“Of course.” Merfyn tugs at his shirt again. “Messengers arrived two days ago, announcing the king was dead, and Queen Esyllt returned. They said we no longer need to fear attacks from Ystyr—that the prince will seal an alliance with their princess through marriage.”
“What?” I ask sharply. Taran never said anything about being engaged.
Merfyn glances my way, as if noticing me for the first time. My chest tightens as Taran shoots me a glare, then steps between us, towering over Merfyn.
“An alliance with Ystyr?” he asks.
“Y-yes,” Merfyn says, rubbing his hand along his pants. “I was invited to the wedding, seven days hence.” He looks hesitant. “Were you unaware?”
He’s awfully nervous.But after Taran’s reaction to my last interruption, it might be best to wait until after we leave to say anything.
Taran sighs, then rubs his brow. “What are you doing, Mother?”
Merfyn subtly tilts to the side, peeking around Taran, his gaze pressing uncomfortably against me. My hand twitches toward my pocket, but my button’s no longer there. I bite my lip.
“I’m not marrying anyone,” Taran says firmly, drawing Merfyn’s attention. “The prince they spoke of isn’t me. My mother’s attempting to take my throne, and it would appear Ystyr’s been helping her.”
“I see.” Merfyn’s face tightens.
“I need to stop her. She would trade war with Ystyr for one with the mortals. Can I count on your support?”
Merfyn cocks his head, frowning. “What do you need?”
Taran puts his hand on Merfyn’s shoulder. “Meet me in White Spring in four days. I’ll have gathered those I trust, and we’ll discuss the plan then.”
Merfyn’s eyes flick briefly in my direction, then he nods. “I’ll be there.”
Taran reaches for the door, but Merfyn stops him, eyeing me as he says something in the Tongue.
My stomach sinks. I thought they only spoke that when talking to the Land.Does this mean he saw through my glamour?But it shouldn’t matter. Taran trusts this man, so I should, too.
But I don’t. Something’s… off… about him. I should bring it up with Taran as soon as possible. He might be too close to see it.
Taran’s jaw clenches before he responds, and Merfyn nods. He gives a slight bow as he steps back, then Taran guides me out the door.
Chapter 31
Caeo
Owena’s bedroom is nearly identical to mine, with an enormous bed covered in forest-green blankets sitting atop a collection of soft fur rugs. The main things setting it apart are all the potted flowers and cream-colored candles on every surface, plus the various knick-knacks she’s left lying around. A peachy shawl, a hairbrush, and a collection of small jars on a table holding an obsidian mirror.
The western window lets in the warm light of the setting sun. It catches on Owena’s golden hair where she sits at a low table, organizing her things. The party’s still going, its music faint on the breeze.
“Your gift is in there,” she says, nodding toward a small set of drawers by the bed. “Bottom left.”
I give her a curious look before crossing the room. Whatever this is, it should work in my favor. Get a gift, give a kiss, get my answers.
The drawer catches as I slide it open, revealing…
A wooden pipe and some speckled long leaf!
“You found some?” My heart leaps upward. I hastily gather everything and dump it on the table Owena just finished clearing, leaving all rules of propriety behind.
She leans closer. “I had to send one of my handmaidens for it.”
I inspect the leaf, inhaling its sharp, grassy scent. My shoulders relax instantly.
“It’s only orange,” I note.
