Sharp amusement rekindled her expression. ‘You are saying I should know, rather than you?’
‘I would not be so bold, Majesty.’
‘Oh, I think you might be, if I pushed you a little more. Luckily, I find boldness quite attractive, at least in closed quarters. I do see why he likes you…’
Meilyr said nothing, pulse loud in his ears.
Her smile changed. ‘You look surprised.’
‘I beg your pardon, Majesty?’
‘You looked surprised as I said that. Tell me, how was it, being snatched out of the fold? Unexpected?’
Meilyr breathed the edge out of his prodded nerves. He had to play the damned part. ‘Unexpected, yes. But I am thankful for the chance Prince Osian has given me.’
‘And would you say that optimism is shared by the rest of the Denelands?’
‘I cannot speak for them.’
‘No, but evidently someone does not feel the same as you.’
‘Regardless,’ Meilyr said carefully, ‘Khaimlic rule is what we have. Your laws, and your presence – it is what we know, and we cannot change it.’
‘And do you feel the same way about my brother?’
‘No, Prince Osian is…’ He hesitated, caught in her gaze like an iron trap. He had to make her believe it, had to speak a little truth into the act. ‘He is earnest, and honest. I made the choice to pledge my life to him, and it is a choice I do not regret. He is… far more gentle than I could have imagined.’
Unbidden heat flowered in his cheeks, at his throat.
The glint in Aldreda’s eyes sharpened, a little surprised. ‘My, that is an expression. He certainly has made a find with you, Meilyr Cadogan. Very well. Unless there’s something you are dying to lay at my feet, you are free to go.’
TWENTY-THREE
And for poor Blodeuwedd, no release, or ease.
Always the taste of iron and flowers on her tongue,
Always the bitter tang of being made for a purpose she neverchose.
Only with Gronw did her petals unwind.
Only with him did her mouth finally know
sweetness and peace.
The Red Book,
translated by Idwal gan Hywel
TWENTY-THREE
Ache and worry clung to Meilyr as the night drew in. As it drew closer to the time he and Osian had agreed upon.
The Marches called for his head, and who could blame them? He was such an obvious suspect, it was laughable. And then there was what Aldreda had said.
Do you miss it terribly?
As though anything was that simple.