Again, I was unsure of at whom Thalia directed her last words.
“Yes,” Cian said, indulgently. “So busy, the sea.”
“You’ve no idea, Cian. You’ve nothing but farms to worry yourself over,” Thalia parried. “Farms and farmers and farming.”
“And timber yards and livestock and orchards,” added Cian.
“Yes, yes,” Thalia dismissed him. She turned towards River and Quinn. “The magic in Tintar is thin on the ground. Like a piss poor snowfall, I tell you. And the offices of agriculture and fisheries and forges have fallen to the temples of earth, sea and fire. Only Brother Air is allowed his mysticisms and burning incense and fasting for visions. Air contributes little to Tintar. If you don’t mind a lot of writing about taxing fisherman, you can come work for me. And you can keep your lodging in the dormitories with your fellow countrywomen. Pay is little, but you know,” she paused and wiggled her fingers, jewels sparkling. “Room and board and all that. Here in the keep.”
“Brother Air blesses the infantry with light-footed spies and swift swordsmanship,” Jeremanthy muttered.
“That he does,” Perch added.
Thatcher rolled his eyes.
“You shouldn’t do that,” Perch said to Thatcher. “You have more air in you than most who do not serve in the temple. It is a slap in the Brother’s face.”
Jeremanthy gave a snort.
Thalia waved at the men as if they were flies buzzing too loudly around her. “What say you?”
River and Quinn looked at each other. I could tell Quinn was unsure, but her lover piped up, saying, “We would be happy to accept, madam priestess! Thank you. And thank you for taking both of us.”
“Marvelous,” the archpriestess of Sister Sea said in a bored manner, but smiled.
Peregrine stood and so did the rest of those seated. “That was easier than I thought,” he said nodding towards Alric, who gave the same shortened bow Zinnia had towards the prince. “I think once your sergeants choose their two brides, my brother’s capricious sentences will be met. Gentlemen,” he said this turning to where Perch and Thatcher now stood. “I would advise you make your proposals before the wedding. Hinnom will likely attend and should he ask, it would be best that you have an answer for him.”
Perch looked miserable and Thatcher, oddly, looked peaceful at the directive.
“Alric,” the prince turned to the captain, who still stood at the fireplace. “I believe we should all leave you to discuss things as they are with the lady.”
I gripped the back of my chair and eyed the embroidery on Cian’s robes to distract me, admiring the leaves that trimmed the thick cloth.
“Captain,” Zinnia chimed in, ushering River and Quinn outside. “Could you escort Lady Edie to the kitchens afterwards? She has yet to eat any dinner.”
I did not look at my betrothed, but at Quinn, who was looking pointedly at me. I could tell, now that she and River’s fates were decided, she had concern to spare for me. It warmed me to her, this woman with a past similar to mine. I found myself happy that they and Catrin would be with us in the dormitory. I gave Quinn a reassuring smile, even if I felt only trepidation.
I watched the Procurers, the general, Cian and Thalia trail behind Peregrine out the door, Cian giving me a warm look and a nod.
27. Pillory
The door shut and I turned back to face the room, but remained staring at my ranunculus, my right hand having returned to my pocket and the hagstone within. I resolved not to speak first.
Absolute quiet was broken by the crackle from the fireplace.
Apparently, Alric had resolved not to speak first as well.
I looked up to find that same look at me from under those well-shaped brows, his face and figure remaining in that same pose.
“Thank you,” I began, despite my resolution.
“For what do you thank me?” he asked, his voice flat.
“I’m sure you did not have to allot what you did for each woman. We will all be comfortable in the summer, warm in the winter. And I am sorry if it leaves you bereft. I know that was a lot of coin.”
“I certainly cannot retire when I had intended,” he answered.
I winced. “Again, I apologize. It was… an unfair sentence.”
