“One cannot pass the test of the Lake with that mindset; it is why most fail. The Consort, the Lady, must be above political machinations where the future of our people is concerned.”
“People oft believe what they want to believe,” Teela replied. “And it is possible that one of the three families has chosen to believe that their daughter will pass the test and unseatyou—which would be necessary if you cannot wake the children.”
Kaylin didn’t get up from her chair. “One more question,” she said, facing the Consort. “Can you still communicate with your namebound? Or is it like the Lake?”
The Consort exhaled. “It is like the Lake. I can—as must be clear to you—communicate with my namebound, but it is becoming more difficult; their voices, while clear, are far quieter. Have you reason to ask that question?”
“I can’t reach Nightshade the way I used to. Whatever was done to you, over a period of time, appears to have been done instantly to him.”
The Consort rose, forcing Kaylin to do the same. Her eyes were dark, dark blue. “My brother’s reign has been as stable as a new reign could be expected to be—but this will harm him, possibly irreparably. Find answers, Lord Kaylin. Find them quickly. Much rides upon a solution.”
To Teela, she said, “I do not wish to involve you in politics that are not your concern. You are already entangled in Mellarionne’s issues. If your information sources are solid, you will no doubt unearth information about the families involved in recent testing. The Lake does not, as you must be aware, forbid it. In my absence, in my unexpected death, someone must remain to carry on the duties I have undertaken.
“In the past, those with political ambitions were not accepted by the Lake.”
“And now?”
“I believe there is one child who personally lacks much ambition. I have seen her only a handful of times, always at a distance; she is timid, but she has the protection of a line that was once very significant. As Sedarias does, the new lord—the lord who succeeded the man who wielded power—is attempting to hold on to what he has taken.
“But that has ever been the challenge of our kin, has it not?The bold and the reckless often fail to take into account the future that lies in wait beyond their moments of triumph. Many could conquer who could not hold the seats they gained.”
Kaylin frowned.Ynpharion.
I am listening.
Why didn’t you warn me?
I was forbidden. What the Consort shares, she chooses. But now you know. And she would share this with you because you can accomplish what she cannot. If it is necessary, you would be willing to do so secretly to aid and support my Lady.
Kaylin didn’t argue. It was true. While she had her issues with certain members of the Halls of Law who were quick to take credit for other people’s work, this was entirely different. She didn’twantto be the Lady of the Lake. She didn’t really want to be a Lord of the High Court, either. If the Consort could not wake the infants, Kaylin could—and she was desperately willing to let the Consort take all credit.
“Which woman, and which family?” Teela’s words brought her back to the conversation at hand.
“Yvonne, a young woman from the West March. She was born to a branch family of Sennarin, and An’Sennarin has formally adopted her as she is without direct kin. I would have said she could not survive in the High Halls, but An’Sennarin has, thus far, managed to protect her.” The Consort hesitated, and then added, “In that, he has the aid of An’Tellarus. If An’Sennarin has acknowledged Yvonne as immediate kin, Yvonne nonetheless serves An’Tellarus as personal attendant. I believe it has caused some friction between Sennarin and Tellarus.”
Kaylin didn’t recognize either of the names the Consort spoke.
Teela clearly did.
But that wasn’t the strange part.Severndid. He said nothing; no hint of recognition crossed his expression. But they sharedher name. She knew. She could feel it—and it had to be strong for that to happen. Severn was good at keeping his thoughts to himself unless she reached out for them.
His thoughts were a steel trap; no words escaped. But his surprise—perhaps shock—could be felt as tremors.
She wanted to reach out. She wanted to say something. But she’d never been good at saying the right thing when it really mattered. Severn chose to keep words to himself. Kaylin couldn’t force words out.
“It is Tellarus that concerns you,” Teela said—a statement, not a question.
The Consort nodded regardless. “An’Teela—the girl is not dangerous in and of herself. In other circumstances, I would be fond of her.”
“But if she is bound to Tellarus, that is an entirely different story.”
The Consort did not reply. Instead she turned to Kaylin. “I hope to hear word from the Chosen as soon as possible. But you may have to petition for an appointment in person; I cannot guarantee that I can reach you through my usual avenues of communication.”
Ynpharion flinched.
Kaylin now understood why he had been uneasy. The Lady was the lord he had chosen, the lord he desired to serve with the entirety of his being. He had offered the Lady his name willingly, had made himself far more vulnerable to her commands than any Barrani of sound mind might have done. Perhaps, had the situation not been so critical, he wouldn’t have made that choice.
But he wasproudof that choice.