“I don’t . . .” Calista quivered like a chall tiptoeing through puddles. “It’s quite kind of you to do this for us. I believe that says enough. Don’t you agree, ladies?”
They nodded in unison.
Another twist in the mystery surrounding Evergorne, one I was determined to expose.
“Alright, then,” I said, letting it go. “We’ll do it tomorrow.” And may the fates help me smooth this over with Merrick’s mother and the other high lords and ladies.
They helped me dress in a simple tunic and pants, an outfit I’d wear when I worked with Lore. I was about to dismiss them for the night when someone called out from the sitting room.
“Excuse me,” Lord Briscalar said. “My lady? Are you present?”
I lifted my voice. “Yes?”
“Lord Lorant sent word through one of the other staff that he won’t be able to work with you tonight.” He cleared his throat. “He hopes you’re well and that you understand.”
I doubted Lore had added the latter. That sounded more like something Lord Briscalar would say.
“That’s fine,” I said. “Thank you for letting me know.”
“Very well, my lady. Is there anything I can do for you before I retire for the night?”
“Are you a high lord?”
“My lady?” The shock in his voice made me grin.
“I asked if you’re a high lord.”
“I am. Passed down through my family for many generations.”
Another person bound to this court, deepening the secrets surrounding Evergorne.
I hadn’t mentioned the curse during dinner, not wanting to bring it up when Erisandra might overhear, but I wouldn’t let any of this slide.
If someone had placed a curse on this court, then I wanted to know.
As queen, it was not only my right but my duty to do something about it.
46
REYLA
Ispent the next morning with Lord Briscalar, making sure all the details for tomorrow’s coronation, the dinner, and the masked ball were settled. Erisandra didn’t appear to offer input in the process, but that didn’t bother me one bit. She couldn’t complain if something didn’t go right if she wasn’t part of the planning, now could she?
“I wanted to bring up one last thing, my lady,” Lord Briscalar said as he closed his journal, concluding our meeting. “About your soon-to-be ladies-in-waiting.”
“Could you wait in the hall?” I asked my ladies who’d been puttering around the room. They exchanged heavy looks, but did as I asked.
My hands clasped on my lap; I lifted my brows the lord’s way.
“How can I delicately state this?” He fiddled with themagical pen, making droplets of ink spatter here and there, before his level gaze met mine. “Are you sure you want to do this?” He held up his hand before I could speak. “Please. I’m sorry. If you’ll give me a moment to speak further.”
I nodded.
“I think it’s a wonderful thing. I’ll mention that it was remiss on my part not to speak with the king about assigning high ladies to your detail from the start, and I apologize gravely for that. I have no excuse to offer. Yes, I was busy with what happened on the ship and then with the arrangements for tomorrow’s events, but that’s no reason for me to miss something like this. My father would be appalled.”
“I like Moira, Calista, and Faelith.”
“That does not mean you need to grant them high lady status or give them positions in your private court.”
