Page 33 of Hollow Court

My cousin emerged from behind the screen that hid the bath, her hair wet and her expression mock-offended. “Glad to know you’re willing to sacrifice me for the cause, Dav.”

I shrugged. “I’m sure you’d take several down with you, Gwynnie.”

Galina glanced between us, but I waited until Gallagher had joined us to explain to everyone at once.

“The rebels knew Galina was coming,” I said evenly. “And they’re, apparently, not thrilled about it.”

Several beats of silence passed before Gwyn broke it.

“The Socairans told them?”

I shot her a dark look, but it was Gallagher who responded.

“Most of the rebels hate Socairans,” he said with an apologetic glance at Galina. “And why would they endanger one of their own?”

“Because they’re mad about her marrying Dav?” his sister suggested weakly.

“They shouldn’t have known that yet,” I reminded her.

Gwyn cast around for another reason, looking at the ceiling like it held the answers she was so desperate for. And I didn’t blame her.

I wanted there to be another reason, too. I wanted anything other than the sick realization curdling in my gut right now.

Galina’s eyes met mine, and I knew she, too, had put the pieces together.

“Maybe they just want to sow dissension,” Gwyn finally said, sounding about as convinced as I felt.

“Gwyn,” I said quietly.

“Davin.” She said my name like a denial, a warning.

“We have to consider the possibility that it was one of our own,” I told her as gently as I could.

It was the only real possibility, but she wasn’t ready to hear that yet.

Gwyn shook her head. “That’s a dangerous road to go down.”

“It will be dangerous for Galina—hell, for us all—if wedon’tgo down that road and we’re wrong,” Gallagher countered gently.

Galina’s low tone cut into the ensuing silence.

“Couldn’t you set up something to…” She cast about for a moment, a rare reminder that the common tongue was not her first language. “Lure them?”

I considered that for a moment, looking between Gwyn and Galina while an idea formed in the back of my mind.

They looked nothing alike. Gwyn’s eyes were hazel to Galina’s blue, her braid wavy and crimson where Galina’s was sleek and honey colored. They were both tall and slim, though. Gwyn’s shoulders were more muscular, but in a cloak, that would be difficult to see.

I thought back to when I had admonished Galina not to open the door, because she couldn’t defend herself.

But Gwyn could.

I exchanged a look with my cousin, and her gaze slid over to Galina before she dipped her chin in assent. Taking a deep breath, I faced the other two occupants of the room.

“I have what is either a very good or a very stupid plan,” I announced.

Galina narrowed her eyes, but Gallagher only sighed.

“Oh good,” he deadpanned. “I was just thinking how we had a shortage of those.”