Chapter 18

When Kohl finally reaches the top of the table, he exclaims, "We've made good progress," clutching the back of his seat. We still don't have a solid suspect in mind for this whole thing. Then and only then can we launch a planned, comprehensive attack."

I blinked, gazing at Kohl as he examines each of his councils. It dawns on me then just how good of a liar he is. None of these people, who presumably put their trust in him, are aware that he actually has a suspect on the case, and that person happens to be his father. He is lying to their faces, and when his eyes flit to mine, I can see that they are devoid of regret. Once more, he doesn't feel bad about lying, which makes me reevaluate every opinion I have of him.

He strikes the back of his chair a few moments later. "All right. Dismissed. Please keep a look out for any unusual activity and let me know when you come across it. Remain alert. Remain vigilant."

At that point, the council members get up and start to file out of the building. General Korvut and Sir David wait to talk to Kohl; the former two laugh together, while the latter two appear to be talking about a more serious matter. Before giving him a little pep talk, Kohl gives him a quick pat on the back and walks away.

Before long, the only people still in the room are Kohl, Alex, and me. I remain standing where I was standing when I first walked in. Kohl shoots me a sidelong glance, and as he walks away, a question bursts into my head so quickly I have to ask it.

I stutter, "Wait," and Kohl stops. For an extended period, we merely gaze at one another, and I feel as though I'm being challenged when I say, "I want you to teach me how to fight."

Kohl remains silent for a little period of time. He merely arches his brow. "You fighting? Is there any purpose at all?"

A vein in my temple twitches. I try not to let my damaged ego get in the way as I say, "I think it's vital. Since I am now your personal maid, I might be the subject of someone's ill will. It wouldn't hurt to be somewhat proficient in self-defense." 

I cast a sidelong glance at Alex in the hopes that he won't pick up on my words' double meaning. To my surprise, Kohl appears to be thinking about this. The stillness drags on, tensing every muscle in my body. I truly want to be trained by him, even if I really don't like to confess it. I mean, I witnessed how he defeated those beasts.

Kohl finally gives a headshake. "I just don't have the time to coach you to that level, even if I wanted to. I have responsibilities as a prince."

"I can instruct her," Alex says. He turns to face me as I turn to face the table. Our eyes meet. "I can fill her in on everything and teach her the fundamentals. Naomi is correct; if she wants to be in your group, it's critical that she be able to defend herself."

Kohl fixes his focus on him. "And you'll carry that out, multiple times a week? You'll give her the ten or so years of battle experience that she hasn't had till now."

"Yes," responds Alex. They look at one other for a few moments, and an odd tension rises in the room. Kohl finally gives a dismissive wave.

"All right. You give her a rudimentary education. All I'll do is teach her a lesson on the more advanced material once a week. By the time we're through, I anticipate a good combatant." He gives me a glance. "Is that a deal?"

I give a passionate nod. Considering that my parents never bothered to teach me how to fight when my siblings were, I'll take anything I can get.

Kohl then turns to face Alex again. "You're dismissed."

Alex gives a quick bow and turns to go. I grasp Kohl's wrist and pull him back just as he's ready to exit the room. He looks at me, a little taken aback.

I say, "Thank you."

He remains silent for a brief period. He just looks at the spot on his wrist where my hand is attached.

His gaze then rises to mine. "For what?"

I quickly respond, "For everything," a little startled by his focused stare. For rescuing me from banishment. for assigning me to be your spies. For... For...For providing me with a goal.

Kohl says nothing at all. He just looks at me for a little while. Stares, staring, staring. At last, he lets go of his arm and looks aside.

"Agnarys, don't thank me for anything. I have no kindness in my heart, and that is not the source of my acts. I only took actions that I believed would be helpful to me." 

Still, as he leaves the room with me in it, I cannot help but think that statement isn't totally true. How difficult would it be for him to lie to my face if he could do it with such ease with people he trusts?

I whisper, "I won't let you down." I really do mean it.