More silence. It was not replete with disapproval, and Kaylin realized, with surprise, that Ynpharion actually agreed with her. And was powerless to change anything.
I’m telling her brother.
No. Do not.There was a hint of plea in the words, which must have been costly. Kaylin accepted them. Ynpharion was never going to like her, but he was the bridge between Kaylin and the Consort, and he understood the Barrani Court—High or low—far better than Kaylin was ever likely to understand it.
She stopped talking to Ynpharion when her familiar bit her ear. She glared at him, but became aware of a widening circle of silence. Bellusdeo had raised a brow in her direction, but had done nothing else to catch her attention.
Lirienne was amused.Lord Barian has asked you if you wish to request the hospitality of the Hallionne.
Damn it.When?
Perhaps a minute ago.
Kaylin, red-faced, bowed to Lord Barian, mostly to hide her expression. She composed it as she rose. “My apologies, Lord Barian. We did not intend to travel to the West March, and we were not prepared for the journey; I am a little fatigued.”
Lord Barian’s smile was perfect, genial; his eyes, however, remained blue.
“If it is acceptable to the Hallionne, I request his hospitality for both myself and my companions.”
“And your companions are?”
“Lord Bellusdeo of the Imperial Dragon Court, my familiar, and Terrano of...Terrano.”
“Terrano may speak with the Hallionne on his own behalf; he has been guest here before.”
Kaylin, however, did not retract the request. “I’m aware that Terrano is not considered a friend of the Barrani High Court at the moment. But heisa friend of Annarion and Mandoran’s, and they currently live with me.” Clearing her throat, she added, “I consider them family.”
“You have claimed them askyuthen?”
Kaylin nodded. “And Terrano is their brother.”
“He would not be considered kin among his own people.”
“I’m not even sure who ‘his own people’ are. Other than the people he lived with while in captivity in the Hallionne. But Annarion and Mandoran would make that claim themselves, if they were here. I’m pretty sure they’d die defending him. And they aren’t here to make the request.” She flushed as she realized she’d dropped into Elantran, and repeated the phrase in High Barrani, which took longer.
Terrano was staring at her. His eyes were natural in appearance, except for their color, which was brown. “I will ask the Hallionne about me,” he told her. “Let me be responsible for my own mess.”
“What mess?”
“You pointed out that I’m not what I was. I don’t always recognize what I’m doing. No—I know what I’m doing, but I don’t always see how it affects the rest of you. I don’t want you to be responsible for my mistakes.” At Kaylin’s expression, he exhaled noisily. “Just let me speak for myself.”
Lord Barian waited until he was certain Kaylin had nothing else to say, and then he turned toward the large arches that led away from the courtyard in which they were all standing. “Lord Kaylin, if you will make your request of the Hallionne, make it in peace. No harm will come to your companions until Alsanis makes his decision.”
He led Kaylin toward the arches. Terrano followed. Bellusdeo and the Lord of the West March remained behind.
I know you hate Dragons, she told the man who had publicly claimed her as kin,but please, please, please keep her safe.
* * *
The arch led not to the interior of the Hallionne, but to a cloister of smaller arches that bounded an interior garden with a fountain as its centerpiece. Standing by that fountain was a man she did not recognize until he turned to greet her. His eyes were all of black.
“Hallionne Alsanis?” she asked.
His smile was both deep and warm. “Lord Kaylin.” He bowed. “I did not expect to see you again so soon.”
She relaxed in his presence and allowed herself to think of the events that had brought her here. It was easier by far than speaking about them, and she felt no need to pretend that he couldn’t hear what she was thinking.
“You did not intend to bring a Dragon to the West March. I see. She is kin to you, as are Annarion and Mandoran.” His expression was openly troubled as he turned to Terrano. “You understand the burden you place upon Lord Kaylin.”