I chuckled. Mother’s large, stuffed closet had been where we used to go for private conversations because all her clothes muffled our voices.
Perched in the narrow room, amid Delysia’s dresses and shoes, I told them our plan.
We talked long into the night.
At some point, a knock interrupted us, and a guard brought in enough food for six people. Roasted chicken with seared vegetables, potatoes fried in garlic and rosemary, and fresh biscuits with a bowl of soft butter.
Delysia looked at me with wide eyes. “Renwell must know your favorite meal.”
I scowled. “I would’ve preferred my knife back.”
But I ate as much as I could, anyway. I’d barely eaten in the last week.
Delysia was excited about our plan and kept reassuring me that Henry was up to the task, even though I was the one who’d summoned him.
“And Aiden truly is a Falcryn?” Everett asked, still amazed at what Aiden had done to try to make him king.
“The last one,” I said. “He may not know it yet, but he will be one of the greatest kings.”
Delysia smiled with those sappy eyes I used to tease her for. “You love him.”
This time, I didn’t hesitate to admit it. “Yes, I do.”
“He’d better treat you well,” Everett said, his profile suddenly stern in the firelight.
“He does, Everett. I pray you’ll meet him soon.”
However this battle ended, I wanted everyone I loved in the world to be with me under one roof, even if it didn’t last.
Once we were done and had talked ourselves out, Everett and I left.
A guard stepped forward. “My lady, the king requested I escort you to your room.”
My eyes narrowed. “I know where it is.”
Renwell was undoubtedly looking forward to watching my every move from his study next door. Unless he’d moved to Father’s.
The guard, an older man who’d been working in the palace since I could remember—Pierce, shook his head. “Not your apprentice room, he said. He thought you’d be more comfortable in the room you had since you were a child.”
I pursed my lips. Or perhaps he feared my spying on him more than he wanted to spy on me.
But it certainly wasn’t for my comfort.
“Lead on then,” I said. I wished Everett a good sleep and followed Pierce to my old bedroom just down the hall.
He opened the familiar arched door for me. The scent of lilies and fresh air washed over me. I wandered inside, and Pierce quietly closed the door behind me.
It was surprisingly clean after years of being vacant. Fresh blankets covered my bed. The silk awning looked clean and smooth. My small fireplace was swept and loaded with choppedwood. Fresh purple lilies in vases on every table were an expert finishing touch.
Renwell had been expecting me, after all.
I tiptoed through my room as though I might disturb someone.
Mother was everywhere in here. My lavender walls displayed her dreamy paintings of flowers and vines. A brush still lay on my dressing table, left there since the last time she’d brushed my hair.
I opened the narrow doors to my balcony, breathing in the cool, salty air. It smelled like home. Or at least the home from my memory. Where I was happiest for a time.
My windows faced west over the cliffs the palace sat atop, overlooking the plains and the river.
