“Correct,” Erodel said.
“The nobles will form a ring around the open dance floor. Once I am in the ballroom, I will move to the front, directly facing the dance floor. I will stay there for exactly ten breaths to let myself be seen, and then I will step back, out of sight.”
“Correct. The etiquette dictates that only those of high standing remain in the front row, but it is proper and polite to let yourself be seen on arrival, so your allies know you have entered.”
“After I have been seen, I will find an out-of-the-way spot. Somewhere I can have a quiet conversation. I will not eat or drink.”
“Correct again. You’re doing so well, my lady.”
“Should I wish to use the washroom, I will tell the guard at the doorway, and he will escort me back and forth.”
“And if you are asked to dance?”
“If it’s a polhe, I accept the invitation. It is safer to accept than to offend someone powerful by refusing.”
“And if you are asked to dance a fast dance?”
“I demur and suggest a polhe instead.” Declining fast dances was somewhat socially acceptable.
Erodel leaned closer. “You have done everything possible to go through tonight with grace. It will be fine, my lady. I have complete confidence in you.”
I was as prepared as I was going to be. Get in, be seen, get out, and get home. I could do this.
The castle was ancient. I was met by guards at the entrance, and one of them politely offered me his arm to escort me to the ballroom. As we strolled through the hallway, the age of the walls was almost palpable. The very stone radiated centuries of power and conquest. The Eagle Roost had changed hands countless times. Thousands of people had died between these walls, some with a sword in their hands, others with a dagger in their back. Their blood had soaked into the stone floor tiles. I couldn’t see it, but it was there.
“Thank you, Lady Maggie,” my escort murmured.
When the older knight had asked me for my name as he reviewed my invitation, I had introduced myself as Marigold.
The guard raised his head. The light from the ballroom illuminated his features. His skin was rich brown, his dark hair was cut short, and his eyes were light gray.Matheo.
How was he here? Why?
“Are you all right?” I squeezed his arm.
“I’m well,” he told me. “I’ve been watching you. I’ve met Tillmar.”
He’s been farseeing to keep an eye on me. How did he know who I was? Never mind, that wasn’t important right now. “The warning notes! That was you.”
“Yes.”
He’d been trying to help this entire time.
“Hreban doesn’t know who you are or what you look like,” Matheo murmured. “He thinks the Butcher took a noblewoman off the street to satisfy his urges and her family rescued her, killing him. Lord and Lady Bors visited him and threatened him over Velpor’s death. He knows the Conquerors are watching him, and he’s wary. He still wants to silence you, but he will bide his time.”
“You mustn’t escort the Sun Margrave on the day of the High Court. There will be a killer . . .”
“I know,” he said. “That’s why I have to do it. It’s my duty to keep the Sun Margrave safe.”
“Matheo—”
“My father would not want me to run. I will do what I must. It is my responsibility.”
Ahead, the ballroom glittered, framed by the arched doorway. We had run out of hallway.
“Matheo . . .”
“Thank you, from the bottom of my heart,” he whispered. “I will be forever grateful.”
