Symbolic of strength and endurance. The Cyngaleg oak is said to be theoldest tree in the Isles of Mhrydain.
The oak is also the symbol and insignia of the current second heir toKhaim, the unusually named Prince Osian. His bannermen carry a whitestandard, emblazoned with three blue-black oak leaves.
Personal writings of Lowri gan Hywel
TWENTY-NINE
‘How is he?’ Aldreda was polished to a fierce point by purpose, a hunter in every inch of her ashen regalia.
Meilyr held his collars closed, the abashedness at being caught in his sleep-robes fading. ‘Come see for yourself, Majesty.’
Osian was propped up in bed, wearing a grim but determined expression. ‘You have news.’
‘For a start, you’re not nearly as awful-looking as I expected.’ Aldreda stood at the foot of the bed and glanced at Meilyr. ‘Your work, I assume. Thank you.’
Meilyr bowed. ‘His stubbornness as much as any act of mine, Majesty.’
‘I believe you.’ She assessed her brother, a less petrifying task in the subtle forget-me-not colours of dawn. ‘I don’t exactly have news, save Captain Radnor and other members of the court have called for the prince consort’s arrest.’
‘Meilyr had nothing to do with—’
‘I argued you would be dead if he had planned it. It was enough, for now, especially sinceGelensalso refused to condemn him.’
Why would Lord Gelens of all people not accuse Meilyr outright? He knew Osian wondered it too, but Aldreda went on, ‘I am going to flush out the rats that did this. For personal pleasure, if nothing else. I have begun the questioning of every single person, from the cooks to the serving staff, who could even have imagined the contents of your cup. So far, it has proven about as fruitful as our other little court investigation, but I am not finished.’ Her attention returned to Meilyr. ‘You see this as separate?’
‘I do, Majesty. I believe if a sorcerer wanted Prince Osian dead, they would have used sorcery. I can see no reason why they would deviate now.’
Particularly if they had gained access to someone as elevated as Osian.
‘That plant, then. You said it was rare, not something commonly used as a poison?’
‘Not commonly grown or found, even. I only know it because of my work.’
‘There are easier poisons to use?’
‘Very much so, though a poison drawn from fox’s tears would be harder to trace, and harder to cure.’
‘You managed well enough.’
‘A misstep by whoever is behind this,’ Osian said. ‘Meilyr’s work is no secret at court, but his talents…’ He swallowed a cough.
‘You did handle it remarkably.’ It was not suspicion in her but consideration. Recalculation. It made him uneasy. ‘Thank the gods,’ she finished.
‘Do not fall too harshly upon those who likely had nothing to do with this,’ Osian said, drawing her attention away.
‘But someone did, and likely more than one someone. If I have to make them fear me more than they fear theirmasters, so be it. How do you feel, anyway?’
‘Burned from the inside and gutted for good measure,’ Osian said. ‘And ready to press on. The blessing ceremony is days away, and there is still a sorcerer—’
‘Highness Cadogan, what would you advise for your patient?’
Osian wilted in foreseen defeat.
Meilyr told Aldreda, ‘He is past the danger, but his body needs to heal. I would advise continued bed rest, and plenty of cleansing fluids.’
‘You heard your husband. Stay there, and do as you are told. Meilyr Cadogan, I leave him in your capable hands.’
She marched from the room, leaving them behind in the wake ofhusband.