Tempting Danger by Eileen Wilks

too.”
    “Clan Leidolf has been contacted,” Benedict said. “The Council issued a formal complaint and demand. Their Rho disavowed the attackers.”
    “The Council?” Rule frowned. “If the complaint didn’t come from Isen, they’ll know he’s badly injured.”
    “That’s how he wanted it.”
    Rule chewed that over. Apparently Isen wanted to present the appearance of weakness—make it seem he didn’t trust his heir, let their enemies know he was badly hurt. But what did that gain them when the pretense was at least half true? He looked at Benedict, worried, and got back the smallest of shrugs.
    So Benedict didn’t know what their father was up to, either. “I don’t suppose Leidolf offered reparation.”
    “No, though they must realize they’ll have to, eventually. For now the Council is willing to let them drag things out. Both sides are growling. No one is challenging.”
    Rule nodded. Leidolf and Nokolai were enemies from way back but had managed to avoid Clan Challenge for the better part of the last sixty years.
    War was too wasteful; Isen preferred more devious means to his ends. Leidolf, being more numerous, might think the all-or-nothing justice of war favored them, but Nokolai had too many friends. They wouldn’t fight alone. Even Leidolf could see what a disaster a widespread conflict would be.
    “The point is,” Benedict said, “the attack was timed too well. Very few knew about the meeting between Nokolai and Kyffin. On our side, just the three of us and the Council. I told no one other than the guard I sent with Isen, and he’s dead.”
    “Leidolf is notoriously sloppy about their word,” Rule said, “so it’s conceivable they’d kill their tool to keep him from talking—”
    “Rule,” Mick said, shocked. “You’re talking about Frederick.”
    Rule shook his head. “I know. Instinct rebels at the idea, but I’d still like Benedict’s opinion. He was there.”
    “Frederick died defending his Rho,” Benedict said flatly. “There is no room for doubt. Did you mention the meeting to anyone, Mick?”
    “Of course not.”
    “Rule?”
    One person outside the clan had learned about the meeting, though not from Rule. Cullen. Rule phrased his answer carefully. “I spoke to no one about it before it took place.”
    “I’ve spoken with the Councilors,” Benedict said. “None of them admits to having told anyone.”
    Mick snorted. “Which proves nothing, since you won’t let Rule into Clanhome to put the question to them.”
    Rule lifted his brows. “You’d have me put the question to Council members? Without the Rho’s orders?”
    Mick grimaced. “All right, all right. I wasn’t thinking. But we’re getting sidetracked. Even if the Councilors kept their mouths shut, there were two clans at that meeting. What about Kyffin?”
    “Jasper’s a hothead,” Rule said, “but an honest one.”
    “I’m not accusing their Rho of anything except talking to the wrong person.”
    Benedict shook his head. “Jasper kept the meeting even more secret than we did. He says only he and his Lu Nuncio knew about it in advance—and he is willing to back his word. He has agreed to submit to Nokolai in formal ceremony.”
    “Merde!” Rule exclaimed. He shook his head in rueful admiration. “Isen manages to land on his feet even when they’ve been bitten off. This isn’t the way he’d planned to obtain Kyffin’s support, but I’ll wager he’ll be pleased. Restrictions?”
    “Nothing unusual. Year-and-a-day term.”
    “You’ll have to let Rule into Clanhome, then,” Mick said. “Unless you plan to keep Jasper kicking his heels until our father is well enough to participate.”
    “The Lu Nuncio must accept for Nokolai, of course. Jasper arrived an hour ago with seven from Kyffin plus two from other clans to bear witness. The ceremony is set for two o’clock. Rule will return to Clanhome with us.”
    “Now?” Rule said, startled. “Was there some reason you needed to