corrected. “And safer from Tohon’s soldiers, as well.”

“I feel so much better.”

Despite my sarcasm, he smiled. “Good.” He turned to Estrid. “Can I assign a guard to protect her?”

“She’s secure inside this house. It’s well guarded,” Estrid said.

“I can defend myself,” I said, annoyed.

Ryne waited.

“All right. Avry, you’re welcome to stay in the same guest room as before, or there’s a smaller room next to the infirmary that’s not in use.”

“I’d rather stay closer to my patients.”

She nodded, as if expecting that answer. “Good.” She left.

I rounded on Ryne. “Why did you insist on a guard? You know he can’t protect me from Jael, and if Tohon’s soldiers get this close, we’re done.”

“It’s for my peace of mind.”

“About what?” I asked.

“That you won’t take off, for one.”

“That makes no sense. Where would I go?”

“What if there’s news of Belen? Someone spotted him in enemy territory. Would you stay here or go search for him?” He saw the answer in my expression. “We can’t risk you encountering Tohon’s soldiers again, Avry. You’re too valuable.”

I’d heard that before. “And your other reason?”

“Tohon’s spies. They’re here, and we’ve no idea who they are. When Tohon learns the truth, you’ll be too tempting for him to resist. The way this camp is set up, a couple men wearing Estrid’s uniform can easily get to you.”

“They can try.”

“And they’ll know all about your defenses. Why take the chance?”

“All right, I’ll stay put for now, but Flea—”

“Stays with you. I agree,” Ryne said.

“Hey!” Flea said. “I’m not—”

“Going to let anyone sneak up on Avry,” Ryne finished. “I need you to protect her.”

Flea stared at Ryne as if seeking his true intentions. I also wondered if Ryne really believed Flea could guard me or was he protecting the boy from battle. Despite his reasons, I was glad for Flea’s company.

“But I faint at the sight of blood,” Flea said.

Then again... “Nice try, but I know better. You helped with Belen. His blood was everywhere, and you didn’t even flinch.”

The boy pouted. “Why can’t Loren or Quain baby...er...guard her? And I’ll stay with you.”

“Because you know when she’s in trouble,” Ryne said. “If you didn’t wake me...” He didn’t need to finish.

But his comment reminded me about Flea’s touch. Striding to the doorway, I glanced out, looking for eavesdroppers. Satisfied we had enough privacy, I returned and pulled Ryne and Flea close to me so they’d hear me.

I explained about the energy from Flea and how I’d thought Kerrick had returned. “The Death Lily said Flea had potential, so he might be developing magical powers.”

Ryne frowned. “But you said you fed Flea to a Peace Lily.”

“Not that Lily. The one that tried to eat him before.”

“The one you saved me from?” Flea asked.

“Yes.”

“But magicians are born with their powers,” Ryne said.

“Except healers. He could become a healer.” I paused as another thought bubbled to the surface. “If you think about it, Flea’s resurrection can be considered a birth, so he could become a mage.”

“Well then, there’s another reason to keep you two together,” Ryne said. “You can figure out what’s going on.”