“Such a clever idea.” I walked over to the table and Merrick held out my chair for me, his fingertips trailing across my nape as he moved away.
Walking into the middle of the room, Merrick extended his hands. His low hum rang out, and I felt the ward lash around us. Tested, it might give way, but we’d have a few moments to talk before someone tried.
Lord Briscalar waited until Merrick was seated before settling in the last place.
The lord lifted the covers off the platters, revealing a pile of crispy strips of rusher. Another held coddled eggs with an herbed cream sauce, and yet another was mounded with an assortment of sweet cakes.
“Do you remember, before my coronation,” I said, “when you told me Lord Lorant couldn’t meet with me in the tower room?”
Tilting his head, Lord Briscalar frowned. “I’m not sure that I do.”
“Think. Who told you he couldn’t meet me?”
“I assume it would be Lord Lorant himself.” His face cleared. “Ah, yes, I remember now. It was Lord Lorant. He caught me in the hall in passing and asked me to give you the message.”
Merrick and I locked gazes. It couldn’t have been him.
Then who?
“Is there something wrong?” Briscalar looked back and forth between us.
“Probably not.” Truly, there was, but the lord wasn’t going to be able to help.
We each ate a few bites before the lord lowered his fork, looking Merrick’s way. “I heard Lord Zeiger was sent on a vital mission.”
“Exceedingly vital,” Merrick said.
“I see.” Satisfaction gleamed in Briscalar’s eyes, and I was reminded of the man who had taken care of whoever tried to poison me on the ship. He might appear fluffy with his ornate clothing and ruffles, but he was as much a viper inside as Lorant.
A true ally to me and the throne.
We ate as the lord continued. “As I mentioned, at your request, Talvon informed me of his unfortunate discovery. I’ve been thinking about it ever since, trying to come up with suggestions for how you might handle this delicate situation. And if I might be so bold, I have a possible plan in mind.”
I nodded, urging him to continue while I chewed a bite of egg.
“One of the conspirators away on assignment fragments the growing faction. I suggest we build on the, how shall we say, the disarray his absence will foster.”
“She’s clever,” Merrick said with a touch of warning in his voice. “She’ll know we’re eliminating threats.”
“Hadrin’s face must be florid. I imagine he’s waiting to be called into court and asked to take on anassignmenthimself,” I said.
“Let him churn,” Merrick said with considerable satisfaction. “Maybe that’ll give him time to think.” He looked toward Briscalar. “I have a few ideas of my own about how we should handle my mother, but I welcome hearing your thoughts.”
“Ah, yes, exactly.” Briscalar minced out the words. “I thought,perhaps, a counter-rumor, one that could stem the one circulating about your supposed parentage. I believe our true queen could play a vital part.”
“I’m curious to hear what you suggest,” I said.
The lord beamed my way. “Delightful.” His attention traveled between me and Merrick as we settled into a rhythm of eating, speaking, and listening.
After pausing to check his ward, Merrick’s fingertips brushed my wrist before linking our fingers. He lifted our hands and kissed my knuckles, a total distraction. I sent him a teasing, though stern look, trying not to laugh when he winked. This man… He was going to undo me, then put me back together again completely new, and I was almost looking forward to it.
“I believe the queen has an opportunity to sow doubt where Erisandra has planted seeds.” The lord's voice came out calm, but quiet urgency lay beneath the raspy tones.
“I like this,” Merrick said. “It’s better than my thought of making her go look for Zeiger.”
Briscalar gave Merrick a horrified look before he chuckled.
Merrick did not laugh.
