Candace might have disagreed with Lyndal’s decision, but that did not stop her from being a mother. Now she had two daughters in the wolf’s den and another who was going to be very unhappy when she found out.
The queen mother watched Eda with fascination. ‘What is remarkable is not that you can speak with your hands but that both Lady Lyndal and Commander Wright understand you.’
‘You learn it like any other new language,’ Lyndal said. ‘Though we hope not to need it forever.’
‘It seems your sister is keen to stay here at Eldon Castle,’ Queen Fayre said, amusement in her voice. ‘Perhaps even insistent, though Commander Wright chose not to translate that part.’
Harlan glanced at her. ‘Some parts were not appropriate for present company, Your Majesty.’
Fayre studied Eda for a long moment. ‘The muteness poses a problem. The king will certainly have no tolerance for it. However, if the company will be helpful to you, she can stay until the wedding.’
Lyndal turned back to Eda and signed,You will be miserable here.
Eda shrugged.We can be miserable together.
A smile spread across Lyndal’s face.
‘You are free to return to the barracks, Commander,’ Fayre said. ‘Lady Eda will be remaining with us for now. I shall have a maid prepare the adjoining room.’
‘Your Majesty.’ He bowed, winking at the girls as he passed.
After he had exited the room, Lyndal thought she would use the opportunity to bring up Astin’s dismissal. ‘While I’m very appreciative, I did want to discuss you removing Fletcher from my service without speaking to me first. If I’m to be queen, I should have a say.’ She felt braver with Eda at her side.
Fayre blinked and straightened. ‘My dear, I removed no one. Fletcher requested the reassignment. I only learned of it myself before you walked in.’
A cold sensation crawled up Lyndal’s spine. ‘Oh.’ He had abandoned her, and she did not blame him one bit.
‘Now, you have a feast to ready for,’ Fayre said. ‘Lady Eda can assist you in getting ready before she retires. I am afraid we cannot have a mute girl wandering among the nobility. She will remain in her quarters for the evening. Tonight is very important for the king, so we must all do our part.’
Lyndal nodded absently, knowing Eda would much prefer not to attend. ‘Fletcher truly requested a change in assignment?’
Fayre reached up and ran the back of her finger down Lyndal’s cheek. ‘Eyes on the prize, dear. Your focus should be on making sure every guest tonight leaves in absolute awe of you.’ Her hand fell away. ‘And be on time.’
She was being dismissed, so she had no choice but to exit the solar. Curtsying, she headed out into the corridor, Eda on her heel. She stopped in front of Roul. ‘Thornton. I can’t recall if you’ve met my sister, Eda?’
‘Not formally.’ He nodded a greeting at her.
‘She’ll be staying here at Eldon Castle for a while.’ She began walking, then cleared her throat. ‘Do you happen to know where Fletcher is at present?’
‘I believe he’s in the water, my lady. The warden assigned him some extra training.’
Of course he had. Shapur Wright would make him pay for showing signs of weakness. She had two choices at that point: she could allow herself to fall apart, be distracted and draw negative attention, or she could return to her bedchamber and prepare for the most dazzling display of queenship she could muster.
Should we go find him?Eda signed.
Lyndal shook her head. ‘No. I have a feast to prepare for.’ She took her sister’s arm. ‘I can’t tell you how much it means to me that you came.’
Blake wanted to come but—
‘Harlan.’
He wasn’t even going to let me through. I had to threaten to kill a man to get inside.
Lyndal winced. ‘You’ll need to be on your best behaviour while you’re here. The king has a very short fuse right now.’
I can’t believe you’re actually going through with this.
Nor could she.
