"I'm praying for you and everyone
else who wants His protection," Cortin said. "And I'm beginning to
believe being Sealed is going to be necessary for Inquisitors in His
Kingdom. We may never be loved, but having truthsense and being in a
constant state of grace, we should at least be trusted, and only
criminals will have any reason to be afraid of us."

Watkins smiled. "Theoretically that's true now--but in fact, I'd like
to be able to walk down the street in uniform and not have half the
sidewalk to myself."

Cortin chuckled. "That's a problem I haven't had lately, but I
remember the feeling. I hope you get it soon."

Watkins frowned. "That doesn't sound like you expect to, Excellency."

Cortin looked at the red crossed daggers on her sleeve. "I'm Special
Ops, Captain, and I've been told I'll be going face to face with
Shayan. That has to mean it's my death that'll signal the Protector's
arrival. So no, I don't expect to see His earthly Kingdom."

Watkins nodded. "I understand, Excellency. But I'll pray for it
anyway."

"I'd appreciate that. Something else I was told was that piety was
crucial--spread the word, would you?"

"Of course." Watkins hesitated. "What about--what you just said, that
you'll have to face Shayan yourself?"

Cortin shrugged. "If it had to be kept secret, I wouldn't have been
able to say anything about it. Say what you want." She took a deep
breath. "I'd rather not think about it any more right now, though, so
would you mind if we change the subject? This breakfast looks and
smells too good to spoil with that sort of discussion."

"As you say, Excellency." Watkins thought for a moment, then cocked
his head. "I've heard Your Excellency is fond of animals?"

"Yes--why?"

"Because I have some six-week-old kittens I'm trying to find homes for.
They aren't purebred, though."

"Neither am I," Cortin said. "Yes, I'd like one--two, if that isn't
being greedy."

"Two is fine. Whenever you have time to come by and pick them out."

"How about as soon as we're done here?"

"My pleasure, Excellency."

* * * * *

For the first time since learning to drive, Cortin was glad that her
rank meant she sat in back while someone else drove. She'd ended up
with three of the kittens, and they were currently playing tag around
her lap and shoulders, with occasional forays to Odeon. He didn't seem
to object to their touch, and once he even seemed t