Lindsay Buroker - Dark Currents

The second paper held a letter.

Lokdon:

We found makarovi bodies downstream, as you described. I do not trust you or your intentions, but it does seem your people assisted in this matter. I’ve arranged the pardon for your man. The emperor’s seal is on your bounty, so no enforcer can lift that one.

Captain Branchok and I were called into a meeting with Emperor Sespian and his advisors. When questioned, Branchok said his men handled everything. It would have been wise of me to agree, but it’s not in my nature to suffer lies in silence. I explained your presence and the possibility your men destroyed the device in the lake and killed the foreigner responsible. Captain Branchok called me a liar. The emperor would not believe Sicarius caused anything but trouble, but he did seem to think you might have honorable intentions.

I’m not certain what repercussions my statements will have on my career. I made an enemy of Captain Branchok. You’ll forgive me if I hope I never see you again.

~Yara

Amaranthe showed the note to Sicarius, hoping he would not be disappointed in Sespian’s response. When he lifted his eyes, she said, “You can’t expect him to change his opinion of you overnight, but it’s a start, right? He’s aware you were there and that the plot was thwarted.” Though it did not seem anyone knew Forge had ultimately been involved. Nor did Amaranthe know the person in that organization responsible-research for another day.

“A start, yes.” Sicarius returned the note. “The others are right: you’d have an easier time clearing your name if I wasn’t around.”

Erp, when had he heard them say that? She did not like the sound of his comment either: less like one of his statements of fact and more like an offer to disappear. Emperor’s warts, he did not need to develop a selfless streak now.

“I’d be dead a dozen times over if you weren’t around,” Amaranthe said, “so don’t even think of leaving. One day, we’re going to walk into Sespian’s office to have tea with him. Together.”

Sicarius studied her for a while, then inclined his head once.

“In the meantime,” she said, “I don’t suppose you’d like to go to The Pirates’ Plunder and loom threateningly by my shoulder to ward off…whatever entertainment Maldynado has planned for me?”

“I thought I’d stand back and see what you do with the eye patch he bought you.”

Amaranthe blinked. “I…I’m never sure if I’m reading you right.”

His eyes glinted. “Good.”