“Rhoane, I was with Taryn the entire night. Even in the garden. Hayden and Tinsley were there, as well.”
Confusion, hurt, anger, disbelief—all crossed his features. His lips pursed into a tight line, and his jaw flexed several times. “Why would someone lie to the empress?”
Sabina opened her mouth to speak, but Taryn cut her off. “Seriously? You can’t think of anyone who would love nothing more than to have you and me fighting? Think about it, Rhoane. Who has the most to gain? I sent you, I don’t know, half a dozen notes asking to meet with you to explain, but you ignored them. Again.”
Aware of the stares around them, she lowered her voice. “Now, you come down here all higher than thou and tell me that you believe Marissa’s lies. Again. Do you honestly think Sabina, my best friend, would lie to the empress?”
“I have received no notes from you. Not previously, nor now. As for the other issue, there is no proof Marissa had anything to do with this.”
“I guess back in Paderau when you asked me to never doubt you, that was a one-way promise.”
Taryn didn’t wait for a response. She turned away from him and stalked to Sabina’s carriage. Let him have Marissa; if he didn’t have complete faith in Taryn, then he didn’t deserve her.
When they reached the carriage, Sabina put a soothing hand on Taryn’s arm. A prickling beneath her touch, like ShantiMari but twisted and crimped into a painful knot, singed Taryn’s skin.
“He will come around, Taryn. Do not lose faith.” At Taryn’s rolled eyes, Sabina continued, “Am I truly your dearest friend?”
Despite herself, Taryn chuckled. “Yes, you ninny. Now get inside so we can be off.”
After leaving Sabina with her younger sisters at the carriage, she meandered through the crowd to where a groom waited with Ashanni. As she approached, she saw a familiar figure pawing through the leather bag Rhoane had given her that first day in the cavern. She kept her most treasured items in there. The silver hairbrush he’d produced for her, the ornate dagger from Tessa, the book of Aelinean fairy tales Eliahnna had given her for her birthday, a journal, and the Seal of Ardyn.
“Did you need something, Herbret?”
His squat little body swiveled around, the color draining from his face. “I was making sure you had everything you’d need for our trip north.”
“Right. Because you’re my steward now?”
He splayed his hands wide. “One can never be too prepared.”
Taryn retrieved the bag from the pommel of her saddle and slung it over her shoulder, adjusting the fit across her body. She rested a hand on the hilt of her sword. “And am I prepared?” She tapped her fingers along the flared dragon’s wings. “Or am I missing anything?”
His pasty cheeks blossomed like roses as he stammered out a reply. “I-I-I m-m-meant no disrespect, Your Highness. The empress asked that I ensure you’re taken care of for the journey.”
“The empress? And why would she do that?”
“Well, I would think that is obvious, Princess. The Eleri prince is otherwise occupied, and your mother wanted me to satisfy any needs you might have.”
Taryn threw up a little in her mouth. She would definitely have a talk with Lliandra about who should be satisfying what. “As you can see, I’m fine.” He started to shuffle away when Taryn said, “And Herbret? Don’t ever touch my things again. The next time, I won’t be as lenient. Imperial command or no.”
When he’d disappeared between the horses, she slipped a hand into the bag, feeling for the hidden seal. When her fingertips brushed against the soft velvet pouch, she let out a sigh of relief. It was going to be a long ride to meet King Stephan.
Chapter 32
RHOANE crouched behind the royal tents, his legs cramping with the effort. Each night they camped, he roamed the darkness, looking for answers. Taryn’s final words before they left Talaith had stung. Sabina had found him their first night on the road, and swore upon Julieta’s honor she said nothing to the empress, reiterating she was with Taryn the entire night.
Until Taryn’s arrival, he’d managed to avoid court gossip, but each day brought forth new challenges and rumors.
He stretched up, catching the scent of body odor masked with floral oils. A few paces from where he hid, a lithe figure moved quietly past the tents. Intrigued, he followed.
The figure reached a wooded area behind their camp and disappeared into the foliage. No good ever came of surprising someone in tight, densely packed quarters, so Rhoane stayed hidden under a tree, resting his foot upon the trunk, his back pressed into the wood.
After three-quarters of a bell, the figure emerged from the trees. A branch snagged her hood, revealing Celia’s pale face.
His blood sped through his veins with his quickened pulse. When the figure approached, he straightened from where he’d slouched and said quietly, “Out for a midnight stroll, Lady Celia?”
At the sound of his voice, she squeaked and pulled her cloak tight around her neck. “Your Highness! You frightened me.” The cloak slipped off her face and she glared at him. “Are you following me?”
“No, but I do find it curious that you are roaming the campsite without an escort, dressed in a heavy cloak in the midst of summer.”
She tossed her hair and looked haughtily at him. “There is no law against it. I can do what I wish. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must see to my mistress’s comfort before she retires.”
“Yes, of course. Would you like me to accompany you?”
“I can find my way.” Another toss of hair followed by a wicked smile. “But if you’re asking for my company, then I would be honored.” An undercurrent of meaning rested in her words.
She started for the camp, and he moved in step beside her. Faint blue markings marred her otherwise pretty skin. “Taryn tells me the two of you have become close.” It was a bold lie, but something was not right with Celia.
“Quite. She is dependent upon me for so many things. I help with her research, you know.”
“Indeed. You are an asset to her work.”
“Not just that, but in all facets of her life. I know every intimate detail.”
Warning flares lit in his mind. “You must be honored. To gain her trust is not easy.”
“You should know.” Celia snorted.
“Celia,” Rhoane held her arm and stopped, “is there something you are not telling me? Something I should know?”
“Isn’t it obvious? She doesn’t love you. Why, just this evening I saw her with one of the soldiers behind the tents. Her appetite for pleasure is immense, like her mother’s.” Fully caught up in her story, Celia continued in a rush, her face shining with excitement. “There are times I’ve had to sneak courtiers into her rooms through the secret passageways. The cries I hear from her bedchamber, you’d not believe. Forget about her, Your Highness. Find someone worthy of you.” She patted his cheek with false sympathy.
“I thank you for the warning.” They continued on as Rhoane sorted through her lies. If Taryn had met a soldier that evening, he would’ve known. When they reached Marissa’s tent, Rhoane thanked Celia for her information. “You have spared me much heartache this night.”
“I just want what’s right for you.”
“Your concern touches me. Do you still have the notes Taryn sent to me, or have you destroyed them?”
A flicker of guilt cut across her face before she pulled a look of offense over her features. “I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about. Thank you for escorting me. Good night, Prince Rhoane.”
She slipped into Marissa’s tent, and he heard her rustling around for several minutes before she grew quiet. He checked on Taryn’s tent and listened to her gentle breathing through the rough fabric for a long time before returning to his own cot for a fitful night’s sleep.
The next few nights he watched for any sign that Celia might again sneak away, but each evening after dinner, she and Marissa would remain in their quarters. Taryn kept close to Sabina and the younger
princesses, riding by their carriage during the day or sometimes hanging back to ride with the soldiers. He doubted Celia’s word but asked Baehlon to ride with the guard all the same. If anything inappropriate was going on between Taryn and a soldier, he’d hear about it.
A few days before they were to arrive in Paderau, Rhoane sat with Baehlon and Janeira, apart from the others, a small fire crackling against the night. A few bold men stared at her with an open invitation in their eyes, but she ignored them. She had exchanged her court attire for leather trousers and a tight-fitting vest, which did as much, if not more, to inflame the Fadair.
“I tell you, there is no merit to Celia’s accusation. I’ve spoken with dozens of men and women, most of whom respect Taryn and want no harm caused to her or you.” The bells in Baehlon’s braids chimed softly with his movements.
“There is something not right about that girl, though.” Janeira stated. “I sense in her much disarray and darkness.” Janeira didn’t mean Taryn.
“I as well.” Rhoane poked a stick into the fire, churning embers. “I should speak with Taryn. Sort out the lies Celia has told.”
Janeira placed a hand on his arm, surprising him. “Leave her for the moment. I am near certain nothing happened in Talaith, but I will not know for sure until we reach Paderau. Let her stay unbalanced where you are concerned. Either she will do something to prove the rumors true, or she will do nothing and prove them false. Her anger can be mollified later. If someone is casting suspicion upon theDarennsai, it is better to learn who than to protect her feelings.”
Rhoane looked across the camp to where Taryn sat with her sisters. The furtive glances she gave him were getting fewer. Anger and hurt simmered beneath the calm exterior she showed the world, and he was the cause of those emotions.
“That is a dangerous game you are playing, Janeira,” Baehlon said. “Taryn is not like you or these other women. She deserves an apology, and to hear it from Rhoane.”
“Why does he need to apologize? He has done nothing wrong.” A flush spread from Janeira’s exposed cleavage to her neck.
Baehlon shook his head, his eyes resting on her face, far above her breasts.
It was Rhoane who answered. “That is where you are wrong, my kinswoman. I have wronged Taryn in a grievous manner. When she presented information to me, I demanded proof, but when information was brought to me about her, I asked for none. I am as guilty as the rest of these courtiers.” He rose, tossing the stick in the fire. “I cannot let her suffer my silence a moment longer.”
“You must, Rhoane.” Janeira stood to face him. “Say nothing to her until we reach Paderau. Whatever is happening here is beyond you and theDarennsai.”
Rhoane studied her features, looked beyond the glint of anger in her eyes. “Until Paderau, then. But not a moment longer.”
Baehlon cleared his throat, “I’ll talk to Fae, have her keep an eye on Taryn and give her a word or two of encouragement where Rhoane is concerned. You keep skulking around and terrifying everyone.” He grinned at Janeira. “And I’ll keep my ears open to anything that might be useful. I don’t agree with Janeira that you should avoid Taryn, Rhoane, but I’ve not been lucky in romance, so what do I know?”
Rhoane and Janeira resumed their seats, she with arms crossed over her chest, he with serious doubts.
“For the record, my informants have found nothing to incriminate your betrothed,” Janeira offered after the conversation stalled. “If my instincts are proved correct in Paderau, I will tell King Stephan Taryn is worthy of you.”
Shocked by her admission, Rhoane hid a smile. “Thank you, Janeira. That is high praise, indeed.”
“She is not Fadair.” Janeira reached into her vest and pulled out a cream envelope. Taryn’s elaborate scrawl spelled out his name. “You, on the other hand, are an ass.”
Rhoane took the envelope from her, anger burning in his belly. “You stole the notes?”
“Not me,” Janeira said, offended. “That twit the crown princess favors. I found them in her belongings. I only took one to not cause alarm.”
He tucked the note in his tunic for later reading. “When did you find them?”
“This afternoon. You do not want to know what other treasures she keeps in her locked box.”
Rhoane glared across the camp to where Celia lounged with Marissa, her laughter tinkling above the din. He owed Taryn much more than an apology.
Chapter 33
THE trip to Paderau was uneventful in a welcome way. She and Rhoane kept a respectful distance, each wary of the other but neither meeting a glance or speaking to the other. It made for a difficult journey emotionally, and by the time they approached the city gates, Taryn was ready to be out of the saddle and away from Janeira’s constant scrutiny.
The large group moved through the city and finally made their way to the palace proper, where Hayden and the duke were waiting for them. Before Taryn could greet either one, Sabina almost ran her over. Hayden smiled at Taryn over Sabina’s head, mouthing the words,I’ll find you later. Taryn nodded and moved on to give a warm greeting to the duke.
After the hellos were said, Taryn was shown to a different set of rooms than those she’d been given on her previous visit. She heard giggling from the bedchamber, and Taryn went in to find Mayla and Lorilee unpacking her bags. When they saw her, both girls squealed as they raced to give her a low curtsey before hugging her.
“Girls, please, you’re going to crush me,” she said, wrapping her arms around them. “I’ve missed you.”
“We’re just so excited, miss. I mean, Your Highness. Why didn’t you tell us?” Mayla asked.
“Honestly, I didn’t know. I was taken from court when I was only a baby, and Brandt raised me without any knowledge of who I was.” They had a dozen more questions, and Taryn did her best to answer. Finally, she held up a hand for silence. “I could really use one of your special baths. You know, with the scented water and oils.”
They were, as ever, her chatty maids, telling her the gossip and news about Paderau.
Lorilee was combing out her hair and asked, “Miss, have you colored your hair?”
“It was a gift from Nadra.” It was the only way she could explain that stardust had given her silver highlights.
“I like it. Your hair is longer, as well.”
“You have a good memory. Is there any way I could take you two with me to Talaith?” Taryn asked in all sincerity. It was refreshing to have people around who enjoyed her company. Especially when they knew her before her title and accepted her without a thought of recompense.
Once dressed, Taryn left the maids and headed to the kitchens. As she expected, Carga was in the center of the room, shouting orders while simultaneously whisking a bowl of egg whites and tasting from a pot. Taryn stood in the shadows for several minutes watching the woman work. When there was a lull in activity, Taryn stepped from her hiding place to greet her friend.
“I’ve missed you, Carga.”
“I can see they are not feeding you at Talaith. You are skin and bones, girl.” She made up a plate of cheese and bread for Taryn. “Eat this while we talk.” She poured two cups of grhom before sitting beside her. Like Mayla and Lorilee, she took Taryn’s rise in station with equanimity, as if she’d never thought of her as anything but a friend.
“I’ve been dying for a cup of grhom. Thank you.” Taryn took a sip of the steaming liquid, eyeing Carga over the rim. “I suppose you’ve heard about what happened in Talaith. About my supposed evil deeds with an unnamed man?”
“News travels fast, especially scandal.”
“Did you also hear that Rhoane’s kinswoman was there that night and probably thinks I’m a total slut or something. As if.” Taryn snorted.
Carga’s lip quirked up in a grin, “Who is she?”
“A gorgeous creature named Janeira.” Taryn waited for Carga’s expression to confirm her suspicions about the cook. When a flicker of alarm crossed her face, Taryn said, “You’re Eleri, aren’t you?” I
f she weren’t Eleri, she’d have no idea who Janeira was. Her short hair meant she wassheanna within her race. In addition to her research about the prophecies, Taryn had been learning all she could about the elusive people.
Carga glanced around the kitchen, making certain she couldn’t be overheard. “No one here knows this.”
“Does the duke know?”
“Yes, but none other. You will keep my secret, yes?” Taryn nodded. “Thank you. About your dilemma—Janeira is one of King Stephan’s greatest warriors. If you embarrassed Rhoane, she will take it personally and not forgive the slight easily.”
“I got that impression. She and Rhoane have barely spoken to me since that night. I need your help. How can I get in her good graces, and more important, how can I impress King Stephan?”
Carga absently shredded a piece of bread. “King Stephan will simply look into your heart to know the measure of you. Janeira—now, that is going to be more difficult. But she is a soldier. If she sees you training like you mean it and that you have the respect of the other soldiers, that might help soften her feelings toward you. One thing is certain, though, Taryn of House Galendrin, you need her support. If what the trees are whispering is true, you will need as many allies as you can get.”
“The trees talk to you?”
“Of course. If you listen, they will tell you some amazing things.”
“Can I come here again tomorrow to get Eleri lessons from you? Anything at all you can give me that might help.” Taryn stood, taking a last sip of her drink. “I could drink your grhom all day, every day.”
“You honor me, Princess. Come by tomorrow morning. I will tell you what I can.”
“You’re the best. Thanks.”
She left the kitchens more confident than she’d been in several weeks and headed outside for some fresh air. She strolled along the river’s edge, her mind drifting far from Paderau.
“I’d be willing to wager what your thoughts are right about now.”
The Stones of Kaldaar (Song of the Swords Book 1) Page 30
