Jerico found himself liking the woman more and more.

“So be it,” Kaide said, nearly growling with rage. He flung another log into the fire, not caring that he scattered it. Jerico waited until he left, chuckled, and then took Kaide’s place at getting it roaring.

“Don’t judge him too harshly,” she said. “He has a temper is all.”

“I don’t think that’s all,” Jerico said, gently pushing the errant log aside so he could layer on more kindling.

“I take it he blindfolded you before bringing you here?”

Jerico laughed.

“If you consider being dragged here unconscious in a net as blindfolded, then yes, I was.”

Sandra fell silent, and Jerico berated himself for his sharp tongue. It certainly wasn’t her fault. The fire finally going strong, he stood and closed his eyes, enjoying the warmth. His room had felt like ice when he’d been awoken. Dread filled his stomach as he thought of the coming night, without blankets or a fire.

“He’s keeping you in the windowless room, isn’t he?” she asked quietly.

“He is.”

“No fire, no blankets, and no bed?”

Jerico looked her in the eye.

“You seem familiar with your brother’s accommodations. I hope those who came before me all deserved the same treatment.”

Her neck flushed red.

“That was uncalled for,” she said. “I wished to thank you, and hear of the Citadel, the waters of the Gihon, and the peoples in the lands beyond Mordan. Yet you’d call me a jailor, instead?”

Jerico felt petty, but he was tired, grumpy, and unable to stop himself.

“You’re sister to one. And forgive my lack of tales, for my prison’s not as comfortable as yours, Sandra.”

She sat erect in her bed, her jaw trembling with anger.

“Get out,” she said.

Jerico rolled his eyes. There were a million ways he could have handled the situation better, but of course, he’d screwed them all up.