Fayre frowned. ‘Have you any idea how dangerous that journey is? There are barely any villages left, only ghosts. I had an entire cavalry disappear in the forests of Carmarthenshire last year. A rebel group killed every defender, then ate every horse.’
‘Which is exactly why the only woman you can send isme. I can protect myself and anyone else travelling at my side.’
Fayre folded her hands in her lap. ‘And what do you get out of all this? I know you have no interest in securing wealth or a place at court.’
It was a good question. ‘Chadora gets a king, and I get to be useful for something other than laundry.’
Fayre nodded in understanding. ‘You seek purpose.’
Air filled Eda’s lungs. She felt seen. ‘Yes.’
A knowing smile played on Queen Fayre’s lips. ‘Have you no plans to settle down like your sisters? A beautiful young woman such as yourself must be getting offers of marriage.’
‘My uncle has a suitor in mind.’ Eda clasped her hands in front of her. ‘I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but I’m a bit of a handful.’
‘Yes, I have noticed.’
One corner of Eda’s mouth lifted. ‘I’d prefer to settle downafterI bring Chadora their king.’
Fayre looked to the defenders at the far end of the terrace. ‘You have said your piece. Now it is time for you to leave.’ She signalled to her guards. ‘I should warn you that if I find you in my home, uninvited, again, you will be locked up next time.’ Her eyes met Eda’s. ‘Am I clear?’
Eda chewed her lip. ‘Does that mean you’ll consider it?’
Fayre waved her away. ‘You are positively exhausting. Go.’
Eda lowered into a curtsy. One of the guards took her arm as she rose, and she was escorted from the terrace.
CHAPTER4
‘If you don’t stop pacing, you’ll wear away the stone,’ Harlan told Roul.
They were waiting at the front entrance of the castle to find out what was to become of Eda. Harlan had come as soon as he had heard.
Roul stopped and turned in a circle, hands on hips, trying to calm himself, then resumed pacing. ‘She never listens. I specifically told her to leave this thing alone.’
Harlan crossed his arms. ‘There’s your first mistake. You tried to tell her what to do.’
‘She seems to think Lyndal’s friendship with the queen makes her untouchable.’
He stopped walking when he spotted Eda and one of the queen’s guards descending the steps towards them. The defender let go of her when he neared them. ‘Make sure she leaves.’ Then, turning on his heel, he climbed the steps.
‘You all right?’ Harlan asked her.
‘I’m fine.’
Every muscle in Roul’s body was tense as he tried to contain his temper. It took a lot to get him worked up, but Eda seemed to manage it easily enough. ‘What the hell was that? Do you have any idea how lucky you are to still have a head after that little stunt of yours? Those guards were armed. What if Queen Fayre hadn’t recognised you? What if she hadn’t spoken up? Those men would’ve cut your throat without a moment’s hesitation. Queen Fayre’s all this kingdom has right now. In case you haven’t noticed, no one’s taking chances around here.’
‘She listened. That’s all I wanted.’
‘Glad one of you has that ability.’ He took a step towards her. ‘I’m tempted to lock you in the tower for the afternoon to teach you a lesson.’
She tilted her head. ‘The lesson didn’t stick the first time I was locked in the tower. I wouldn’t waste your time.’
Roul looked to Harlan. ‘I think it best you escort her to the gate.’
‘Are you serious right now?’ Eda asked.
He met her eyes. ‘Deadly.’
