Nic tried to quiet her breathing while she and Falken hid in her arcanir-weave cloak, her back to his chest, his arms around her, her legs tucked between his thighs. Nice and cozy, one might say, except for the entire castle of guards out for their blood. Many sets of steps stormed beyond the guest room’s closed door. Her cloak would shield them from earthsight, but if anyone opened the door, Shade would be their only hope. She kept two throwing knives ready, just in case. Falken’s heart pounded against the back of her shoulder, the rise and fall of his breaths quick, but he was silent, nothing revealing his presence but for the faint scent of mint leaves and the puffs of warmth on the crown of her head. A shiver danced along her spine, even as she tried to suppress it. Another puff of warmth on her head. This one deliberate, amused. “Lieutenant!” a voice boomed, right outside the door. Nic didn’t dare move, but she readied to throw her knives toward the doorway. She’d have to time them right—if both guards entered, they’d need to step inside, and she’d need two throat shots— Behind her, Falken hardened, the bulk of him a solid wall to her back. If any more than those two guards entered, staying in stealth would be hopeless. They’d be heard, they’d be outnumbered, and— “All clear, ma’am!” another voice responded beyond the door. Several sets of footsteps shuffled past. Nox be praised, Nic stifled a sigh of relief as the noise in the hallway faded, the voices quieting farther and farther away. The Divine Guard had to be checking the floor with earthsight—smart, since they had geomancers, but not smart enough. Although fully armored paladins were unlikely to infiltrate and the likelihood of arcanir-weave clothes was low, the Divine Guard was still cutting corners by not confirming visually. Even in the headquarters of the world’s largest order of mages, laziness was always a good bet. All the better. Breathing deeply, Nic let her head fall back against Falken’s collarbone. The solid wall at her back relaxed, although he didn’t break his hold around her. On that they were agreed. The Divine Guard was still conducting their search with earthsight, so she and Falken couldn’t risk removing the arcanir-weave cloak yet. Not only that, but the entire castle was on high alert—it would take hours for tensions to settle. They’d have to wait until it was dark, until nearly all of the castle’s inhabitants would be asleep, and hope that the guards didn’t do a second round of searching—this time thoroughly. Or if they did, hopefully only one or two guards… It would be hours of waiting. Together. In silence. They’d be nice and cozy buddies for a long time. She turned her head, resting her cheek on his chest, brushing the top of her head against his chin. He lightly set his chin on her head and shifted his hold around her. A …