“I’m certain, yes.”
“At long last.” The fine crinkles are gone, and he nods upward to the counter, wordlessly urging me to hurry.
Moments later, the materials are loaded into the pack attached to Major Kilkenny’s black stallion, Ghendor, and we’re back on the road to Paramount. For a split second, I consider riding off straight to Cluain Baile. But I can hardly handle Mirren at a canter, and there’s no way Major Killjoy would let me escape. I sigh and accept my fate as we head back to the castle.
At least I have a task to keep me busy. Even if it is daunting.
CHAPTER 16
Carys
I slammy playing cards down on the table and glare at Ellynne. “You cheated!”
Ellynne laughs. “I most certainly didnot! You are just a sore loser.”
She’s not wrong, but I glower at her as she gathers all the cards together to reshuffle them. It’s our third game and she’s won all of them.
“I’m with you,” Lowri chimes in. “She must be cheating.”
“Or I justknowthings.” Ellynne wiggles her fingers before her face and Lowri giggles. “How about something different?”
“How about… you tell me my fortune instead, oh divine oracle?” I lean back in my chair and smirk at her.
A spark of delight appears in Ellynne’s olive green eyes. She’s rubbish at reading others, so her false divinationis top-notch entertainment. I’d love to hear how my breasts are going to mysteriously grow two sizes bigger. Or how enchanted rain is going to pour from Rhianu and Lierwen’s perfect Overworld and end the spreading disease.
Ellynne draws in a breath to respond, but there’s a robust knock on the door. “Your Highness, Major Kilkenny and Durvla Garrick have returned,” Callum announces from outside of my door.
“Finally.” I jump from my seat. “Rain check,” I say to Ellynne, who lunges forward to catch my chair before it topples.
She rights it again with a playful smirk. “I look forward to it.”
We arrive at Durvla’s door and Callum knocks, announcing my presence as he does so. But there’s no response. He knocks again. Still no response. He turns his perplexed face to me. “Tiernan says he escorted her back to her bedchamber.”
I nudge him aside and bang on the door with the heel of my hand.
“Maybe she went to the bathing chamber or something,” says Callum.
I shove the door open and there she is, standing beside her bed, her back to the door. She turns, and as she spots me, she yelps, nearly falling over.
“Your Highness,” she says, slightly breathless. She dips into a hurried, yet surprisingly passable curtsy. “Apologies, I was caught up in—” She gestures to the bed, and I approach to take a better look. There are hanks of black wool, deep purple fabric, beads, and black… whatever that underskirt material for adding volume is called.
I pluck some of the black wool and… it’s not wool, but the sleekest silk. “I like your color choice,” I say, sliding my thumb over the soft fibers.
She smiles, validated. “I’m happy to hear that.”
I set the silken fibers down and bend to slide my hand over purple fabric, also silk. “This shade is gorgeous.”
“I thought so too.”
As I straighten again, Durvla’s stomach growls, and her hand flies to her abdomen as though she intends to muffle the sound. “Pardon me,” she says, a flush shining through her tawny complexion.
I wave my hand dismissively. “You can’t help your own bodily functions. Hells, not even royalty can hold back the occasional fart, belch, or stomach gurgle. Have you had breakfast?”
She shakes her head. “I munched on an apple, but it’s alright. I don’t eat much.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You have full access to the dining hall.” As I turn, my own stomach growls. “Actually, you can come along. I’d like to hear more about your plans for my dress, anyway. Do you have a favorite meal?”
No response. I halt midway to her door and turn back to her.
