Rhaegar's brow drew tight at once. "No."
"Rhaegar."
"I said no." His voice turned cold, a shadow of anger flickering in his eyes. "Have you forgotten what happened last time? You went out alone and nearly lost your life."
"That was an accident." Caelith met his gaze without flinching. "And yet, it was that very risk that led me to discover something. Had I not gone myself, I would never have uncovered the trail of Julian Milstrom."
Rhaegar stared at her in silence for a long moment before speaking again. "I will send men to investigate."
"That is not the same." She shook her head gently. "What your men can uncover… and what I can learn myself are different matters. When that old blacksmith looked at me, there was something in his eyes—something akin to recognition. He knows me… or rather, he knows this face. Only if I go will he speak."
Rhaegar said nothing.
