“If that’s true,” I said to Grantham, “and she has proof of who killed my parents and Master Kane, why would she hold onto it for so long and let me think she was guilty of the crime?”
“I don’t know, m’lord. You know I’m not one for palace politics.”
That was certainly true, something I appreciated about Sir Grantham. He seldom offered his own interpretation of things, merely reported on what he saw.
“So, I should invite Lord Kazimir for a visit,” I concluded.
“If you want to know what he knows, then yes, m’lord.”
“And as far as you can tell, my cousin isn’t conspiring to assassinate me?”
“No, m’lord. Of that, I’m sure.”
I nodded and said to Grantham, “Then I’ll arrange a meeting.”
“A bit of advice?” the man said and I gestured for him to continue. “Make it nice for him, m’lord. Lord Kazimir is a bit… ah, he’s lonely. He’d like for things between you two to be the way they used to be before… well, you know. Whatever he might say to get under your skin, that’s his way of trying to build a bridge.”
“You think Sinclair’s affection toward me is sincere?” I asked incredulously.
“I do, sir. He respects you, despite his unusual way of showing it.”
“This couldn’t have anything to do with his upcoming coronation and his need to build allies, not to mention his increasingly unstable mother?” I asked.
“Can’t it be both, m’lord? Everyone needs a friend, after all, even you.”
Did he think I was lonely too? Perhaps before Cedrych came along, but not anymore. Now, I had that incorrigible prince to occupy my days and satisfy my nights. Still, Sir Grantham seldom spoke at length about anything. Clearly this was important to him.
“You’ve given me a lot to ponder, Sir Grantham,” I said at last.
“One more thing, m’lord.” He rubbed the back of his head, highlighting his impressive physique, stalling as if nervous.
“Yes?”
“This arrangement we have between you and me. It’s been going on ten years now.”
“Do you need additional compensation?” I asked.
“No, m’lord. I don’t even need the money you send me. Lord Kazimir is very generous.”
That didn’t surprise me. Despite my acrimony toward my cousin, he surely appreciated the fact that he was safe and well-guarded under Sir Grantham’s careful watch. I wasn’t the only target for assassination.
“I’ll forever be grateful to your father and what he did for me and my family during the war,” Grantham continued. “I’ve enjoyed serving both you and Lord Kazimir over the years, each in your own way.”
“But,” I prodded. It wasn’t like him to be so circumspect.
“My loyalties are divided, m’lord. To be truthful, they have been for a while now.”
I eyed my most faithful spy, having an idea of where this was headed and not liking it at all. “Speak plainly, Sir Grantham.”
“I do not wish to report on the Lord and Lady Kazimir anymore. I’ve observed them closely for the past ten years, and while they are in no way perfect, I don’t think they’re guilty of the crimes against your parents and Master Kane.”
“Would you wager your life on it, Sir Grantham?”
He sighed, staring soberly at me from the summoner’s glass surface. “I would, sir.”
It would be a huge loss to my intel, but he wasn’t my only informant in the Celestial Gorge, and perhaps it was time to turn my attention away from my vampyric relations. Nor did I wish to compel a man against his will. Sir Grantham had been a loyal spy. The fact that he was coming to me with his reservations only supported the fact.
“Very well, Sir Grantham. I release you from your oath to the Vasil Clan. I’ll draw up the paperwork and have it delivered.”
