#The Bane were loyal to none but Aelin Galathynius.

[acourtofquestions]

"A decent attempt, but Celaena Sardothien looked a little more amused when she cut men into ribbons."

He knew-who Aelin was, what she'd been. Lysandra said nothing, and kept walking toward her tent. If she told Aedion, how quickly could Nox be buried under the frozen earth?

"Your secret is safe," Nox murmured.

"Celaena—Aelin was a friend. Is still one, I'd hope."

"How." She'd admit no more than that regarding her role in this.

"We fought in the competition together at the glass castle." He snorted. "I had no idea until today. Gods, I was there for Minister Joval as a spy for the rebels. It was my first time out of Perranth. My first time, and I wound up unwittingly training alongside my queen." He laughed, low and amazed. "I'd been working with the rebels for years, even as a thief. They wanted me to be their inside eyes on the castle, the king's plans. I reported the strange goings-on until it became too dangerous. Until Cel— Aelin warned me to run. I listened, and came back here. Joval is dead. Fell in a skirmish with a band of rebels by the border this spring.

Darrow plucked me up to be his own messenger and spy. So here I am." A sidelong glance at her, awe still on his face. "I am at your disposal, even if you're not... you." He angled his head.

"Who are you, anyway?"

"Aelin."

Nox smiled knowingly. "Fair enough."

Lysandra paused before the queen's too-small tent, nestled between Aedion's and Ren's own. "What's the cost of your silence? Or does Darrow already know?"

"Why would I tell him? I serve Terrasen, and the Galathynius family. I always have."

"Some might say Darrow has a strong claim to the throne, given his relationship with Orlon."

"I realized today that the assassin I came to call a friend is actually the queen I believed dead. I think the gods are pointing me in a certain direction, don't you?"

She lingered between the tent flaps.

Delicious warmth beckoned within. "And if I were to tell you we needed your help tonight, and that the risk was being branded a traitor?" Nox only sketched a bow. "Then I'd say I owe my friend Celaena a favor for her warning at the castle, plus saving my life before that." She didn't know why she trusted him. But she'd developed an instinct for men that had always proved correct, even if she had been unable to act on it in the past. Had only been able to brace herself for them.

But Nox Owen—the kindness in his face was true. His words were true. Another ally Aelin had wrangled for them, this time unwittingly.