The Element of Fire, page 100 by Martha Wells
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sinking heart. And she had thought her decision to return to the palace to confront her past was sensible and wise.
"Perhaps I didn't know what I meant." He almost smiled. "Perhaps I've become too used to dealing with old men who would rather talk than act. But if this is the way you must do it, then I wish you luck."
"But you don't want me to involve you," she said, and thought, How calmly that came out. The wooden window frame was rough against her hand and she realized she was gripping it very tightly.
He held her gaze gravely. "That might be for the best."
It was not what she had wanted to hear. She had wanted him to look exasperated and say, That wasn't what I meant at all, you little fool; now stop feeling sorry for yourself and come down out of that window.
"Something is going to happen here, Kade," he was saying. "I don't know what it is yet, but I have to be free to deal with it."
And not be banished again because of me. She said, "I know. It's someone called Grandier."
He frowned. "What do you know about him?"
"He tried to kill you." Kade shrugged.
"He failed."
She shook her head, trying to put the anger away. "The lesser fay won't even speak his name. They're more afraid of him than they are of me. The ones from the higher courts say they've never heard of him, but it's pretense. They wouldn't tell me the truth anyway."
"He's in the city, perhaps closer than anyone realizes. Dr. Braun was killed last night. I'm certain Grandier had something to do with it, and that means he must have someone inside the wall already." Galen let out his breath, his face weary. "I could use your help, but I dare not take it. Do you understand?"
"Yes, well, I suppose I do." She managed not to say it with too poor grace.
He watched her carefully. "And you must give me your word that you won't harm anyone here, no matter what provocation."
Kade couldn't look at him anymore. Her voice was more bitter t