“Two and three: Tiernan and Durvla being in your service.”
“I owe that man my life—and have youseenhim with a sword? As for Durvla, I couldn’t stand by and allow adressmakerto be thrown into the Veilguards. That would be a waste of her talent.”
“Her talent isn’t the only reason you sought to rescue her. You have a greater sense of justice than you give yourself credit for. You have the makings of a queen and the ability to change things for the better.”
Silence spans a few moments as I stare at the hearth, sadness settling into my heart. “I don’t want to be queen. I don’t want to reign over a kingdom that the Council is too stubborn to realize is broken.I don’t want to be motherless.” The last word barely makes it past my lips. My jaw tremors, and I press my lips together firmly.
“I know.” She mulls over her next words. “Allow yourself to mourn, but then dig deep into that well of inner strength that you don’t realize you have. I have every confidence that you will rise higher than you ever have before.”
I glower at her, but it doesn’t sway her from continuing.
“Even when your lost ones are not physically with you, they stay alive in your heart.”
My throat closes up and I fear that if I even so much as swallow, I’ll start blubbering.
“Memories can be powerful—both in a negative and a positive way. I know it’s tough, but don’t run from your memories; reign over them.”
It’s utter drivel. “I have to prepare for the day,” I say dismissively. “I have Audience.” Although I already know I’m going to let Iywan take the lead on Audience again so I can go to the archery range. I need to unleash some of this toxic energy.
Alys nods and leaves me in peace, only for Callum to announce Ellynne’s arrival. As Ellynne steps into the room, I raise a brow at her. “Yes?”
She smooths her hands over the wide curves of her hips and arches her brow back at me. “I’m here to help you get ready for Audience?”
“Don’t bother,” I say, waving my hand and stalking toward my bed.
For a short stint, Ellynne is silent. “You have been missing Audience a lot lately. Don’t you think?—”
“Ellynne, I am not in the mood for a lecture right now. So, either you find something else useful to do or you can leave.” I remain facing the bed, not wanting to glimpse Ellynne’s reaction. It’s a while before the door clicks behind me and I heave a sigh.
Peace, at last.
CHAPTER 27
Durvla
Rays of sunlightstream through my window and onto my work as I stitch together the back and front panels of the black lace bodice. I leave one side unstitched just in case adjustments need to be made. Losing sleep last night after the Carys-Callum dream at least allowed me to make a lot of progress on the dress.
I can’t stop yawning, though. I need a cup of tea before meeting up with the princess, so I don’t fall asleep in the middle of breakfast. Rising from the bed, I make my way to the closet and throw on a floral dress with an ivory base and long, slightly puffed sleeves. I slip on my ankle boots, apply some oils gifted to me by Ellynne to my hair, and head out.
As I turn down another corridor, Kilkenny rounds the corner toward me. I stop and nearly head back to my room, but it’s too late.Why do I keep running into this man? It’s entirely too early for this. I pinch the cuff of my sleeve, tugging it down as he draws nearer.
With utmost politeness, I say, “Good morning, Major Kilkenny.”Please, keep walking.
He doesn’t. “Out of bed so soon, Garrick?”
“I’m just getting a cup of tea before it’s time to meet with Princess Carys.”
He folds his arms over his chest, the muscles practically straining against the fabric of his maroon uniform. I avert my gaze, trying to ignore the curiosity of what lies beneath his livery. Gods, this castle is really starting to get to me.
“You shouldn’t spend so much time with Ellynne. She’s a bad influence,” Kilkenny says.
I frown at him. “She’s been nothing but kind …” I step to the side, but he mirrors me. Annoyance flares in my chest. “I should get going.”
He doesn’t budge. “Meet me at the stables at twilight.” His gaze is intense.
My eyes widen and I try not to laugh at the pure ridiculousness of his statement. Here he is, telling me that Ellynne is a bad influence and, in the same breath, asking me to meet him in the dark.
“It’s pertinent that you also learn to ride at night.”
