With the door shut, I become keenly aware of our differences. Kaeda may have the body of a spy, agile and swift, but Daithi is that of a warrior. He’s a dark shadow looming in a room that grows smaller with every breath. The amber glow of his eyes are their own lit hearths that pass unbearable heat into my skin.

Daithi shows his lack of concern by taking a seat. The door is not locked. He knows I won’t attempt an escape, or he knows that he will stop it long before I succeed.

He sits in the only chair. I find the view odd, an emperor perched in the chair of a commoner. He must be accustomed to far more comfortable furniture, yet he manages to continue to appear confident and poised. That kind of irks me.

“Sit,” he orders.

I hesitate to obey, keeping Daithi’s gaze as I expect real Kaeda would. She dies so early that I know nothing more about her than her occupation (a spy), greed, and selfish nature. She doesn’t care about kings and queens and magical swords, only how much money she’s given to betray them.

When Daithi’s jaw clenches, I reluctantly take a spot on the bed. My eyes never leave him; I fear what will happen if they do. There’s deafening silence. I’m not certain I’m breathing.

Then his deep voice shatters that silence, “Spies are a necessary annoyance. They bring information, but also risk knowing more than they should. An unloyal spy is every ruler’s nightmare, a risk we all must take. I don’t trust you. I continue not to believe that you know anything. Tell me, this information you have concerning Arlador, how do you know it?”

He’s testing me, hoping to find a string to pull until I’m unraveled and useless. Daithi wants to have the upperhand. No, at a time like this, he needs the upperhand. I’ve never been the kind to care about who’s top dog, but to spare my life, I must beat the chess master at his own game.

“If I told you, what would happen to me?” I ask. “Would you break our deal—”

“It’s not in writing so is it even a deal?”

“We shook on it!” I pout until I remember who I’m talking to, an emperor. Clearing my throat, I puff out my chest then cross my arms. “So, if I told you, would you toss me aside in search of the answers yourself?”

He doesn’t need to answer. His silence is answer enough.

“Exactly,” I hiss in what I hope to be an intimidating fashion. “This way I swear I will do everything in my power to put you on the true throne.”

“Why?” His question stumps me. My fingers twist into my shirt when his narrow eyes glisten over with visible anger. “You betrayed me only a few nights ago, and I spoke with your friend.”

I forgot about them, the spy they captured. I can’t imagine what sort of information they got.

“You’ve been feeding Lunna information, but now you swear to serve me in exchange for your life. How am I to know you won’t attempt to run to my enemies to seek safe haven? How do I know you won’t trick me with your lies?”

“Why would I risk that when my attempt has already fallen through?” I answer. “I tried to steal from you and offer the map to another to earn the money needed for my safe and happy life. I quite like my head being attached to my shoulders so, since my initial plan didn’t work, now I must go for this one. It’s as simple as that.”

At least, I hope it is. I hope Daithi buys into it, if only for the time needed to prove my worth. Regardless of his trust, should he view me as a viable asset to the future he desires then my life will be spared. That is his character.

“Besides, I doubt I will ever be out of sight. You’ve made sure of that already.” I gesture to the door where Henley waits outside to strike at any given moment. I’m not sure if real Kaeda would stand a chance against her. She had no battles in the book, only sneaking, but I know I won’t do good in a fight. I’ve never even thrown a punch!

Although I have cards to play, I truly have no idea how to play the game. Daithi is the expert, a man raised from birth to command armies. The wheels are turning. I see the steam behind his eyes, every gear grinds in unison, working the machine towards a desired outcome.

Suddenly, Daithi pulls a scroll from the pocket of his jacket. He rests it on the table. Flicking his wrist, he orders me to come over. I proudly walk over, but watch for any sign of his own movement.

“The contract, as agreed,” he says.

When my eyes scan over the scroll, I can somehow read the odd letters. This isn’t English, but I understand what it is; exactly what we spoke of a few nights ago. Unfortunately, my relief is short lived.

Daithi takes a firm hold of my wrist. He’s on his feet, looming over me once more. It’s not only his eyes that are hot, his hand against my skin is searing too.

“Know that if you betray me, I will not grant you death. You will only wish for it,” he warns. And what a warning that is.

He slices my thumb open with a dagger he retrieved from his belt. I don’t have time to question what he’s doing.

“Stamp it,” he orders. My thumb throbs when I press a bloody print into the page. Daithi does the same.

I ignore the pain, dropping my hand listlessly to my side. Original Kaeda wouldn’t care about a little scratch like this.

There’s unnerving silence once more. Daithi’s gaze bores into me like hot irons, then there’s a ruffling sound. He’s returning the now signed scroll to his jacket. With a few quick strides, he’s at the door but doesn’t leave.

“There’s something different about you,” he whispers. I swallow the lump in my throat when he steals a glance over his shoulder. I fear his fire may sear the lies away with a single look. “I can’t quite put my finger on it.”

I hope he never does.

“We leave tomorrow.” The door slams shut behind him.

I’ve somehow survived another day.