‘Chadora’s army has always been loyal to its king. Any brutality that took place was ordered byhim.’ She stopped walking as a realisation hit her. ‘She sent you here to spy on her husband.’
‘Yes.’
She resumed walking, taking a moment to process this new information. ‘That woman has more resources at her disposal than she knows what to do with. Why send you?’
‘I thought about that a lot. I think everyone she trusted was with her in Toryn.’
‘So she sent you to be her eyes.’ Eda watched her feet a moment. ‘You said she spared your life.’
He stared ahead. ‘When there’s nothing left to steal in your own kingdom, you venture north to the next.’
‘You got caught stealing?’
He nodded. ‘She happened to be there, and she saw an opportunity.’
‘You agreed to her terms in exchange for your life?’
He did not answer straight away. ‘It wasn’t really about me. I needed to stay alive in order to take care of my family. Queen Fayre promised to provide for them while I was gone, and so far she’s kept her word.’
Eda watched him. ‘So your family is in Carmarthenshire being provided for by Queen Fayre?’
‘Yes.’
That led her to her next question. ‘For how long? King Oswin is dead. How long are you expected to stay here?’
His eyes were heavy again. ‘The minimum term of service is five years. I gave her five years.’
Eda stared back at him. ‘Because you’re a defender, and a defender must serve a minimum of five years.’ Her hands had pins and needles. ‘You arrived over three years ago.’
He struggled to hold her gaze. ‘I have two years left. Then I’ll return home to my family.’
Now she had all the pieces. ‘You’re leaving.’ He did not reply, did not have to. ‘Does Harlan know?’
Roul nodded. ‘He was the only person I trusted inside these walls for the longest time. I hope you understand why I kept this from you. I can’t afford to mess this up.’
Eda understood that better than anyone. She would do anything to protect her family.
She slowed as they neared the castle gate to give them more time. ‘Tell me about your family.’
‘I’m the eldest child and only son. I’ve two younger sisters, Lana and Odella. They’re fourteen and fifteen.’
‘Are both your parents alive?’
He nodded.
‘What does your father do?’
‘My father used to be a cartographer.’
She did not miss the flash of pain that crossed his face. ‘Used to be?’
‘After England cut Carmarthenshire loose, the work dried up. There was no way to earn money. My father eventually did what most people do in that place. He found other ways to survive.’
‘He stole food?’
‘Not well. He got caught. People in that kingdom make their own laws now. The farmer who caught him took two fingers from each hand. He knew exactly what he was doing.’
Eda pressed her eyes shut at the visual. ‘I’m so sorry.’
