Isahn joined Georgie, resting a palm on her lower back as he took a mug for himself and sipped from it.
The night had been difficult, but they made it through as they always did. Still, it was untenable. Ithadto end, and she had to finish it soon.
George nestled her head against Isahn’s chest while he wrapped her in a hug. Carozza held his son. Hildy went to Dunstan, and Burke pulled Wynnie into his arms. They stoodin silence for a long while, comforted by closeness and the crackling of the ever-burning kitchen hearth.
“Thank you, and I’m so sorry,” George whispered to Isahn.
“You have nothing to thank me for and nothing to apologize for,” he spoke into her hair before pressing a warm kiss to the crown of her head.
She melted into his embrace. This was what she needed, his strength, his support, the permission he freely granted to break down as she waded through the rancid floodwaters of King Gasparo’s reign.
eighteen
Isahn uncovers something big.
Threedaysaftertheabhorrent banquet, Isahn was shaving his face in preparation for a privatecenawith the princess when she pushed into his washroom, a tornado of gray linen.
“We have to go.”
“What’s wrong?” His razor scraped over his jawline as he found her, frantic, in the mirror’s reflection.
“Nothing.” She flailed her hands. “Well, obviouslyeverything.But nothing’s wrong. Ean stopped by. Your uncle is meeting with my father in histablinium.”
“Now?”
“Yes, now. Let’s go.” George bounced on the balls of her feet, breasts bobbling pleasantly in her pale gray gown. With a grimace, she stopped hopping and started rubbing her lower back.
He rinsed his blade. “Can’t we wait until I’m done?”
“No! They’re meetingnow.” With her magic, George yanked the razor from his hand and deposited it in the rinse bowl.
He looked ridiculous. “Georgie—”
“You want to figure out what Peros is up to? This is how. Right now. Move.” She dragged him from the chamber, and he snagged his tunic as they passed his bed.
“You could give me thirty seconds,” Isahn complained as she flicked her knotted wall hanging aside.
“We don’thavethirty seconds.” Her voice was sharp with stress.
In the narrow passage, as they rushed through darkness, he realized he was being selfish. She was rightfully terrified of missing vital information. Content to wait, to act only when necessary, he’d almost let this slip by as well.
He caught her hand. “I’m sorry. I’m here. I’m with you.”
She squeezed back, not slowing her pace. Her free hand came to rub her lower back, and Isahn shot out a cord of hot water to massage the spot that pained her.
“Thank you.” She breathed a sigh of relief.
As they neared Gasparo’s private office, conversation wafted through the small hole cut low in the wall. George ducked down to peer in, and Isahn used his magic to aid him in listening, per usual.
“PeregrinesRegna? I don’t understand what this means?” Peros grumbled.
A smack rang out as the king snarled, “Don’tspeak to your king like that.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Sorry, sir.”
Isahn imagined Peros groveling at the king’s feet. He’d have to ask George if that’s what his traitorous uncle had done when they could talk again.
“You fool, it’s the Old Tongue. Be careful with that—” Another smack. “This is key to finding what Ineedto learn. A prophecy.It’s the only clue that remains. You cannot take it. Memorize what is within. Do you understand?”
