The Death Dealer - The Complete Series
Page 87
“Ah, your words are like a brotherly embrace.” She supposed this was still better than outright hate.
“Sir Tristan Mullery of Escion,” the herald called from within the grand hall. Given Robert’s diminished status, Tristan’s heredity was left off of his introduction. He was being allowed to forge a new future for the Mullery line, free of his father’s transgression.
The door to the hall was opened and Tristan stepped out to be presented to Drake. When the doors closed behind him, Grace resumed her wait in silence. The knight and his lady went next. Grace wrung her hands together nervously. It was her first time at court since being exiled, and as she stood in the antechamber, she reverted back to the young woman who was looked on as a plain, northern bumpkin.
“Grace Hilren, formerly of Arganis, daughter of Lord Daniel and Lady Deidre Hilren,” the herald shouted.
Grace passed through the doors and out into the great hall. A red carpet led from the door to the raised dais Drake sat at. Calvin, George, and Deidre stood along the side of the carpet, their noble status awarding them a decent view. Grace knew Cassandra, Donald, Jack, Thom, Kay, and Ridley stood watching as best they could. She stood straight with her head high. She was not the same girl who had come to court before.
She strode down the carpet, taking small, measured steps as the master of ceremonies had instructed her. After every five steps, she bowed to Drake’s throne.
He sat in his finery, the owl of his house displayed on all the banners and on the livery of his servants. Grace stopped before the dais and dropped to one knee. Drake’s robes rustled as he stood and descended the dais to stand before her.
“The people need a champion,” he began. “They need someone who stands unwavering before the storm and seeks justice for all. Someone trustworthy, loyal, and brave. For her service as the Death Dealer and to the crown, Grace Hilren is hereby awarded title of King’s Protector of the Common Folk.” Drake’s sword gently touched her right shoulder first, then her left. “Rise, Lady Protector.”
Her family and the Duke and Duchess of Actis clapped. The applause was polite as fit their station, but the common folk who stood in the back of the crowd cheered loudly. Grace let a smile play on her lips as she bowed to the people, letting their goodwill wash over her.
Epilogue
“Here I thought I could sneak off,” Ridley said when Grace met her at the docks. “Kay promised not to say anything.”
“She thought I needed to know that you were planning to sneak off in the night. I wish you were staying for the wedding. It is only two days away.” Grace hugged Ridley tightly, not wanting her to board Kay's new ship and sail away.
Ridley broke the hug, but allowed Grace to keep her hands on her shoulders. “The Guild has been disbanded,” Ridley started. “Nathaniel is the new Lane magistrate. Kay is leaving the city finally, and no one has heard from Thom in months. I am a homeless orphan, and I would rather take my chances with Kay on the sea than to be alone here.”
“You are not alone. You are always welcome with me.”
“While you start a new life with Jack? Ha!” Ridley laughed mirthlessly. “I don't want to be anyone's problem.”
Grace released Ridley so she could wipe away her tears. She didn't even bother with a handkerchief, she just used the back of her hand. Ridley laughed at the undignified display.
“You are the Lady Protector now, anyhow. You will be too busy being the king's justice all over the kingdom. There is no room for me in that world.”
“You were my first friend here, Ridley. I cannot imagine my life without you.” She hugged her again. “But I understand.” And she did. She had spent plenty of time trying to decide where it was she belonged, and she couldn’t begrudge Ridley going out to find her place now that the Guild was gone. “Come see me when you can. I have already lost Donald to Nareroc and Thom to who-knows-where. My old life is all but gone.”
“You have Jack,” Ridley said.
“You are just as important.”
“Take care, Grace. I will see you again, don't you worry.”
Grace kissed Ridley's cheek and let her board the ship. She walked away, heading to her little house in Serenity's Place without looking back. Jack was waiting for her with tea and new papers from the king. Even with her wedding days away, there was no peace from her duties.
Author’s Note
I want to thank everyone who helped in making Grace’s story possible.
My mom: For birthing me, encouraging me, and acting as the first set of eyes for Grace’s story.
My dad: Who, like my mom, just let me be me, even if that kid was a bit weird and for taking me to the Parthenon in Nashville and telling me this must be what Diggery’s Temple is like.
Cathy Enright: Who is the best friend in this or any world and who I owe so much to.
My Siblings Ben and Jennifer: Who didn’t beat me up too much when we were kids.
Katie Bailey: For reading early drafts and providing insight and occasionally fanart that help in keeping me motivated.
Brittany Voss: Who shipped and fangirled harder than anyone else and who laughs at all the bawdy exchanges.
Amy Walsh: Whose enthusiastic texts and calls recounting what she’d just read of Grace’s story meant more to me than I could ever put into words.
Stacy Sanford: The editor extraordinaire who made me laugh, offered helpful tips, and was all around a pretty spectacular person to work with.
Skylar Faith: Whose talented gave a face to Grace and who managed to take my vague parameters and make stunning cover art.
And for all of the people who supported me in a million ways over the ten years I worked on the Death Dealer Series: Erin Richardson, Elizabeth Zwicky, Dave Earll, Lauren Hollister, Tori Ochoa, Denise Smith Richardson, Diane Enright, Nicole Sonneveld, Jennifer VanDeCarr, Dennis Berent, the Morin clan, Jayne and Bill Walsh, and all the readers who took the time to read and review. I couldn’t have done it without all of you.
About the author:
Raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Katie Roman has been many things. Student, band geek, dog sitter, history major, and consummate tea drinker, but above all things she has been a writer.
Visit her at www.katieromanbooks.com.
Also by Katie Roman
Mere Mortal
Rage and Ruin
Fearless as the Dawn