Year Four (Kingmakers, #4)

by Sophie Lark

I meet Kade behind the Keep at 9:30. I expect him to come alone, but instead he’s accompanied by Dean Yenin. Without preamble, Kade says, “I told him everything.” “What?” I hiss. “You had no right to do that.” “Yes I did,” Kade says, his expression stubborn. “This has affected my family almost as much as yours. Dean’s my friend. I trust him.” Dean regards me coolly, one blond eyebrow raised. “I should have known you were a Petrov when you knocked my fuckin’ head sideways,” he says. I take a deep breath, trying to remain calm while panic spirals inside me. This thing is already out of control and it’s barely even started. “Look,” I say to Dean. “I appreciate how you’ve helped Kade, and the information you gave us about Danyl Kuznetsov. But this isn’t your concern.” “Yes it is,” Dean says. “I owe service to Danyl. I’ve allied myself with your family instead. I’m already involved. I’ve given you my loyalty—I need yours in return.” My nails dig into my palms. “You understand the risks in this—” “Yes,” Dean says. “I understand.” I sigh. “Alright. Leo and Hedeon are coming—meet them inside, at the door by the tapestry.” I give Kade the Chancellor’s keyring. “In fact, wait for me inside the staircase so nobody sees you.” I swallow hard. “I’ve got to go get Nix.”