Chapter 40
Carys
Tiernan and Alys navigate the tunnels beneath Paramount as though they’ve done so a hundred times before.
It’s a long trek, and Tiernan ends up carrying a disoriented Durvla until, at last, we resurface and stride across the grounds to the stables.
A chestnut horse and a shiny black steed await us, packs strapped across each of their backs.
The scrawny, blond stableboy smiles and, when Tiernan dismisses him, walks away as though it’s just another casual day.
A cool breeze billows around us, and heavy clouds illuminated by the waning gibbous moon race by.
Tiernan gently sets Durvla on her feet again. “Remember everything I taught you,” he tells her. “Alys will go with you.”
Durvla doesn’t respond, and Tiernan is still supporting her weight.
My chest aches. “This is ridiculous. She cannot ride a horse in this condition.”
Tiernan puts an arm awkwardly around Durvla as she leans into him, her stare vacant.
Alys presses a hand to Durvla’s upper back with an intensity I’ve only seen on her face when she’s dealing with my mother.
A moment later, her hand falls away from Durvla and her focus shifts back and forth between the packs on either horse.
Alys. My confidant, my second mother in a way. She has been a better advisor than Iywan could ever be.
Tiernan saved my life. He’s been a stickler for law and order …
until now. He’s skilled in all sorts of weaponry, and he has the ruthlessness expected of a Royal Brigade soldier.
Without him, I’m not sure whether Durvla and Alys will make it very far, even under the cover of night, and I’ll be damned if I help them run from the cauldron right into the fire.
My chest tightens and my eyes sting, but I inhale deeply and hold steadfast as best as I can. Swallowing around my narrowing throat, I fix my eyes on Tiernan. “Go with them,” I force myself to say before I change my mind. Before I lose the courage.
His brows draw together. “But Princess—”
“That’s an order, Major Kilkenny.”
His lips curve into a half smile. “I think I’ve proven tonight that I don’t always follow orders.”
Something between a scoff and laugh escapes me, and tears well. “Don’t make this harder than it needs to be, Tiernan.”
“Carys, there’s more you need to know. Pertinent information that could—”
I squeeze his shoulder, shutting him up. “Thank you for your years of service. Now, get them to safety.”
His lips part, then close again. “It’s been my honor, Princess.” He stares at me as if he has more to say, but in the end, he only says, “You’re going to make an incredible queen when the time comes.”
I choke back a sob and wave him away. “Hurry before someone comes.”
He nods and helps Durvla onto the horse. She’s so disoriented that I’m surprised she’s able to do much to help herself at all.
Alys tugs me into her arms before I can turn to her, hugging me so tightly that I can’t breathe until she lets go.
“Dear one,” she says, brushing tears off my cheeks with her fingertips.
She wraps her arms around me again, lighter this time, and whispers, “I’ve left a letter for you in the infirmary.
There’s a vial labelled ‘Belladonna’ with one of the L’s capitalized.
It’s subtle so you may have to look closely.
Break the vial and you’ll find a message. ”
I pull back, frowning as I try to dissect her words.
“Do not tell a soul. Read the note in your chamber and then burn it.”
My heart lurches, but I nod.
“Don’t run from your memories; reign over them.”
There’s that line again. I nod again and this time, I’m the one who throws my arms around Alys. “Thank you for everything. Now leave, all of you.”
Tiernan sits atop the black stallion now, Durvla in front of him, still discombobulated. I pat her knee as Alys gets onto the mare. I smile tearfully at Durvla. “It’s a shame to lose my best dressmaker,” I say.
To my surprise, a smile touches her lips as well. “I’d like to think you’ve gained a friend.”
Her words pull at my heart, and my throat swells with tears. Dammit, I need to hold it together. I can only nod as I step back. “Go.”
Everything feels wrong as two of the most important people in my life ride away, perhaps forever. Paramount won’t be the same without them.
I won’t be the same without them.
After watching Alys, Tiernan, and Durvla ride away, I return to the castle and hurry straight to my bedchambers.
I find Ellynne already there, but she doesn’t argue when I dismiss her.
Knowing nothing about Osheen Oakley other than his name and relation to Durvla, writing him a pardoning notice is a challenge.
It takes me longer than I expected, but I manage.
As soon as I step out of my chamber, I’m approached by Queen’s Guards—their black sashes and emblems proudly identifying them. My breath catches as I shove the notice into the pocket of my dress.
“Apologies, Your Highness,” says a short woman with a peachy complexion and eyes as dark as Tiernan’s. “We’ve been asked to escort you to the council chamber for an emergency meeting.”
My heart plummets, but I nod. With each step, my pulse beats faster, and I have to fight to keep the muscles in my face relaxed.
A multitude of people are packed into the concourse, everyone still in their bright Feast attire.
The cacophony of voices grates on my senses and I force myself not to slam my hands over my ears and run in the opposite direction.
With the Queen’s Guards skirting me, people keep their distance, but there is a sickening amount of genuflecting and greetings that I acknowledge with all the politeness I can muster.
We move through the packed forecourt, between the ornate pillars, and into the private west side of the castle.
Stepping past the corridor to my mother’s room, we take the stairwell up to the council chamber.
From outside the door, panicked voices rise and fall.
The Feast food roils in my stomach and my steps falter.
As a guard opens the door to the council chamber, I step inside.
Iywan paces the front of the space while the other councilors—with the exception of Lady Taliesin who sits with her arms folded—shout at each other.
“Where in Lugda’s hells were the brig guards?” Belhan squeaks, his jowls shaking.
I would’ve laughed at his tone had my heart not jumped into my own throat. Taliesin smirks, her arms still crossed. Who’d have thought the treasurer had a sense of humor?
Iywan continues pacing as if Belhan hadn’t squeaked.
“Forget the brig guards. Where were the other soldiers?” another voice booms. Tomen’s hazy gaze remains pinned on Iywan. “Those rebels should not have gotten beyond the gate!”
Iywan whips his head toward Tomen, and spots me still standing in the open doorway. He stops pacing as everyone goes silent. Sessaley, Taliesin, Jac, Tomen, and Belhan all turn in my direction, and I suppress the urge to step back.
“Your Highness,” Iywan says, his tone suddenly light. “Apologies for our behavior.”
“That’s alright, Lord Iywan. Tonight was frightening. We all have every right to be in a bit of a panic.” My pulse pounds in my temples, but the words flow effortlessly. Alys would be proud.
Iywan’s face is stony despite his tone, though the other councilors visibly relax, and Tomen sinks into his seat again. I take my place in my mother’s seat—it never becomes easier—and steeple my fingers atop the table.
“Tonight was a disgrace,” Iywan says. “Several prisoners escaped from the brig including our own head healer who was found guilty of treason for concealing important information from the crown.”
He lumped Alys with the escapees, yet he doesn’t mention Durvla … That can’t be a coincidence. Does he also know that I played a part in their escape? Somehow, I manage to keep my face utterly still, even as shivers slide down my spine.
Iywan eases himself into his seat. “Tonight was one of the largest and most anticipated events in Erleya. It’s unacceptable that the rebels were able to get beyond our fortified gates. We will be questioning the brig guards and the other soldiers within the Paramount encampments.”
Ask about the Veilguards, my inner voice says, and my back jolts straight.
My brows dip. “What about the Veilguards?”
Iywan scratches his neck and releases a slow breath. “What of them, Princess? They guard Fiada Purlieu, not the brig.”
Something within me insists on knowing more, but I ignore the voice in my head and convince my facial muscles to relax.
“At present, we need to keep up appearances. I’ve offered the diplomats and our guests of honor a longer stay here at the castle. While the rebels are still at large, it would be best for everyone’s safety.”
Great.
“I’ve asked the cooks to have some fresh baked goods delivered to our guests,” Lady Sessaley chimes in. Silver beads glitter on the bodice of her lilac gown, rivaling the silvery strands of hair that fall in gentle waves over her shoulders.
“That’s a wonderful idea, Lady Sessaley,” I say.
Iywan clears his throat. “We have dispatched Forayers to take care of the miscreants who escaped.”
I swallow hard. “Lord Iywan, kindly have someone bring me a list of every prisoner who escaped tonight.”
Iywan blinks rapidly. “Yes, Princess.” He shifts in his seat and clasps his hands together atop the table. “How do you propose we handle the attendees still present?”