5. A fate worse than death
A fate worse than death
W hen the sun had risen enough to be visible above the lake, Felix spotted Lord Trevalyan stepping out of the pavilion.
The older man moved with purpose, first stopping to exchange a few quiet words with Garren and Luella.
Then his gaze swept the garden until it landed on Felix, and he strode briskly in his direction. Felix rose from the bench.
“Felix, is it?” Lord Trevalyan began, his tone calm and deliberate. “My apologies for my earlier behaviour. I was in a… distraught state. I should thank you. For what you did for my daughter last night.”
Felix blinked, caught off guard. He raked his memory, but he was fairly sure he’d never been on the receiving end of an apology from a lord.
“I require a word,” the lord continued. “Walk with me.”
They made their way past the pavilion and headed to the lake, where Felix noted a small boat moored to a wooden dock. Lord Trevalyan stepped onto the planks, his hands clasped behind his back, his gaze fixed on the water. Felix waited, the silence stretching just long enough to make him uneasy .
“I have hired you to protect my daughter and to see her safely to the Nexus.” Felix did not reply, and the other man continued to speak.
“However, while the mage assures me there is every chance of success, a cure is not guaranteed. If she cannot be cured – if the magic of the Nexus cannot undo her… state, there is no future for Isolde. Not for her, and not for this house.”
Felix’s jaw tightened. He didn’t need to ask, but he did anyway. “Meaning?”
“Meaning I expect you to act, should the situation demand it. If there is no other way,” Lord Trevalyan said, his voice showing only the tiniest hint of emotion. “Luella is a woman, and Garren is loyal, but he has known Isolde for many years. He won’t be able to do what must be done.”
Felix folded his arms. “I’m a mercenary, not an executioner.”
“You’re pragmatic,” Lord Trevalyan replied, meeting Felix’s gaze.
“You have no sentimental ties to this family. And you’ve proven you don’t follow orders blindly but make your own judgements; otherwise, Isolde would be dead already.
I trust, I have to trust, that you will make the right choice. If it comes to that.”
Felix stared back, his eyes hard. “And if I say no?”
Lord Trevalyan’s mouth tightened, and his expression darkened. “Then you leave my daughter to a fate worse than death. Do you understand what happens to a leytouched left unchecked? They will hunt her. It will be only a matter of time. If there is no saving her… I would rather it be quick.”
Silence stretched between them.
“If it comes to that – if there’s no other way… fine.” Felix finally managed to respond, his voice low. The knowledge that he might be forced to kill his charge was not a burden he was especially glad to carry on a long journey.
Lord Trevalyan’s mouth twitched. “Good. And you have my word that this decision will not affect your payment.”
Felix stared at him, unable to find an adequate response to so much callousness. The man did not seem to notice.
“One more thing,” Lord Trevalyan added. “Isolde is… an unusual young woman. She fancies herself something of a scholar. Indulging her interests, where practical, could ease the journey for her. ”
Felix raised an eyebrow, his irritation simmering beneath the surface. The man was fine with having his daughter killed, as long as she enjoyed herself on the way to the gallows? He forced himself to respond. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Lord Trevalyan gave him an intense look before nodding and turning to leave. After taking a few steps, he paused and glanced back. “When Luella asks what we spoke of – and she will – tell her I merely wanted to get your measure and reassure myself that my daughter would be safe in your company.”
Felix nearly laughed out loud at the irony of this, but managed a nod instead. Lord Trevalyan continued on his way towards the pavilion. Felix remained where he was, staring out at the lake as the implications of the conversation settled over him.