‘How are you finding the gardens?’ Demelza was stunning in pale gold and white, the colours of her king. Her flowing hair was dressed with jewels befitting a queen, a ruby resting at her pale throat, catching the light as finely as the water.
‘A breath of fresh air,’ Meilyr replied, meaning it.
‘Aren’t they just. Deryn dear, have you shown him the fountains?’
Deryn curtsied deeply. ‘Yes, Highness.’
‘Excellent. Shall we walk together? Were you heading for the folly?’
‘Yes, Highness.’
‘Perfect.’ She took Meilyr warmly by the arm, and Faina glided to his other side. ‘We were discussing what a shame it will be when the blossoms fall.’
‘My Lady.’ Faina laughed. ‘That was before.’ She tucked towards Meilyr, conspiratorially. ‘We were actually discussing how we cannot quite believe His Majesty has chosen a consort, and how thankful we are that you are both good to look at and not at all witless.’
‘Faina,’ Demelza warned affectionately. ‘Private ears.’
‘Oh, none of that, he deserves to know! I for one am immensely relieved His Majesty could make his own choice, but only you understand how awful it must be to be thrown into’ – she gestured expansively – ‘all this. It must be boggling, and I don’t intend to leave him to the wolves, especially those arriving tonight.’
Demelza’s eyes betrayed amusement. ‘I suppose you are right, dear. Highness Cadogan, our offer from last night still stands. Please ask, should you need anything, including counsel. Lady Faina, although more… informal than your average member of court, is correct. I do remember my first days as consort. I was estranged from my family and all I had known, but soon realised I was not alone, as I hope you will find as well.’
Meilyr could not find the words to respond.
Demelza squeezed his arm and spoke more quietly. ‘All waves meet the shore and dissipate. Whatever is murmured will wash into silence before long. Pay them as little heed as you can and protect yourself.’
‘The court is always ripe with gossip,’ Faina agreed. ‘Someone is bound to do something heinously outrageous, and then you’ll be part of the furniture, like the rest of us. Actually, take us as example: I’m the bastard whelp of a Marcher Lord’s daughter and a Cyngaleg stableboy, if you’d believe. My mother took one look at my father and decided,Oh yes, I do so love the smell of horses.And here I am, cast aside the titles for the titles of books.’
‘Faina,’ Demelza admonished mildly.
‘My point is, some people lost their senses when Prince Osian named me Keeper of Books, even though I know books better than anyone. I thought I’d never get over all the glances, the snide comments – then that thing with Lord Cawkwell and the pig happened, and no one batted an eyelid that I was Keeper of Books. Sometimes, I wonder if I miss the attention.’
Demelza struggled to suppress a grin. ‘I could answer that for you.’
‘Oh, My Lady, do not. My point is, Highness Cadogan, this will feel overwhelming, but not forever. The court is a fickle monster, but remember that anyone foolish enough to question His Majesty’s choice will be on a fast horse to a short noose, if you—’
‘Highness Demelza, forgive my interruption.’
It was Lord Leighton, the Earl of March who had made Meilyr so uncomfortable the night before. Though he addressed Highness Demelza, his gaze shifted to Meilyr, a self-assured lift to his lips.
‘Lord Leighton.’ Demelza dipped a short bow, moving Meilyr with her. ‘How good to see you.’
‘And you, My Lady. Lady Faina.’ His bow was deep and smooth. ‘Highness Cadogan, it is good to see you again.’
Meilyr lowered his head. ‘Lord Leighton.’
‘You have the entire court shaken up. Highness Demelza, did you have any more inkling than the rest of us what His Majesty was up to?’
Oh,gods.
Highness Demelza’s expression was beatific. ‘Though I was a little surprised, I cannot say I was not expecting something. His Majesty has been rather personally distracted of late, would you not say? I had hoped he had found someone, and I could not be happier with the result.’ She gave Meilyr’s arm another squeeze, as though they were old confidants. She meant it, and it stunned him.
That was clearly not what Lord Leighton had expected either, but he recovered well enough. ‘A joyous thing for us all, then. Though I am sure there are those who will be disappointed in equal measure.’
There was a self-serving tilt to his mouth, renewing Meilyr’s nausea.
‘Well,’ Demelza said, ‘you and I will soon be required at Council, Lord Leighton. Might I escort you?’
‘I would be honoured.’ The lord bowed, and Demelza gave Meilyr’s arm one final steady before she relieved them of Lord Leighton’s presence.