“It would have been hard for them to find any other way to explain the evidence from Sophia, Simeon, and the witnesses from multiple disaster sites regarding the scarf,” Theo added by way of agreement. “Especially when combined with the testimony of the servant Bertrand forced a report out of as soon as we got back from the landslide and the servant who was ordered by Bertrand to present the scarf to Simeon as publicly as possible.” He frowned. “It troubles me that there’s still skepticism about our report regarding the objects with stored magic.”
“Yes, it was unlucky that both objects were dry of magic by the time they were examined by the Craftsmen’s Guild,” Elowen said with a sigh. “For what it’s worth, you convinced me, Theo, when you pointed out that the young man witnessed at several disaster sites always seemed to carry an object, and how the balance of magic across the land was affected as if a large volume had been removed from its natural cycle in the environment. I think you’re right that Bertrand was capturing the magic from the disasters and storing it in the objects. Although I don’t think the objects he used when he attacked us can be from those incidents, because they weren’t large items, like all the witnesses described.”
“Which leaves the question of what happened to the large objects that captured the magic from the disasters,” Theo said grimly. “We can only assume they went back to whoever hired him. The real disappointment to me is how little information Bertrand has so far given about his employers. If his evidence is to be believed, he knows almost nothing about them, and was willing to do their bidding for money without any idea of their true purposes. I’m not sure I can believe that.” He sighed. “That was another reason I argued against execution. If he’s still alive, there’s always hope that he may be compelled to provide more information at a later time.”
“True,” said Elowen, ready to change the direction of the conversation. All the talk of execution made her feel queasy. “And even if the lords didn’t all agree, Father believes us that it must be someone from the continent, you know. He was actually quite impressed by Sophia’s and my investigative work with the writing on the vials.” She could hear the dry note in her voice as she added, “Not so much impressed as unflatteringly surprised. Still,” she brightened again, “he was gracious enough to tell me he regrets not taking my concerns more seriously and coming out of the meeting when I tried to call him.”
“He wasn’t the only one to underestimate you that day,” Theo said, squeezing her hand where it rested comfortably on his arm. “It was their loss, and it could have cost more than my life.”
He stopped walking, turning to face her and taking both of her hands in his.
“I’ll never be tired of thanking you, Elowen. You didn’t stop fighting for me when I couldn’t speak for myself, and I’m alive because of it.”
She lifted one of her hands, bringing his with it and rubbing her cheek against the back of his hand.
“There’s no need to thank me, because I didn’t do it for you,” she said. “I did it selfishly, because I couldn’t bear to lose you.”
Theo gave a low chuckle, casting a swift look around before lowering his forehead to rest against hers.
“Now I’m wishing this was just a moment stolen for the two of us.”
Elowen raised her head, confused. “Isn’t it?”
“Actually, we’re meeting someone,” Theo said, reclaiming her hand and walking forward. “By the willow.”
Intrigued, Elowen followed, content to wait for her answers. She was feeling content about most things lately, in fact. The last time she’d felt really anxious was the morning after their return, when the Council of Lords resumed their long-winded debate about her betrothal. But the anxiety didn’t last long. The news of their late-night return, with Theo recovered and calmly incredulous of all questions as to his level of commitment to the betrothal, helped lower the tension. It hadn’t taken much probing to reveal that the council had in fact been called by Bertrand, and that he’d received no authorization from his father to use the duke’s name in doing so. With Bertrand locked up for suspected treasonous activities, no one was eager to keep arguing for his motion.
The willow came into sight, its branches drooping over a small pond that sat in the middle of the garden. Elowen recognized the figure under it with surprise.
“Sophia!”
The other girl looked around at her call, her expression telling Elowen she didn’t know what Theo was up to either.
“Just one more coming,” Theo said.
“Who—?” Elowen’s question fell away as a lithe figure with sandy hair strode into view, his steps more confident than they used to be, but his posture bent slightly as if carrying a heavy weight.
“Why is Simeon here?” Sophia asked, her voice faint.
“Because I asked him to come,” said Theo. He looked down at Elowen. “My letter to my parents included more than a plea for leniency. I didn’t want to tell you about it until I knew the outcome.”
Elowen had no idea what he was talking about, but there wasn’t time to ask. Simeon had reached them, his eyes darting to Sophia then quickly away, and Theo took charge of the conversation.
“Thank you Lady Sophia and Simeon for coming,” he said. “I wanted to talk to you both about your future. Will everyone allow me to speak plainly?”
“Of course, Your Highness.” Simeon bent in a bow. Sophia just waved a helpless hand as if to say,why not at this point?
“Thanks to Elowen’s insights and my own observations, I’m aware of your situation,” he said. “And I would like to help you. Forgive the question, but am I correct that you both wish to wed?”
Sophia let out a small, strangled noise, and Simeon’s eyes widened.
“That is speaking plainly, Your Highness,” he said blandly.
“You didn’t answer the question,” Theo said. He looked first at Sophia. “Lady Sophia?”
“I…” Sophia’s face colored. “Simeon knows how I feel, but it doesn’t matter what I want. My family will never let me marry someone of his station.”
“Simeon wouldn’t have remained at his current station if your brother hadn’t intentionally prevented him from advancing,” Theo commented. “But that’s not the point. Please answer my question.”
