2_-_court_of_mist_and_fury_a_-_sarah_j._maas

me as much as the news he was delivering. “One, you’re … close to Tamlin. He has men
—but he also has long-existing ties to Hybern—”
“He’d never help the king—”
Rhys held up a hand. “I want to know if Tamlin is willing to fight with us. If he can use
those connections to our advantage. As he and I have strained relations, you have the
pleasure of being the go-between.”
“He doesn’t inform me of those things.”
“Perhaps it’s time he did. Perhaps it’s time you insisted.” He examined the map, and I
followed where his gaze landed. On the wall within Prythian—on the small, vulnerable
mortal territory. My mouth went dry.
“What is your other reason?”
Rhys looked me up and down, assessing, weighing. “You have a skill set that I need.
Rumor has it you caught a Suriel.”
“It wasn’t that hard.”
“I’ve tried and failed. Twice. But that’s a discussion for another day. I saw you trap the
Middengard Wyrm like a rabbit.” His eyes twinkled. “I need you to help me. To use those
skills of yours to track down what I need.”
“What do you need? Whatever was tied to my reading and shielding, I’m guessing?”
“You’ll learn of that later.”
I didn’t know why I’d even bothered to ask. “There have to be at least a dozen other
hunters more experienced and skilled—”
“Maybe there are. But you’re the only one I trust.”
I blinked. “I could betray you whenever I feel like it.”
“You could. But you won’t.” I gritted my teeth, and was about to say something vicious
when he added, “And then there’s the matter of your powers.”
“I don’t have any powers.” It came out so fast that there was no chance of it sounding
like anything but denial.
Rhys crossed his legs. “Don’t you? The strength, the speed … If I didn’t know better,
I’d say you and Tamlin were doing a very good job of pretending you’re normal. That the
powers you’re displaying aren’t usually the first indications among our kind that a High
Lord’s son might become his Heir.”
“I’m not a High Lord.”
“No, but you were given life by all seven of us. Your very essence is tied to us, born of
us. What if we gave you more than we expected?” Again, that gaze raked over me. “What
if you could stand against us—hold your own, a High Lady?”
“There are no High Ladies.”