I proceeded forward, running my fingertips along the smooth walls. If I could have gotten to my mother’s study by way of a different route, I would’ve. But stopping to see her unannounced midday meant I would need to go to the one place she spent most of her time.
Arriving at the study door, I knocked. There was no answer. I knocked again and waited for her to call me in or come to greet me, but it remained quiet. I pushed open the door slowly and leaned inside, expecting to see her seated behind her largeebony desk. But it was vacant. Papers and books sat scattered across the desk, unorganized, which was not at all like her.
My mother’s laughter in the corridor caused my head to snap around. A moment later, Fisher and she walked side by side around the corner headed toward me.
“Oh.” My mother ran her hands along the front of her skirts. “Did we have a meeting scheduled?”
“Do I need to schedule a meeting to see my mother?” I eyed Fisher and pressed my mouth into a thin line. “Am I interrupting something?”
“I’m going to check in on Audryn.” Fisher turned to her. “Shall I meet you back in your study, Athela?”
“No,” I answered as my mother simultaneously responded with a yes.
The guard grumbled and walked away without even sending a glance in my direction. My mother pushed past me and promptly went to her desk and sat. Papers shuffled behind me as I continued to stare at the man until he disappeared down the corridor.
“What was that all about?” I turned and walked into the room.
She looked up at me and smiled. “I was about to ask you the same thing. How about you go first?”
I took a seat across from her and picked up the book on her desk. Thumbing through it, I pursed my lips and shook my head. Even though I knew this conversation was coming, I still hadn’t decided what I wanted to share. My mother knew the ins and outs of the kingdom just as well as I did—better than I did, but my personal life I held private.
“It appears I will be the one who leads this conversation, then.” She clicked her tongue and smacked the top of the table. “The least you can do is look at me.”
“Sorry.” I set the book down and crossed my arms.
“I asked Guard Fisher to look at our security measures.”
“What? Why?”
“Would you prefer him to continue to sit at Audryn’s side? Clearly, there is no danger for him to concern himself with here. I might as well take advantage of the skill set he holds. So, I asked him a few days ago if he would help, and he said yes. He’s agreed to stay a few nights as well … to assess our night patrols.”
I let out a huff. Given the two choices, I would rather Fisher stayed with Audryn than with my mother. I didn’t trust that he wouldn’t be taking back information of potential flaws in our security to the Suttons.
“And before you ask, he has agreed that all information acquired during his stay will remain. It will not be shared.”
I grumbled. “You actually believe him? As if he is to gain anything from assisting us?”
“I am compensating him for his service. And he’s requested his daughter receive the payment. Considering Fisher provided her address, I’m sure he understands the liability if he were to choose to void our agreement.”
“You’re counting on a Rivale Guardsman being truthful?” I rolled my eyes.
She held my gaze then lifted her brows.
I cleared my throat. “Micah said we’ve received another missive from the Oras. Shall I assume more threats have arrived?”
Ever since I’d cut off contact, we’d received a steady flow of threats from the Avernus coven. Initially, I almost caved to the pressure and took a meeting. But if anyone from Crofea found out, not only would my sole alliance fall, but Kuroden would be ousted immediately.
“That wasn’t what I was waiting for.” Her stare hardened. “Your missive stated you were bringing a guest. You hadn’t stated that the guest would be Prince Sutton’s betrothed. Then you come to dinner, vaguely introduce her, and have avoidedme since. I have seen your female friend more this week than I have seen you.”
My mother knew our supply of crude had slowed, but I hadn’t told her just how dire the situation was. She had lived through more worry in her lifetime than anyone deserved. Though she’d stepped away from most royal duties after my father died, she insisted on helping with paperwork.
“Would you prefer her to work elsewhere? She is on castle grounds for privacy.”
“That is not what I am suggesting. I wish only to know what your intentions are with her.”
“My intention is crude.” I stood and walked to the door to leave. “It is the main resource that keeps the imports arriving.”
“Sit,” my mother commanded.
