‘Let me worry about that. We have a wedding coming up, and I need you healthy.’ Fayre turned to Astin. ‘How did you know there was something in her drink?’
How was he supposed to answer that? Should he admit to watching her all night instead of the king? Confess to knowing every expression of hers and what each one meant? He could translate every crinkle of her nose.
‘Thornton asked me if the wine had been tested, and I noticed she had a reaction to the taste.’
‘How very lucky for her.’ The queen looked over her shoulder. ‘I better have that mess cleaned up before someone steps in it.’
‘It’s my mess,’ Lyndal said, moving to leave. ‘I’ll clean it up.’
Astin caught her arm, then immediately let go. ‘You need to be checked by a physician.’
‘He is right,’ Fayre said. ‘I shall have a guard escort you to your bedchamber. Thornton and the warden will handle the investigation and report back to me when they have all the facts.’ Her eyes went to Astin. ‘Thank you for your assistance, Fletcher.’
He was being dismissed, and he had no choice but to leave her.
‘Your Majesty,’ he said, bowing his head. He did not risk another glance at Lyndal before striding away, unclenching his fists and stretching out his fingers before disappearing into the hall.
Chapter 30
‘For goodness’ sake, put that sword away and stop pacing,’ Lyndal called to Eda from the bed. The physician had left after declaring her fit and healthy, but apparently that was not enough for her sister. She was out for blood now. ‘How on earth did you smuggle that thing in here, anyway?’
Eda turned to look at her.Someone wants you dead, and that’s what you want to talk about?She resumed pacing.And I didn’t smuggle it in. I stole it once inside.
Lyndal threw her hands up. ‘Why would you tell me that?’
A knock at the door had Eda marching over to answer it.
‘Eda!’ Lyndal called. ‘Don’t you dare.’
Too late.
Eda yanked the door open, not bothering to hide her weapon. Roul drew his sword the second he realised she was armed. But when he moved to disarm her, she slipped around him. She knew every defender trick in the book because Harlan had taught her every one.
‘Drop your weapon,’ Roul said calmly, positioning himself in front of Lyndal.
When Eda did not comply, Roul tried another tactic, managing to get a hold of her wrist and twisting her arm until the sword fell to the ground. That should have been the end of it, but Eda threw her elbow up, connecting with the defender’s chin.
‘Eda!’ Lyndal said, pushing between them. ‘What on earth has gotten into you? Thornton’s my bodyguard.’
Eda stepped back, panting.Then why did you almost die?
Roul stepped around Lyndal and kicked Eda’s sword out of reach. ‘If she ever answers that door with a weapon in her hand again, I’ll take off the hand. Make sure she understands.’
I’m not deaf, Eda signed.
‘She understands,’ Lyndal said, hands raised as she tried to bring some calm to the room. She looked at Eda. ‘I thought you came here to make life easier.’
You trust too easily, Eda signed.
‘She making threats?’ Roul asked.
Lyndal held her head. ‘No. No one’s making threats. I’m sorry. My sister’s sorry.’ She looked to Eda again. ‘Aren’t you?’
Eda looked far from apologetic as she gave a reluctant nod.
‘Now, what is it you wanted?’ Lyndal asked.
Roul eyed Eda for a moment longer before speaking. ‘It was hemlock in the wine. Seems someone’s unhappy about the announcement.’
