Chapter 7 · The Wedding Convoy Is a Trap

"You took the heart." Kael's voice came from the doorway, low and flat.

I didn't turn around. My hands were still on the desk where I'd been pretending to read his supply manifests. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"The Phoenix Heart. From the vault. Three hours ago." His boots crossed the threshold. The door didn't close. "Varen saw someone your height. Your build."

I turned then. Smiled like I'd been caught stealing wine, not a relic that could level a city. "Your second-in-command doesn't trust me. Shocking."

"Where is it."

Not a question. I kept the smile. "If I had it, what would you do?"

He moved faster than I expected. Two steps and he was in my space, one hand braced on the desk beside me, the other catching my wrist before I could pull the blade I'd hidden in my sleeve. His grip was warm. Controlled. I could feel his pulse against my skin.

"I'd ask why," he said. "And then I'd decide if you're worth the war it'll start."

"You've already decided." I didn't pull away. Couldn't afford to look weak. "Or you'd have called the guards."

His jaw tightened.