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"I can get into the toh the air shaft," I say, my voice tentative because I am unsure if he’ll approve of the plan "If I have rope, a cli harness, and an ally outside, then the people trapped inside can be lifted out A diversion, like a fire, will keep the priests’ attention elsewhere Mother and the girls can’t wear e of clothes Also, it would have to be done at night"

His gaze fixes on a point beyond h the possibilities This must be the face he wears in battle: unflappable and deadly serious "It’s risky, but it could work You’ll need a Patron ally, someone who can move in and out of the City of the Dead without suspicion Polodos can help you"

"I saw him at Lord Ottonor’s tomb I tried to tell hih courage to aid rasps my hands "Even if he does not, he will obey you because you have the e of a soldier, Jessamy You should have been my son"

My lips curl as I yank my hands out of his "I don’t want to be your son! I want to be your daughter who matters to you as much as a son would"

Another man would protest that I do ust He catches my chin in a hand and tips back my head In his eyes I see myself: not as a reflection but in their brown color, their shape, the thick lashes, the intensity In the face of his scrutiny I begin to cry silent tears because I want him to care, and I have never truly been sure that he does

His hters do not matter to me Never believe it I am proud of all four of you even if I have not kno to show it" He releases my chin A smile peeps out as he shakes his head "Down the air shaft I suppose that is an idea you picked up froood, are you not?"

I have to biteAll I can do is nod

"Of course you would be"

I put a hand on his knee like a supplicant "Father, come with itated turn around the rooate My movements are under constant scrutiny My usual military stewards and orderlies have already been sent east to prepare forpeople loyal to Lord Gargaron After tonight’s feast they ames and then send me east to the war"

"That’s e can do it! The day of the victory games!"

"They would find uard on either side Besides that, er your mother even more A man ould commit blasphemy to separate her from me will murder her if he knows she is free"

He halts at theto gaze down over the courtyard in its blaze of lamps The tense set of his shoulders eases as he wills hio to war, just as I always do I will fight to keep Efea free fro needsat attention as I have been taught "Freeing your mother and sisters is your task, Jessamy You ain, do you understand?"

I wipe away tears because he has allowed limpse into his five souls, his deepest heart: it isn’t just Gargaron’s ruthlessness he fears, it is his own love for her If she dies, he will blame himself He already blames himself "Yes, I understand"

He taps his chest twice, and I respond with the saiven s in the courtyard Servants rush to the feast like the sweep of wind Worief or care

"You can find Polodos at the Least-Hill Inn by the West Harbor," he adds He cocks his head as we both hear a noise at the closed doors

"Open up at once General Esladas aron’s voice anywhere

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I pull my mask down over my face The tray is in my hands before the door opens Father remains at the

With bowed head I step out of the way as Lord Gargaron strides in He cannot be bothered to glance at a masked servant All his attention is reserved for the man he has elevated His disapproval clouds the rooht you would be downstairs already The procession is gathering"