‘It’s been a rather big day. I’d prefer to see you through the dinner.’
She searched his eyes. ‘You don’t trust me to keep your sister’s secret.’
‘I don’t trust anything about this dinner—especially your uncle.’
She patted his arm. ‘Have a little faith, defender. And I think I shall have a little wine.’ With that, she turned and entered the hall.
Blinking slowly, he followed her in.
King Borin and Queen Fayre were in their usual seats at the high table. In front were Lord Thomas, Lady Victoria, Lady Henley, and Lord Wilfred.
‘There you are,’ Borin said when he caught sight of Lyndal. ‘I am relieved you found time to wash and change.’
Lyndal curtsied before the high table. ‘Your Majesties.’
Astin positioned himself by the wall on the other side, watching as she greeted the other guests. That was when he noticed she had been seated beside her uncle.
‘Niece,’ Thomas said, not bothering to stand.
‘Uncle.’ She bowed her head before reluctantly taking her seat.
‘You look so well,’ her aunt said, leaning forwards in her chair.
‘Amazing what a bit of food can do for one’s complexion,’ Lyndal replied, smiling at Lady Henley across the table. She slid her plate farther away from her uncle’s in the process.
‘His Majesty was just telling us that you have been out doing charity workall day,’ Lady Henley said. ‘How tedious.’
‘Not at all, my lady. Going years without adequate food, nowthatis tedious.’
Lady Henley exchanged a look with her husband, Lord Wilfred.
When Lyndal went to reach for the wine, a food taster swept in to sample it. Lyndal’s fingers twitched on either side of her plate as she then waited for the wine to be poured. Thanking the servant, she picked up her cup and emptied it in a few solid mouthfuls. The servant immediately stepped forwards to refill it.
‘The king gifted Lady Lyndal a carcass to help those most in need,’ Queen Fayre said.
Thomas looked up at that. ‘LadyLyndal now, is it?’
Fayre finished chewing her food, then placed her fork down. ‘Her mother had a title, did she not?’
‘She did. However, she traded the title for a merchant husband, Your Majesty,’ Thomas replied.
Lyndal had another long drink of wine, then said, ‘She never regretted it. A happy marriage is not to be sniffed at.’
Lady Henley raised her eyebrows but did not comment.
‘How did it go today?’ her aunt asked with an encouraging smile.
‘I’m afraid one cow can only stretch so far.’
Borin glanced up from his food. ‘It was a very large cow.’
‘It’s a very large borough’ was Lyndal’s reply.
Fayre placed her fork down again. ‘Well, I am certain the merchants were grateful nonetheless.’
Lyndal nodded in agreement. ‘They were—except for the lady carrying her dead daughter around the borough. We were one day too late for her.’
Astin drew a slow breath.
