“I’ve come to swear fealty to you,” I had said.
Vohanna’s eyes, so inky black within Diken Graye’s face, did not blink. But I saw a flush of copper creep up from under the dusky-gold tinge that painted Graye’s skin.
“You think me a fool?” she spat. “I should have you buried alive to rot among my trees. I should see you fat and bloated with krutt larvae as they feed on your insides. I should—”
“But you won’t,” I interrupted sharply. “Because it makes perfect sense that I’d offer my allegiance to you. My woman betrayed me. My friends died or ran. Or they are yours.” I nodded toward the body she possessed.
“My own brother serves you,” I continued. “And besides. I don’t like to lose. Those who go against you...lose. But.” I lifted my left hand, raised the index finger. “I’ll not wear a mil
