Delusions of Loyalty (The Braykith Series Book 2)

by Jennifer R. Kenny

  Thomas shook his head. “I do not believe so Sir.”

  As far as Glais was aware, Evangeline did not have friends. However, it seemed ignorant to think that his wife was entirely alone in Braykith. “Give us some time to prepare. Have her wait.” Glais turned to leave but quickly added. “Keep this woman guarded. Times are tense.” Glais and Thomas had shared a look before Glais closed the door quickly. He hated to think he had anything in common with Thomas, but it was undeniable how they both cared deeply for the same woman.

  He knew that he should hate Thomas for finding a way to Evangeline that was now closed to Glais, but Glais knew he would never have another man like Thomas at his disposal. Thomas cared for Evangeline so strongly that he would do all he could to protect her. It was an emotion Glais was willing to exploit even if it killed him.

  “What is going on?” Evangeline asked from the bedroom door.

  Glais was struck silent for a moment in the sudden impulse that stirred when he saw her. Sleep tousled hair suited Evangeline, and it was hard to sleep beside her and not touch her. Glais knew it was within his right to have her in their marriage bed, or any other bed in the Kingdom. However, he was leaving those final acts for Evangeline to initiate. He cleared his throat instead and brushed a hand through his own hair.

  “There is a woman here that claims to be your friend,” Glais explained.

  “A friend?” Evangeline asked, frowning as she considered who it could be. “I can’t imagine why anyone would come here at this late hour looking for me.” Tightening her robe around her waist she headed for the door.

  “Where are you going?” Glais asked.

  “To see who this is. Glais, if it is someone for me they have risked a lot to come to this castle. I should see them.” Evangeline said.

  Glais nodded. “Yes, but dressed in such a casual manner?” he asked, again quietly mystified on her effect on him. “We should dress properly before meeting with this guest.”

  Evangeline restrained from rolling her eyes as his suggestion. “There is no one here but your own closest guards. Who are we dressing to impress?” She asked him.

  Glais had taken a moment before he answered, not sure if Evangeline would take this criticism well, but he was such a poor judge of her reactions most of the time, so it was possible that she would think very little of his comments. “My father has always made it quite clear to us that appearance is of the utmost importance. It is something he has stressed to you since you came here, Evangeline, that you must always present a well-groomed appearance.”

  Evangeline nodded. “Yes, to impress your people, I understand that.”

  “But for you to take these lessons and not follow them is further proof of how little control I hold over you, and perhaps more nails added to your coffin.” Glais watched her, waiting for the outrage but it appeared she would not be engaging in a fight this time.

  “Would your father indeed think such things?” Evangeline asked.

  “The Kingdom has quite a reputation, and it protects us. To disobey him would be as good as admitting that you are deliberately turning against him.” Glais explained.

  Evangeline paused and finally strode back into the room. Glais froze at how quickly she had compromised. Not wanting to intrude as she dressed, he waited in the sitting room until she returned. Dressed in something simple and yet still elegant Glais automatically smiled. “Thank you.”

  Evangeline ran her hand over her torso, feeling the fabric under her hand and knowing that the dark blue colour was perfect against her skin because this dress was made by the mysterious seamstresses of Braykith. “If you wish to be present for this interview, I suggest you stop staring and get dressed.” She said, not looking up but still admitting the cloth.

  Glais chuckled, light and natural the sound was foreign and made Evangeline smile more. Instantly the smile dropped from her face as Glais passed her. She could not get caught in the monster’s web of deceit. Stepping away from the door that separated her bedroom from the rest of the living space, she played with the simple ribbon that she had tied around her waist in a vain attempt to create some curve to her body. Wick would have known how to position the decoration to add the correct balance but not wanting to wake her for this, Evangeline was forced to struggle alone until Glais joined her.

  Together they walked, Glais holding her hand loosely and while Evangeline knew it was for the appearance of others she wondered if Glais hoped to create any romantic feeling between them if he continued to do it often enough. Evangeline looked at him sideways, trying not to be obvious as she tried to observe him. Glais did not appear to be enjoying himself more than usual. A crease of worry appeared on his brow but even as she watched him it smoothed out.

  Evangeline was aware of the subtle changes he made in the hopes of being a more efficient leader. She did not know why he thought emotionless would be beneficial, but it was the direction Glais seemed to take more often than not. Evangeline opened her mouth to ask but decided that the conversation was not needed. Just as she mimicked the command footsteps of her mother to hide what she felt was her own shortcomings, Glais surely had his own strategies and reasons.

  As they approached the entrance to the castle, Glais slowed down. “If you do not recognise her Evangeline, it is important that you do not approach her. Do you understand me?”

  Evangeline nodded. “Of course,” She promised.

  “We still have not received word from Baxter or your father.” Glais was nervous about what that could mean, but he did not add to Evangeline’s worries. He knew that the present unknown situation of Crimah and the safety of her brother was paramount on her mind as it was in his but that only meant further caution and not the daring rescue she had envisioned. “We must be safe at all times.”

  Evangeline nodded again. She understood his words or warning and agreed with them. She was prepared to turn a stranger away, but as the guard opened the door and allowed them entrance into the room where the girl was being kept, Evangeline took no notice to her promises and pulled free of Glais to go to Sable’s side.

  Her friend looked nothing like her usual self. The rain gave her the appearance of a drowned animal, but it was not only the assault of nature that had ruined her. Sable looked up at Evangeline’s approach, and the women embraced. Their familiarity only lead to confusion for Glais and Thomas who watched the exchange with quizzical looks on their faces.

  “What happened to you?” Evangeline asked, but Sable looked beyond her to the Braykith men before looking away shyly.

  “I am sorry to call on you like this Eva, but I had nowhere else to go.” Sable apologised quietly.

  “Of course. I have always said you are welcome should you need it.” Evangeline looked back to Glais and Thomas before put a protective arm around Sable. It did not matter that she was wet, and the fabric of her clothes soaked in the rain. Evangeline did not seem to notice. “This is Sable, a friend of mine from the markets. Can we have some privacy?”

  Glais looked at Thomas.

  “I found no weapons on her,” Thomas answered after a moment. It did not mean that Sable was safe but given her current state of distress it seemed rude to accuse her of malicious intent. He did recognise her but never did Thomas suspect this girl could be a friend of Evangeline. It made him nervous for reasons he could not give reasons too without sounding childish. With no real reason to deny Evangeline’s request of privacy, Glais and Thomas would need to grant it.

  “I will have one of the sitting rooms set up for you,” Glais said, and Evangeline left him to do that. She knew that it would not be Glais who would service the room, but he would ensure that it was done, and that act alone was enough for her to feel something for Glais. She quickly dismissed it before it could properly anchor.

  Relocating to the small sitting room kept just off the main corridor, Evangeline sat opposite Sable as tea was served to them. There was a small collection of fruit, bread and cheeses presented on a platter, and of course Evangeline knew
wine would appear eventually should they stay long enough because Braykith royalty seemed to live on the drink.

  Glais had presented Sable with a coat that belonged to Evangeline, a sign of his respect and trust. Evangeline knew guards were stationed just outside the door and, at the slightest sign of distress, they would burst in to save her, but just as her guards followed her through the markets, she did not think it would be necessary. Sable was her friend, and by the torn clothing of her dress and the dishevelled look she had, the idea that Sable would attack her seemed almost laughable.

  “This is as alone as we will manage here I am afraid,” Evangeline told Sable. She truly was apologetic.

  “This is fine.” Sable dragged her eyes away from the portraits in the room, but couldn’t bring herself to touch the food either. “I do not know quite what I expected.” She admitted.

  Evangeline shrugged. “This is one of the least impressive rooms. The ballroom is quite fetching.”

  “I suppose it would be.” Sable sighed, pushing her wet hair back from her face. She did not sit, and instead started a slow pace in the small interior. Evangeline waited patiently, not listing the tension but instead was waiting for Sable to explain what had brought her here. “I was attacked in my house.” Sable looked to the fireplace so she would not need to look at Evangeline. It would be easier to lie if she didn’t need to look her in the eye. Evangeline tended to believe everything Sable had ever told her and would never question her. That simplistic and doe-eyed expression on her face would have made Sable laugh if she was forced to witness it. “A man came knocking, and when I refused his interests, he returned late in the night with friends.”

  “Do you know these men?” Evangeline asked.

  Sable shook her head. “I thought I recognised one of them, but it was hard to see in the dark.”

  “I will send Glais out to apprehend them,” Evangeline promised, although, without better identification, it would be a useless mission. She made the commitment regardless of the reality, wanting Sable to feel that justice could be served.

  “Thank you.” Sable turned, feeling sober enough to get through the rest of this conversation without risking her cover. She finally took the seat opposite Evangeline reached for her tea but seemed to just hold the cup in her hands to warm them instead of drinking from it. “They didn’t…” her voice trailed off, seemingly embarrassed to speak further on the event. No lady would go into explicit details.

  Evangeline nodded. “But they intended to. And that is inexcusable.” She picked up her tea and sipped from it. “How did you manage to get away?”

  “Luck,” Sable answered quickly. “I pulled a hand free, slapped one in the face and in that stunned second, I ran. I guess I was just faster than them.” She couldn’t explain it any more than that. “They must have assumed that I would have to return home so did not give chase. It isn’t much of a secret that I am not very well liked in the city.” She paused. “Where could I go?”

  “Here,” Evangeline said and reached out for her friend, sliding her fingertips over the back of Sable’s hand. A simple gesture that was still fuelled by genuine emotion. “You did a brave thing in approaching the castle. I hope the guards were pleasant with you.”

  “I would say they were stunned and then suspicious. I suppose it is to be expected. A strange girl appears in the middle of the night with nothing more than a flimsy excuse and your name.” She finally sipped her tea. Surprised by the robust flavour, she took a second drink. “I thought they would turn me away.” She admitted.

  Evangeline shook her head. “No. People believe all kinds of horrors about this place, but in truth, the King is a good man who wants only the best for his sons and the Kingdom. No one would have sent you back out into the streets in your current position.” Evangeline felt conviction in her beliefs, but there was a nagging doubt she didn’t feel like sharing with Sable right now.

  Sable nodded, drinking more of the tea.

  “Please stay here tonight Sable. Get some rest, and come morning I will personally speak with the King regarding your situation. No one should fear their own home or their neighbours. We have enough enemies outside of Braykith.” Evangeline sighed, wondering why Baxter had not returned word yet from Crimah, and how long before they would need their own rescue.

  “Only if it is no bother,” Sable said. She retained a quiet shell, the expression of overwhelmed curiosity for her surroundings that hid the triumphant shout that sung in her heart. This was all perfectly orchestrated to ensure this positive outcome. So much of her plan had depended on Sable making the right assumptions about Evangeline’s character.

  Securing a night in the castle had given the rebel spy hope. She could never believe this was possible until it was happening. She sipped her tea in an attempt to hide her smile. If Sable continued with this charade a little longer, she would have enough time for her second phase that should see her becoming a permanent member of the castle.

  “It would be the very least I can offer.” Evangeline stood, and Sable followed her actions. Drinking the last of the tea and still surprised on how fresh it tasted, she followed Evangeline to the door. Opening it, Evangeline came face to face with Thomas. “Thomas, is there a room that Sable can rest in, and a change of clothes?”

  Thomas nodded. “Of course, Lady Evangeline.” Thomas glanced at Sable, catching a look on her face that made him feel on edge around her. He couldn’t put the feeling into words, so he did not share this with Evangeline. Thomas knew how she struggled with making friends. He did take them to the room furthest from Evangeline’s own sleeping quarters and hoped is Sable did mean her ill will she would be discovered before she could reach Evangeline to perform whatever she had planned.

  “This room is currently not being used. I believe there are clothes and a small bath as well.” Thomas did not add that the room had belonged to one of the women who had been travelling with Glais to Crimah for food and never returned. There were no positives to come from revealing such a secret to Evangeline.

  Evangeline nodded and lead the way in. Compared to most of the rooms Evangeline knew, this one was small but still quite luxurious. For Sable, it was a slap in the face of the riches stolen from her home city, but those feelings were hidden. She would explore the room better when she was left alone, but she found no comforts of being surrounded by the profit of a war that had slaughtered her kinsmen.

  “There will be a guard stationed at the door,” Thomas announced. “Should you need anything Miss Sable, they will tend to you.”

  Sable smiled. “Miss Sable? I do not think I have ever been so politely called before.”

  “Thomas is a trusted member of staff and always very polite,” Evangeline said, smiling fondly at Thomas, and yet she could not catch his eye even as she praised him. He nodded and retreated from the room and Evangeline frowned at his rude behaviour.

  Sable said nothing and walked further into the room as if she did not realise something was going on. She would remember his name and his face. Thomas would not ruin her plans when she had come so far. “This is far too generous.” She commented, keeping up with the charade of Evangeline’s poor friend from the marketplace.

  “Oh stop that.” Evangeline forced a smile to her lips and tried to ignore Thomas with his odd reaction. “Can you run your own bath?” Evangeline asked.

  “Oh yes. I can do it,” Sable wanted to laugh but realised it would be rude to openly mock how defenceless Evangeline truly was. The small things that Sable could do with her eyes closed and yet Evangeline would struggle without assistance was a growing list. “I would like more of that tea.”

  “It really is beautifully brewed. I will see to it.” Evangeline promised before pulling her friend into an embrace. “Sleep well, and I will come for you after breakfast. We shall put an end to this notion of your wedding bed being unused. Do men not have better things to ponder than women’s business?” She mused aloud.

  “You too feel the pressing questions?” Sable
asked.

  “Clearly, I am married and have been promised since I was a child but yes, I feel it. The King is intensely waiting for news of a baby. Each day I disappoint him, and each night he prays for a grandchild.” Evangeline simplified it, feeling that there was no danger in the words that she spoke.

  “Surely not,” Sable said, now able to smile because it was fitting with the dialogue.

  “Surely so. The King is quite determined, and I understand. But I still hate each morning when once more I must report that there is no sign of a baby. They will come.” She finished, knowing it was true. Evangeline would need to be intimate with Glais eventually, or she would die.

  “Well, I will allow you to return to your husband then.” Sable gave Evangeline the excuse to leave. Which she took. The immediate danger was over, and there was no reason for Evangeline to believe there was anything suspicious happening here. Sable still not move from where she stood until the door was closed for some minutes. Finally alone, she started to investigate the room for anything she could exploit.

  ***

  Evangeline closed the door gently behind her and came face to face with Thomas. “Are you guarding her room?”

  Thomas shook his head. “No. I wish I were.”

  Evangeline frowned. “Why? Do you like her?” She asked, hating that jealousy sparked her tone, but still letting herself feel it. She would need to learn to accept these things eventually. Thomas would find his own love with time. She would need to embrace that.

  “No,” Thomas said, shocked that Evangeline would consider such a thing. Sable was far down the list of potential women, and he shuddered to think that Evangeline thought he was interested. “But there is something unsettling in her nature.” Thomas gestured down the hall, and Evangeline walked with Thomas at her side.

  “She was just attacked by three men Thomas. I dare say that anything you sensed in her demeanour can be linked to that traumatising event.” Evangeline knew Thomas would struggle to understand how it could feel. Some men would think that Sable should be flattered by the attention, and others might have blamed her for attracting it in the first place. Evangeline wanted to believe that Thomas was not either of those men.