Are you going to tell me why Astin’s no longer your guard?
Lyndal brought her sister’s hand to her mouth and kissed it. ‘So many questions, but this is not the time or place for that conversation.’
Eda glanced over her shoulder at Roul.Is he the famous recruit the warden found living on the streets?
Lyndal looked back at Roul. ‘She’s asking if you’re Commander Wright’s famous recruit.’
Roul eyed Eda. ‘I was going to ask the same question of her.’
Lyndal smiled as she faced forwards again. ‘You better watch yourself, Thornton. You were trained by the same commander.’
This was better. Her sister would fill the gaping hole Astin had left. Lyndal was sure of it. Eda would be safe company. Trustworthy. Funny. She would be that person to lie beside and spill her secrets to.
Eda was what was missing.
These were the lies she fed herself as she prepared for the biggest lie of all.
Chapter 29
Astin pulled himself from the icy water, shivering so violently it made the short walk to the cliff face difficult. He glanced down at his knee, which was bloodied and purple. The current had been strong and the sharp rocks below the surface devious. He paused at the bottom of the vertical climb, mapping out his path before starting. He had done it enough times to know the areas to avoid.
It took him twenty minutes to reach the top, then another five minutes to get up the wall.
‘Get yourself cleaned up,’ the warden said the second his feet hit the wall walk. ‘The king wants to see you.’
He held his knees, catching his breath. ‘About?’
‘About returning as his personal bodyguard.’
Astin licked his lips, tasting blood. ‘I don’t think that’s a good idea.’
‘It is not a request, defender. It is an order.’
Astin bit his tongue, knowing he would be in a better position to help his family if he kept in favour with the king. ‘Yes, sir.’
Shapur looked around. ‘King Borin was expecting you to grow restless in the role, so I suggest you play along with his narrative.’
He nodded, wiped a hand down his face, then watched Shapur walk away.
After a wash and a visit to the infirmary to have his knee bandaged, Astin went to see the king.
‘Well timed,’ Borin said. ‘You can escort me for the evening.’
Astin stepped aside as the king exited the room, then followed him out.
‘You should have come to me directly,’ Borin said, slowing to walk beside him. ‘I know her to be tedious.’
It took Astin a moment to realise he was referring to Lyndal. ‘I thought it best to think about a more permanent arrangement for Lady Lyndal since she’ll be remaining at Eldon Castle long term.’
‘She is a handful, no doubt about it,’ the king said. ‘From what the warden has told me, however, Thornton can handle her.’
Astin kept his eyes trained ahead, teeth pressing hard together.
‘Fear not,’ the king went on. ‘You are back at my side now.’ He paused. ‘Though you will not be escorting me to the farming borough for business. I cannot have your family squabbles interfering with the important work we are doing.’
Astin’s eyes went to him. ‘Business with Cooper Brooke?’
A nod. ‘I know you two have history.’
