Chapter Ten
Sitting upon his throne, Lord Montiori looked down at the girl kneeling on the floor before him.
“How do I know Reyes did not send you?” he asked. “Need I remind you that spies are beheaded?”
Alyce looked up at him, her eyes red and swollen. “I am no spy! I cannot prove otherwise, my lord, but I speak the truth. I tried to help your daughter escape from Lord Reyes and he sent me away in disgrace. I came to beg your indulgence, my lord. I have nowhere else to go.”
“My daughter is well then?”
“Yes, my lord.”
“The finger that Reyes sent me, was it hers?”
“No, my lord.”
Montiori grunted softly. “I thought not.” He leaned forward. “So, what news have you from Black Dragon Keep? Is Reyes preparing for war? Is he planning to ride against me?”
“No, my lord. He plans to wed.”
“Indeed? And what unfortunate woman will bear his accursed young?”
Alyce took a deep breath. “Your daughter. Shanara.”
Montiori sprang to his feet. “What?”
“Aye, my lord, tis true.”
“When is this loathsome deed to take place?”
“Within a fortnight, if kitchen gossip be true.”
Descending the dais, Montiori began to pace the floor. “How dare he think to mingle his foul blood with mine! My daughter, to wed that beast and bear his young! I will not have it!”
Turning, he almost tripped over the girl. “Be gone!” he roared.
“My lord?”
“Go into the kitchens. Tell Grendal to put you to work.”
“Yes, my lord,” Alyce said, scrambling to her feet. “Thank you my lord!”
Montiori scarcely heard her. He was bellowing for the captains of his armies.