Ba’an woke to a knock on the door.

“Kyria? It is nearly time for breakfast. I’ve come to help you with your washing.” It was Aika.

“One moment.” Ba’an sat up, head throbbing. She felt groggy and at least a little dazed; she had had far too much wine and not enough sleep. Even so, the day was starting, the sun properly up in the sky and casting light and long shadows into her room.

She slipped out of bed and staggered to the washing stand where she poured water into the bowl. She splashed her face with it, but it was not enough; she dunked her face in.

That helped. Bleary and dripping, she glanced at herself in the mirror and froze.

Vivid purple bruises stood out proudly against her dusky skin. Lukios had left marks of his affection all along her throat and chest, and she could see the trail his mouth had taken until it disappeared beneath the collar of her tunic.

Flustered, she cast about for her shawl.

No, no. She couldn’t let Aika see this. It was—it was very scandalous, and the girl’s Dolkoi’ri sensibilities would be offended. She could just imagine the wide-eyed look Aika would give her, and even worse, Ba’an had no doubt news of ‘that loose Sander woman’ would spread through the household like wildfire.

Ba’an quickly dried her face, rummaging through her bags. Where had Lukios put it? Or…no, there! He had moved everything back, leaving her shawl neatly folded on the end table. He’d taken the cups, bowl, and jug as well, so there was no evidence whatsoever of his stay aside from his smell on the rumpled sheets. She threw her shawl over her neck and shoulders. Only then did she yank open the door.

“Aika. Good morning.”

The girl seemed flustered. “Good morning, kyria. May I help you with your washing?”

“That is kind, but I am well. Will you do me a different favour?”

“Oh, yes. Of course.”

“I have some tea I would like. Could you bring some hot water? I will have it before breakfast.”

“Oh. Of course. I can bring a pot. One moment.”

Ba’an took the opportunity to wash herself the best she could and dress. A bath would have been nice, but there was likely no time, so she wiped herself down with the water in the basin and a soft cloth.

Breakfast was likely an informal affair. She expected to see only Lukios, Gaios, and Nikias. She dressed accordingly in a plain cream dress with her shawl pinned securely so it would not gape open and embarrass her. Her hair she brushed and braided, then coiled onto the top of her head. It was more elaborate than usual—for Ba’an, at least—but she knew outlander women of rank did much more, even for breakfast.

She briefly hesitated on the earrings. Would they be too much? But Lukios seemed to like the sight of them, and here even the servants wore jewellery. Even little Aika wore a necklace, though it was plain. In the end she left them in.

“Kyria?”

Ba’an let Aika in. The girl brought in a tray with a pot of hot water and a cup. There was a wooden mesh that was obviously used for catching tea leaves.

“Thank you, Aika. Will you come back later and take me down to breakfast?”

“I am to assist you in all things, kyria. I will serve your tea then wait here, by the door.”

Ba’an blinked. Really? Why? It seemed a terrible waste of time to simply stand by the door and wait.

“It is not needed.”

“It is my duty, kyria.”

Ba’an considered. Would she be in trouble if Ba’an refused? The girl’s face was uncharacteristically serious, and she fidgeted nervously.

“Thank you.”

The girl smiled at her, and Ba’an noted there was no small amount of relief.

Ah, so she would have been in trouble.

Ba’an went to her bags and took out her stash of suk, handing it to Aika. Ba’an did not need help preparing suk, but she thought Aika would feel happier if she did something; in the end, Ba’an instructed the younger girl, quietly pleased when she asked Ba’an why this and why that. She was bright and curious, and curiosity always pleased Ba’an a great deal.

Of course, Ba’an was not so foolish as to tell her why she was taking suk.

She sat and drank her tea. Aika had not needed much urging to sit with her, and now she was chattering away again, telling her about how the cook had screamed the other day when she had gone to prepare the crab—they had moved!

Ba’an listened absently, nodding and sipping her tea.

It was not likely Lukios would get her with child, but it was never a bad idea to be cautious.

----------------------------------------

“What do you mean, no one’s going to pay the ransom? Have they gone mad?” Ba’an could hear Lukios’ voice from the atrium. He was clearly angry. She could hear Gaios’ voice murmuring, the older man in a much calmer state than the younger. Someone else interjected—Nikias. It seemed only Lukios was losing his cool.

Aika hesitated, glancing from the dining room to Ba’an. Ah. She was worried she would get in trouble if she brought Ba’an in now. Well, in that case…

“Thank you, Aika. I am sure you are needed in the kitchen now. Have a good morning.”

The girl shook her head. “I will wait on you, kyria.”

Hm. Really? “If you wish.”

Aika nodded, very enthusiastically, though Ba’an noticed she was clutching her apron.

What an exceedingly odd child.

Once they entered, the girl peeled away to stand next to the door, still as a statue. The seriousness of her expression was nearly comical, though Ba’an did not comment.

At first they did not notice that Ba’an had walked in. This suited her just fine; she wasn’t here for attention, she was here for…well, food, but also Lukios.

The dining room was large and airy, with big, arched windows protected by a stone overhang running along the far wall. Ba’an recalled that there was a balcony there, overlooking the garden. The walls were full of mosaics, showing scenes from what must be Dolkoi’ri history or legends. One wall depicted a tall mountain surrounded by clouds. The wall facing the windows held an entire series of scenes with changing seasons, a feast in each one. She could see that each mosaic represented a different festival.

The table was rectangular, as was the room. There were chairs arranged along its length, and everything was made of very solid-looking wood. It did not escape her notice that Lukios sat on one side while Nikias and Gaios sat on the other.

Very quietly, Ba’an made her way forward to stand behind Lukios.

He was still seated, but his hands were laying flat on the table in a way that suggested he might lose his temper and fly to his feet at any moment. Ba’an touched his back gently, trying to calm him before he said or did something ill-advised.

“Lady Ba’an. Good morning. Our apologies for this regrettable scene.” Gaios gave Lukios a look that said, we will finish this later.

“No need for apologies, sir Gaios, though I thank you.” The tension had begun to slip from Lukios frame. She turned to him. “Is it Eirene?”

“Yeah. Turns out the rumors were half true. No one’s paying up her ransom, so she’s stuck. Also, she’s pregnant.”

Gaios’ stare was displeased. “It is unpleasant business. Surely we will spoil her appetite with all this talk of abduction?”

“There is no need to worry about my appetite, sir Gaios.” Ba’an paused. “I saw the scene myself. It was too late for everyone except Lukios.”

“So we have a witness. That’s good news.” Nikias calmly took a sip of what looked like a sort of black tea, the same tea he had been drinking the night before. There was something about the smell of it that made her shift and look closer. Nikias only tilted the teacup toward himself, very casually, and continued speaking.

“Lady Ba’an, would you be open to giving us a witness account of the aftermath? It would help clear up a few things. There have been some disturbing accusations.”

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

“I do not understand. What accusations?”

Lukios had barely survived the attack. Surely he was not being accused of something?

“I cannot discuss the details, but I will say that we found every body except lady Eirene's and Lukios’. Certain parties have decided to take advantage of this, along with his absence, and they have…made pointed suggestions in certain circles. Such nonsense must be stopped before it becomes troublesome, would you not agree?”

Ah. This was a trap. If she refused, it would confirm whatever suspicions Nikias may have while reflecting on her very poorly. If she agreed, then he would take the opportunity to question her at his leisure.

The little stit-tat.

Lukios had gotten up to pull out a seat for her. Ba’an sat, and Gaios’ eyes narrowed. Nikias seemed not to notice anything at all, though Ba’an was certain he had.

“Of course. I will assist however I can.”

“Oh come on. She didn’t come here to sit in your office, Nik. She came here to get her shopping done and go home. Seriously. It’s fine. They can throw all the mud they want; it won’t stick. There’s stupid, and then there’s stupid. This shit falls under stupid.”

The scowl on Lukios’ face was thunderous, but Nikias only smiled very pleasantly.

“She’s hardly going to sit in my office all day, Lukios. Besides, you’re seeing your lawyer right after breakfast. You can come by and fetch her once you’re done. I imagine we’ll be finished before you are.”

“Nikias speaks sense, boy.” Gaios leaned back and steepled his fingers. “This may seem like nonsense now, but once news of your survival spreads, these accusations can be taken to court. I daresay they will be, and you’ll be tried. Better to be ready than not.”

Lukios snorted, then opened his mouth to speak. Ba’an squeezed his knee gently beneath the table, stroking the skin there with her thumb in the most soothing way she could manage. He glanced at her, mouth closing as he shook his head. The look he gave her was very pointed, but she only gazed back at him serenely before turning back to Nikias.

“It is well. I will give a…’witness statement.’”

“Excellent. If you would be so good as to come to the office once we’ve finished breakfast, I will have it recorded with witnesses present.”

“As you wish.”

Lukios was frowning. “Ba’an,” he said. “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.”

“Yes. I know this. But it is only a…’statement’. I will do it if it will help.”

His frown only deepened. “Ba’an. You might be stuck here longer than you want to be. You hate cities, remember?”

“It is well.”

“Ba’an.”

Gaios cleared his throat. “Our thanks for your cooperation, lady Ba’an. Now, how about breakfast?”

----------------------------------------

As it turned out, Ba’an did not get the opportunity to discuss anything with Lukios. Once breakfast was over, Nikias offered to escort her to his office immediately. Not the one inside the estate—his real one at the government building.

What could she do but agree? It would have been incredibly suspect if she pulled Lukios aside, so they all left the estate together.

Gaios’ home was on the northernmost side of the acropolis, so they all walked together for a time, Lukios and Nikias walking beside her as Gaios went ahead with the guards. Behind them was a trail of servants; people got out of their way in a hurry, and the path remained remarkably clear.

It was simply amazing what a display of wealth and power could do.

Naturally, conversation ensued. Such as it was.

“So, how about I sit-in with you, then?”

“You can’t, Lukios. You’re the person of interest. You can’t be in the same room. In fact, I shouldn’t be scribing anything for you or about you, but Dethos is in no condition to work. That leaves me the only man available.”

“Right, ‘cause you’re not breaking all sorts of rules anyway—”

“We are not. I will have independent witnesses observe the testimony. There are provisions for these situations, and everything will follow the appropriate procedure.”

“Uh huh. And conveniently, the independent witness’ll be guys you know. What about Ba’an? Her guardian should be with her. You can’t just question a woman without her guardian.”

“Is her guardian here, Lukios? Please, run and fetch him. I would be happy to wait.” Nikias paused, then added, “And I am not questioning her. She is merely giving her testimony. Unless there is something else you wish to add?” His tone had become rather sharp and pointed.

“One should always act as befitting one’s station. Don’t you agree, lady Ba’an?” Gaios did not even look behind him, but it was clear he had had enough. Ba’an knew the question was not truly directed at her, either. “Especially while walking public streets.” He added, “That is something I have always appreciated about your people: everyone and everything in its place, well-mannered and orderly.”

Ah. The man had bite, after all. Now he was referring to all three of them at once. Very efficient.

Nikias fell silent, and Ba’an was startled to note that his ears were faintly pink.

She looked at Nikias again, closely this time.

He was young. Younger than Lukios, she was certain. How had she missed it? Perhaps it was the way he spoke and carried himself?

Gaios continued speaking, voice calm and genteel but hard. There was no arguing with a tone like that. “You must pardon their enthusiasm, lady Ba’an. Young men sometimes become rowdy over…well, many things. This is one of them.”

“It is well.” What else could she say?

Lukios snorted, and Ba’an swung her head around to face him. He did not seem to care at all.

“You have to admit this is highly irregular, strategos. Ba’an’s a guest here and she has guest rights. He can’t just haul her off like this without a friend or guardian to sit-in and help her. You have to agree it’s just not right. Anyone would agree it’s not right. It’s not proper procedure.” The last was clearly directed at Nikias.

“She volunteered, boy. As Nikias said, if her guardian’s here, bring him. But as far as I know, Sander women don’t have guardians. Unless I’m mistaken? Lady Ba’an?”

“We do not,” she confirmed, deeply wary at the direction of the conversation.

“See? And don’t think you’re fooling anyone for a second, Lukios.” Gaios finally looked over his shoulder. “Don’t lose your head, boy. This is sensible. Her testimony will be useful down the road.”

“I’m not. I think I’m the only who still has it.”

Gaios’ expression darkened at the pert reply, but Lukios only ploughed on. “If I do get dragged to court, the testimony of one Sander woman won’t convince anyone, and we all know it.”

Ah. So it was like that. This was a trap for Ba’an, and Ba’an only. She had suspected this, but it was good to be certain of it.

“Lukios.” Nikias tone had sharpened to a knife’s edge.

“Yes, Niki?” Lukios’ voice was too sweet to be believed. “Is there something you wish to add?”

“But it won’t hurt.” Gaios cut in before Nikias could answer, sounding completely exasperated. “A small inconvenience now will save you a large one later.”

“It is well.” Now it was Ba’an’s turn to jump in before Lukios could start arguing with their host, too. That would be exceptionally rude, and pointless besides. She put her hand on Lukios’ arm, trying to reassure him.

Well, if her testimony proved helpful, then it was well and good. But that was not the point. The point was to allay whatever suspicions Nikias had about Ba’an; if she succeeded, it would have been worth stepping into the fox trap.

Lukios shut his mouth and put his hand over hers, squeezing back very briefly. Nikias was watching them with his usual genial expression, but his eyes were bright and sharp.

“Fine,” Lukios muttered, “but she better be happy and in one piece when I get back. If I spot any distress, any at all, I’ll—”

Now Nikias sounded utterly exasperated. “Why do you make it sound like I’m going to dangle her by her thumbs? It’s a simple witness testimony. I don’t know why you’re—”

“Oh please,” Lukios muttered, “no one likes your little interviews. The women always cry and the men need a stiff drink. Usually two. Bet you everyone waited for Dethos.”

“They do not.” Nikias sounded genuinely put out. “I have excellent interview skills. You’re just annoyed because even lady Ba’an thinks this is sensible and you just can’t admit it.”

“Uh huh. What about that guy last summer who—”

Gaios interjected, very loudly. “We are here.”

They were. The civil offices were made of white stone, and they always gleamed from atop the hill in the sun. Up close, it was nearly blinding, though there were colourful banners and tapestries dangling from the eaves to ameliorate the effect. The pillars had been painted a bright, vivid blue.

Lukios had some distance to walk still; the way Ba’an understood it, the freelance lawyers worked out of the agora, and Lukios would meet his there.

They said their goodbyes at the door, with Lukios leaning in to kiss her cheek the same way he had with his friends.

He took the opportunity to whisper into her ear. “Stick to the plan, sweetheart,” he murmured, then he pulled back and smiled at her so sweetly he dimpled.

And then he was off, two of Gaios’ guards trailing behind him. Ba’an turned reluctantly from Lukios’ rapidly receding figure, knowing they had already been far too obvious for propriety.

Gaios’ words of parting were very polite and brief, and he made his own way into a side street, moving further into the maze of gleaming buildings.

And now it was only Ba’an and Nikias.

“Lady Ba’an?” She fell into step beside him, senses prickling as his guards closed in behind her. She recognized them both; they had been in the garden with Nikias.

They made their way together, and Ba’an did her best to refrain from staring at the architecture. It was shocking how well the Dolkoi’ri shaped stone with only their tools. She could not fathom how they had done it, and she would have liked to take a closer look, but…

Ba’an would never do such a thing in front of Nikias. It would be far too humiliating.

“Stonemasons,” Nikias supplied, very helpfully, and Ba’an just barely managed from blinking in surprise. Had she been that obvious?

“I see,” she replied, and he only smiled.

“In case you were wondering.” He pointed to the carvings that crawled just below the ceiling. It was one of those blocky, repeating patterns the Dolkoi’ri so enjoyed, and there was no mistaking the culture from whence it came.

“Those were done by a man named Susanes. The carvings were completed before the stone was put up. It is a common procedure as it makes the process much faster, and because the blocks are the same dimensions, there is no issue provided the patterns are replicated precisely.”

This made a great deal of sense, though…there were so many blocks of stone, and this Susanes had done all the carving by hand. Her mind boggled. How had his hand not simply…fallen off? Snapped at the wrist?

Incredible.

To her surprise, Nikias proved adroit at small talk; when Ba’an asked what meanings the banners hanging outside held, he launched into an explanation of the city’s history. It was exactly what Ba’an had expected: Kyros had been a fort, a permanent one, and the city had sprung up around it. Many of the military buildings had been taken down and replaced with ones of stone, but it was still a work in progress.

“The banners indicate the colours of the city and the donors. In fact, one of the walls holds the names of all the donors for all to see. It is a common practice here.”

“Many of them are blue and silver.”

“Yes. Those are the colours of House Astros.”

“I…see.”

He seemed very proud of it, and she made appropriate noises of approval, trying to keep up with the deluge of information that streamed from him.

Nikias was a very strange man—strange and dangerous. Lukios had warned her, but still, she had not been quite prepared.

“Here.”

They had come to a large wooden door. There was a plaque beside it with Dolkoi’ri letters, though Ba’an could not read it. Surely it was Nikias' name, or the name of his office?

She did not ask.

One of the servants that had been trailing behind them hastened to the door and pulled it open, so smoothly that Ba’an did not even have to stop walking. Even so, she did, suddenly acutely aware that she did not know if she ought to go ahead of Nikias or behind him. He was the host, but she was the guest. In what order did the host and guest enter a room?

Nikias solved the problem for her, stepping to the side and inclining his head in invitation.

Ba’an peeked into the office through the open doorway. It was very brightly lit and neat, which was exactly what she had expected of any space owned by a man like Nikias.

Well. There was no helping it now.

Ba'an stepped into the fox trap.