Spy's Honor Read Online Free PDF

days teaching him everything he needed to know about pretending to be a palace slave. His initial fear that Iolo would be overawed by his rank had turned out to be unjustified. Iolo eagerly challenged Janto on decisions he didn’t agree with. That was good; his advice seemed insightful, and his outspokenness meant Iolo would be useful as a long-term ally and adviser, not just a temporary tutor in the ways of Kjallan slaves. But it was also annoying. “You don’t question my courage,” said Janto, “but you question my judgment.”
    â€œIf you want me to advise you, Your Highness—”
    â€œBy all means be honest with me,” said Janto. “I’ve no use for a sycophant. But don’t dodge the issue; come out with it. You believe my decisions are suspect because of Silverside.”
    Iolo winced. “That’s not what I said.”
    â€œIt’s what you’re thinking,” said Janto. “Everybody thinks it. I made a bad decision, and we lost a dozen mages. It was a mistake, one with a tragic outcome. But I’ve made good decisions too. No one can be right all the time.”
    Iolo nodded, but Janto didn’t feel he looked convinced.
    â€œI need access to the imperials,” said Janto. “And they’re not gods. They’re ordinary people with human failings. Kjallans sequester their noblewomen. That princess has probably never so much as set foot outside the palace walls, and I’ll bet you anything she’s dumber than a clump of seaweed.” As he walked in silence, he decided it was a good thing Iolo wasn’t leaping to take that bet. The princess had been curious, and curiosity often meant intelligence. He’d have to be careful around her. He’d never meant to talk to her so much in the first place, but she was so fascinating. The words had poured almost unbidden from his throat.
    â€œWell, I’ve found something for you,” said Iolo. “I’ve discovered someone who knows Ral-Vaddis.”
    â€œWhat?” Janto looked up, jolted from his thoughts of the princess. “Why didn’t you tell me right away? This is wonderful news!”
    â€œThere’s a woman named Sirali who works in the palace kitchens. She knows him.”
    Janto eyed him sternly. “But can we trust her?”
    â€œDon’t worry, I was discreet. And I know the slaves here. We can trust Sirali.”
    â€œThen I need to speak to her right away.”
    â€œI’ve made arrangements,” said Iolo. “She’ll meet with us tomorrow night.”

4
    R hianne dove into the pool with barely a splash, then rolled over and let the warm water carry her to the mist-covered surface. She felt as if she were floating in a cloud of orange-scented vapor. She closed her eyes to deepen the illusion, blocking out the sight of the white marble roof and walls. As she lay there, her friend Marcella splashed by, oblivious to the pool’s comforts and obsessed, as usual, with exercise.
    After a moment, the splashing stopped, and a smattering of droplets fell onto Rhianne’s face.
    â€œAre you asleep?” asked Marcella.
    Rhianne straightened in the water, treading. “Not anymore.”
    â€œI heard the good news.” She grinned.
    â€œWhat news?”
    Marcella splashed her playfully. “Your betrothal!”
    â€œOh, that.” Rhianne pushed a stray lock of wet hair out of her face, disappointed there wasn’t actually any good news. “Honestly, I’m not thrilled about it. I’ve never met Augustan.”
    â€œCerinthus has nothing but fine things to say about him,” said Marcella. “I understand your nerves—I was worried about my marriage too. But it’s all worked out beautifully, and I’ve never been happier.”
    â€œI’m glad things have worked out so well for you and Cerinthus.” Rhianne took a deep breath and dove beneath the surface, swimming down and