He raised his eyebrows and nodded, feeling foolish for not having thought of that.
She disappeared through the door.
The councilor’s face was red with fury. “This is no trivial matter.”
“Lord Munney,” Onric interjected, “perhaps the spelled shield would have held up better under a magical attack.”
The man’s eyes opened wide in surprise. “I, uh, had not thought of . . . that is, the examiners did not send any instructions... Perhaps, you are right.” This thought seemed to have calmed the councilor a little. “That still does not negate the incredible breach in security that just took place.”
“I will see to this matter personally, Lord Munney,” King Frederich cut in, his voice calm but commanding. “If you would communicate with examiners about the proper use of the item they sent and request another shield?”
The councilor bowed his head at the king’s request, though his face was still quite red.
“This meeting is dismissed,” King Frederich said.
Onric waited by the door as the rest of the advisors filtered out of the courtyard. His father and brother remained by the shields until the area was empty.
“I appreciate your faith in our palace staff, son,” his father said, “but I believe there is more here that you are not telling me.”
“Indeed,” Ian added, eyebrows raised. “It seems much has happened since I left one week ago.”
“Welcome home, by the way,” Onric muttered. “Maybe you can give the ballroom tour to the next round of hopeful princesses.”
Ian did not even respond with a smile. Onric sobered, remembering that his brother would actually have to choose one of these women for his bride.
His father had not moved, waiting for Onric to explain what had happened.
“Come on.” Onric opened the door to the old castle and waved his father through.
Chapter 20
Ashlin threaded the needle, her heart pounding. Why had she thought that Onric’s face held a silent invitation to remain in the courtyard? He was a prince of Iseldis, and for all he knew, she was nothing more than a servant girl. He had simply gotten carried away when they had discovered the magic in the needle. She was nothing special to him.
But she had felt so special when his eyes caught hers across the courtyard, and she had wanted to stay when she realized they were discussing the magic.
She heard footsteps coming up the tower stairs. She was going to be sick if she did not faint first from the speed of the blood racing through her veins. What would they do to her?
She had known the risk in getting involved in this project. She had chosen it. She wanted to avenge her father’s death by preventing further deaths. The more she learned of the cruelty of the Majis and their magic, the more she felt certain that she was doing the right thing. That thought brought her strength, and she turned towards the tower door to bravely face whoever came through it.
Her confidence wavered slightly as King Frederich himself entered the old tower room. He was followed by Prince Ian, whose face was grim. But he nodded at her like they were old friends, and she felt the ghost of a smile on her face.
Onric entered last and shut the door behind him.
Ashlin was temporarily relieved that the councilor from Chendas was not with them. But that relief quickly died when she dared to look at King Frederich’s face. His calm gravity was even more unsettling. He gazed silently at the tapestry, running his eyes across the large panels that were visible on the makeshift table.
Ashlin still held the needle, rubbing it nervously between her fingers. She saw Prince Ian’s eyes narrow when he noticed it, and she set it down.
Onric stepped up to the table, standing between her and his family members. “Father, this is Ashlin.”
Ashlin dipped into a deep curtsy, holding it as long as she dared before standing back up. The king dipped his head lightly towards her, then turned his attention back to his son.
“She is restoring this ancient tapestry to be displayed at Ian’s ball next week,” Onric continued. “The tapestry appears to be from the Fall of the Majis queen, and I believe it may hold some information for us about the magic.”
“How so?”
“Well, we think that it...” Onric paused. He glanced at the needle, and then at the damaged panel. “We found the needle first. And then Ashlin uncovered this tapestry. And now...”
Ashlin could see the confusion in Onric’s face. He was probably considering the whole story and losing track of where it started and what was important to share.
