They were still of good quality and flattered Yarif’s trim body.
Given information of Yarif’s scholarly nature, Draylon had expected someone delicate, not a man nearly his own height, though much slighter of build. Prince Yarif would be stunning in the proper clothing, with his long, straight nose and prominent cheekbones. Draylon startled from his thoughts when May spoke again.
“Word is, the crown prince gave the order for the removals, though, in all honesty, Duke Trainor, at least, likely died naturally of old age or meanness. Prince Barostian had his faults, but he sheltered his brother. And how could he expect to run the kingdom without help? Prince Yarif wouldn’t have allowed his brother’s methods of dealing with the betrothals had he known the truth beforehand.”
Barostian’s motives weren’t entirely altruistic, then. However, if handled correctly, Prince Yarif might be an asset. Still, best to watch him. He was a DiRici, after all. “What did the people think of the king and crown prince?”
May said nothing. Answer enough. Offering,No one would let them in during a snowstormseemed a bit much.
“What do they think of Prince Yarif?”
“The people felt sorry for him for the most part. His father trying to pawn him off in a loveless marriage to someone who’d likely use and possibly abuse him. Rumors said Duke Trainor’s three former spouses hadn’t died of natural causes.”
May was a fountain of information, much like Esmerelda back home. “Do you believe how the emperor deals with the prince now will affect the people’s goodwill?” Once before, Draylon witnessed an uprising when a beloved ruler was killed. Better to avoid unnecessary beheadings.
“They won’t take kindly to our prince being mistreated.”
Our prince.“Are there any more of the nobles you feel are honest, loyal to the emperor, and would help positively shape the kingdom going forward?”
“Countess Exa. She’s got both a good heart and mind. Has run her invalid husband’s estate for years. She’s also friends with Prince Yarif, though they haven’t seen each other since her marriage.”
Countess Exa. Draylon would ask Rufe to arrange a meeting since Draylon hadn’t brought any secretaries with him and wouldn’t trust just anyone with this task. Especially when he needed to hide his actions from his father until he’d collected enough information to offer valid suggestions. “Anyone else?”
May remained quiet.
Draylon saluted May with his teacup, pretending to drink the concoction. If she’d seen fit to add something noxious to his drink, it would hardly be the first time someone tried to poison him. He was the enemy, after all. One episode of gut-wrenching, doubled-over-puking agony taught a man. “That’s enough for today. You’ve been a tremendous help.” Regardless of Yarif’s involvement in an attempted coup, if Renvallians were fond of him, they wouldn’t react well to seeing him killed.
May wrung her hands.
Also a gesture Draylon recognized from Esme. “Something more you wish to say?”
May nodded. “Please don’t punish the children for things their parents did.”
The children! He’d not asked much about the children. “That’s not my father’s way.”
All color drained from May’s face. “You’re the younger son of the emperor!”
Damnation! Draylon must be tired to allow such information to slip. “No, I am Draylon, the same man you’ve enjoyed tea and conversation with, military commander and lover of books. Nothing more.”
May nodded, though her shrewd gaze said she wasn’t buying what Draylon offered. She bowed herself from the room.
“May?” Draylon called out.
May peered around the corner. “Yes, Your High… Draylon?”
“Tell no one of our conversation.”
“As you wish.”
The warning pretty much guaranteed the other servants would be aware by sundown. Perhaps the fact that Draylon treated her fairly and listened without threats would encourage others to come forward of their own volition.
Yes, belowstairs, information gathered. Draylon stared at the blank stone wall.
Footsteps patted his way. May stuck her head back through the doorway. “Oh, Your… Draylon. One more thing you need to know.”
“Yes?”
“The clerics and town officials are also highly partial to our Prince Yarif.”
