“I have a girl—an apprentice of sorts—who comes each morning to tidy the shop and check in on me. Though she has precious little to do these days. I’m not taking on any new commissions until after I’ve delivered.”
I nod. “And your family? Are they close by?”
“My parents passed on several years ago, as did Uther’s.”
“I’m sorry.”
She looks down at her stomach. “It will be nice to be more than just the two of us around here. Gods willing, the delivery will be an easy one.”
Gods willing.
The few births I attended in the past had been many things—easyleast among them. I try to keep the worry from my voice as I inquire about the city’s midwives.
“There are several who live within a half day’s ride,” she assures me. “All quite skilled. And then there’s the Life Guild—the city’s healers—if things go truly awry. I’ll be in good hands when the time comes. I just…I don’t want Uther to miss the birth. We tried for so many years to conceive, but the gods did not see fit to bless us until this year.” Her eyes grow a bit misty as her hands stroke her stomach. “In many ways, this child is our miracle. And should he or she be ouronlymiracle, my husband should be here to witness it.”
“I’m sure he’ll be back in time.”
She forces a smile through her gathering emotions. “Och! Look at me, sappy as a maple tree. You’ll have to trust me when Isay I’m usually made of sterner stuff. These days, I cry at the drop of a hat.”
“There’s no need to apologize, Carys. It’s quite common for expectant mothers to grow emotional as the delivery approaches.”
“Of course, you’d know of such things. Uther said you are an accomplished healer.”
“I have some skill.”
“Justsome? I saw Farley’s splint when he hobbled over for a visit the other day. You did a fine job. Thanks to you, he’ll walk without a limp. Even ride again someday. He didn’t stop singing your praises until Pendefyre threatened to rebreak his legs.” She giggles. “It made for much more interesting conversation than their usual talk of weaponry and war tactics.”
My brows arch. “Do they often meet in your shop?”
“Not in the shop, but above it. Uther and I live in the apartments upstairs. The prince’s closest advisers often wind up sitting round my table through the wee hours, discussing the ins and outs of soldiering. Though, in recent days, you’ve been a more frequent topic of conversation.”
“Me?”
“Oh, yes. You have a burgeoning fan club among the Ember Guild. They’re all exceedingly fond of you.” She pauses. “Well, not Gower, but I wouldn’t take that personally. He’s not fond of anyone. And you’re likely to get the worst of it, seeing as he’s been ordered to stay behind and watch over you.”
This is news. “He has?”
“On direct orders from the prince himself.”
“I’ve seen no sign of him.”
“Mmm. Keeps to the shadows, that one. Always skulking about like a vampyre.” Pausing, Carys arches one slender black brow at me. “Surely you did not think the prince would leave you here completely unattended?”
I had, in fact. “A girl can hope.”
“Don’t look so sour. He cares about you.” Her lips curl in a playful smile. “Though I can’t say how much, since it’s Gower he left behind to watch over your welfare. Miserable fellow. I’ve known him for years, never seen him crack so much as a smile.”
“I’m glad it’s not just me who makes his eyes shoot daggers.”
“Not at all. He rarely fraternizes with the other guild members, so it shouldn’t be difficult to avoid him. Next time they all crowd into my kitchen, you’ll come along. You can keep me company while they prattle on.”
“I doubt Penn will allow that. If he had his way, I’d spend the rest of my life locked in the palace.” My eyes narrow. “Which is totally hypocritical, seeing as he himself spends as little time there as physically possible.”
“He’s never been one for court. He and his sister do not get on well. They are very different in temperament—and in their priorities for the kingdom. The prince, for instance, has always taken a special interest in his subjects, whether they are here in the capital or on the farthest reaches of the plateau. Whereas the queen, throughout the course of her exceedingly long reign, usually cannot be bothered to peel her eyes away from her vanity mirror long enough to help anyone. There are few who will miss her when she finally vacates the throne.” She grins suddenly. “King Pendefyrehas a lovely ring to it, don’t you think?”
I start. I have not allowed myself to properly consider the fact that Penn will one day rule the entire kingdom. Another weight on his shoulders, another responsibility to bear. It is a wonder his knees do not buckle beneath the strain of it all.
“What is it?” Carys asks softly. “You look distressed.”