RENDER ROLLED OVER in the softest silk he’d ever felt. Awareness came to him. He opened his eyes. Above the bed were swaths of purple fabric.

“Blue blazes.” He sat up and glanced around the room. He’d fallen asleep in the bed of the next king of the Dagerstanteens.

“All is well, Ren. Daris left to meet the queen like he always does in the evenings.”

Render’s eyes flashed to Toren.

“What are you doing?”

“Watching you sleep.” The ...