‘If you are about to say Denelander sorcerers can spring out of the ground like bloody daffodils, then it had better be the last time I ever hear it because, gods, if Father…’ She grimaced. ‘I know he wants the coronation at any cost, but he also wants the same as Wystan and Radnor. You know that.’
The coronation. Was that part of why Lord Leighton’s killing was to be declared a hunting accident?
‘Also,’ Aldreda said, ‘please stop standing there like a damn knight, you’re making my head ache. Get yourself a drink.’ Her eyes fell on Meilyr. ‘And I suppose it’s time. Highness Meilyr Cadogan, did you kill Lord Leighton?’
‘Aldreda.’
‘I told you I would ask him, so I’m asking. Meilyr Cadogan, did you kill him?’
Panic nearly held his tongue. ‘No – no, Your Majesty, I swear it.’
She looked hard into his eyes, and he could not look away.
After ragged heartbeats, she sighed. ‘Last night I asked my brother if there was a chance, any chance, that you could have killed Lord Leighton. None of us are blind – he deserved his hands removed for what happened on the hunt. But Osian swore you cannot be involved, which won’t be enough for many but is enough for me for now. You are, however, the member of court most recently in touch with the Deneland populace. You know these lands, their stories. What do you think happened?’
Meilyr had to glance at Osian. The prince had yet again vouched for him, no doubt for his own gain, but – he had seemed different in the tent after Lord Leighton’s death. Softer. Closer.
Perhaps it had only been Meilyr’s shaken imagination.
He set it aside to answer the Heir Apparent. ‘It happened so fast,’ he began. ‘I have no idea, whatsoever, who could have killed him. But I do believe from the stories that it was almost certainly… Deneland sorcery that was used.’
‘We know that. What else?’
His bruised nerves shivered. ‘You asked what I think, Your Majesty. Forgive me, but I know little more than you.’
She huffed a slightly surprised laugh. ‘I do like his spine, brother. Try not to break it.’
‘If that is all for now.’ Osian gestured for Meilyr to follow.
‘Osian.’
The prince halted on the way to the door.
There was a grim warning note in her voice. ‘Not everyone is convinced, and you cannot be everywhere at once.’ She glanced at Meilyr.
Osian led them out, flanked by his knights through the keep, into the Eagle Tower. Up to his rooms.
‘Pedr, a moment.’
Ser Pedr stepped inside, and on Osian’s nod, closed the door.
Osian dropped his voice. ‘Pedr, you have given nothing but impeccable service in all the years I have known you. I trust you with my life. Now, I task you with safeguarding the life of my consort. Do not leave his side, do not allow him to come to harm, regardless of the source. Consider all you have sworn to me as passed to him. Attend him as fiercely as you have and would myself. Is that understood?’
‘Yes, Majesty.’ There was a flicker of surprise in their eyes, but no hesitation.
‘Thank you. Watch the door until my return.’ He turned to Meilyr and kissed his knuckles. ‘Wait here.’ He marched away, Ser Pedr with him, and the door closed firmly behind them both.
A ceremonial feast was held in Lord Leighton’s honour: a far lesssubdued affair than expected, though it began solemnly enough. A prayer,a toast.
There were eyes on Meilyr as there had not been before. Looks from more than just those present at the hunt. He somehow doubted theaccidentwas believed as widely as the court had hoped.
If only he could recede into the floor. Into the earth, back to the apothecary, where Celyn had been safely spirited. Away from all this.
At least the rest of the events for the coronation were to continue as planned. If they had been postponed indefinitely, he was not sure what he would have done. Though, it was strange; he had expected more of a reaction – more of his worst fears answered.
He knew first hand how the Crown responded to sorcery-sign. Was it merely the lack of a definitive suspect that stayed their hand?
As the night descended into clamorous songs and drinking, he caught Lady Faina’s eye. She still appeared dazed but attempted a nervous smile and a small wave.