‘Have you discussed the matter with the warden?’ Astin asked.
Her eyes went to him. ‘Yes. And with the king. In fact, His Majesty even offeredyouas the ladies’ guard for the duration of their stay. The warden agreed.’
‘Oh,’ Lyndal said, her mind playing catch-up. ‘But what about the king’s safety? Surely that’s a priority.’
‘The king has an entire army at his disposal. The fact that the two of you are already acquainted will make the arrangement more comfortable for everyone.’
Astin was oddly silent, no doubt thinking up clever ways to tell the queen no, absolutely not. In the meantime, it fell on Lyndal to speak up and save them both.
‘Kendra and I couldn’t possibly take the king’s best guard. Surely it’s easier to send us on our way and allow Astin—I mean, Fletcher—to do his job.’
She thought her logic was sound, but Queen Fayre stared back at her as though she were speaking in tongues.
‘While I appreciate your thoughts on what is best for my son, I have some opinions about that myself. I would like to see him married—and soon. Lady Kendra seems like a bright young woman, but I cannot wait months for confirmation.’
Lyndal looked up at Astin, willing him to object. How he looked so calm she had no idea.
‘Are the orders effective immediately?’ he asked.
Queen Fayre nodded, and Lyndal tried very hard not to click her fingers in front of Astin’s face and ask if he had heard properly. She knew defenders were supposed to follow orders without question, but this was ridiculous.
‘Of course, your guests will need to cooperate if the arrangement is to work,’ Astin said, finally meeting Lyndal’s eyes. ‘I can only do my job if they’re prepared to listen.’
That sounded much more like the Astin she knew.
‘As long as your demands are reasonable,defender, then I can’t foresee there being any listening issues.’
Queen Fayre looked between them. ‘Good. Then it is settled. You and Lady Kendra will remain at Eldon Castle for the rest of spring, and Fletcher will be in charge of your safety for the duration of your visit. Now, I suggest you get some sleep. There has been quite a bit of sickness in the merchant borough of late, as I am sure you are aware. Fearing further spread, yesterday the king had those displaying symptoms removed. They are currently isolating in the lazaretto borough. I thought we might pay them a visit in the morning.’
The lazaretto borough was where the sick wentafterthey died, not before.
‘I’ve not heard of any contagious outbreaks,’ Lyndal said. ‘Scurvy is the biggest problem facing the borough right now.’
Fayre nodded. ‘The symptoms reported are consistent with scurvy.’
‘Then why remove people from their home for a disease that isn’t contagious?’ Lyndal asked, confused.
The queen mother blinked those sharp eyes at her. ‘Why indeed? Good night, Lyndal.’
It took Lyndal a moment to register the dismissal. Lowering into her curtsy, she said, ‘Good night, Your Majesty.’
Astin walked to the door, holding it open. Lyndal met his cool gaze as she passed him, marching straight off down the corridor. A second later Astin fell into step with her.
‘Go on,’ she said the moment they were out of earshot of the other defender. ‘Say it all now so we can be done with it.’
He glanced sideways at her. ‘Say what?’
‘Tell me how my presence here has ruined your life, how the king will likely die because you’re being forced to guard two women.’
He looked amused by the words spilling from her mouth. ‘It’s a temporary arrangement. We’ll all survive it if you do as you’re told.’
‘You can just focus on Kendra. No one wants me dead.’
He sighed. ‘I’ll be following orders.’
‘Merchants aren’t breaking in to kill other merchants.’
‘Don’t be naive. Anyone can get caught in the crossfire of this strange war we’re stuck in.’
