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don't know where Aviler is, or if he's alive." She stopped and looked away. "If not you, then no one."
Kade anchored her eyes on the floor. She is already speaking of Roland in the past tense.
After a long moment of silence Ravenna said, "I'm rather an all-or-nothing sort of person when it comes to violence. Roland doesn't understand that."
There was a returning quality of strength and calculation in her tone that made Kade look up at her.
The old Queen was watching her carefully again. "Thomas is rather an all-or-nothing sort of person when it comes to loyalty. I don't think anyone at court understands that, excepting myself and the Guardsmen. You could come to understand it."
Kade stared at her, feeling completely transparent under that gaze. A slow flush of heat reddened her cheeks.
Ravenna said, "Are you sure you won't reconsider my offer? The benefits are considerable."
She said, "Listen, you dried-up old bitch--"
Ravenna smiled.
Kade took a deep breath to give herself enough air to get the words out. "If you want my help in pulling your fat out of the fire, then you can damn well keep your offers and your speculations to yourself, because I don't want to hear them and I won't, do you understand?"
"Quite well, thank you, dear." Ravenna nodded pleasantly.
Kade stalked out the door and slammed it behind her.
The anteroom was empty. Why do I stay here? Kade raged at herself. I meant to cut off all these old ties, say what I wanted to say, and forget about all of it. To get some peace at last. But I've done nothing but get into stupid arguments with Roland and make Ravenna think she can put me under her thumb again. How dare she even imply... Imply what?
She paced a tight circle in the anteroom, remembering Ravenna's smile at her angry response. Did I just make a mistake?
The door to the hall opened and Thomas walked in. Kade jumped guiltily.
"Did you put blood on the lint