Ersal coughed.
Verice and Warna were in the doorway, Ricard standing just behind looking appalled.
To Narthing’s horror, there was a slight flush on Warna’s cheeks, but Lord Verice’s face was set in stone. They must have heard—
“M’lord,” Dominic said. “I am pleased to be able to say that Captain Narthing can be released from our care once he’s had a successful bowel movement. Possibly as soon as tomorrow morning.”
Narthing covered his eyes as Ersal turned slightly purple with what had to be suppressed laughter.
“That’s good to know,” Verice said.
“Healers.” Warna looked a little strained, but she chuckled. “I understand Evie saw to you, Narthing.”
“She did,” Narthing smiled. “She said she was just supplementing Dominic’s fine work but I think it helped.”
“I would point out,” Dominic was looking down his nose. “That the Lady High Priestess is gifted by the Lord of Light. Any endowment of her power is to be treasured, honored, and respected.”
“Oh yes.” Narthing managed a straight face. “Especially if it improves bowel function.”
Dominic curled his lip.
Lord Verice gave a slight cough. “This is excellent news. Captain Narthing, once you are free of this place, move back into your old chambers. The constable will see to it that my gear is moved back into my old room.” Verice paused. “In the keep.”
“M’lord.” Narthing nodded his head to acknowledge the command.
“Seneschal Ersal,” Lord Verice glanced at Warna. “Our troth is fairly common knowledge at this point. I would make it official unto my people. No ceremony, however, so as to honor her period of mourning.”
Ersal beamed. “I would be honored to send out word, m’lord.”
Verice continued. “Lady Warna is in charge of the planning for the Festival.”
Narthing felt his throat close; so many bloody memories.
Lord Verice must have caught his thought. “I trust her to get us through this.” He and Warna exchanged a long glance.
Narthing nodded.
“She’ll need assistance sending invitations and organizing events. See to it, Ersal.”
Ersal rose to his feet and bowed. “Of course, m’lord.”
“My thanks.” Lord Verice turned and gestured Warna out the door. But just in the doorway, he looked over his shoulder. “Priest Dominic,” he said.
“M’lord,” Dominic bowed.
“The Church of Palins has informed me that you are to be assigned to Edenrich on a permanent basis. When the summons comes to you, you have our leave to depart without any ceremony.” His voice was hard. “They will make full use of your particular skills there, I am certain.”
Dominic opened his mouth in surprise, but Lord Verice was already gone.
Chapter Fifty-Three
“He’s right, you know,” Warna said.
A scowl passed over Verice’s face as they crossed the courtyard side-by-side.
“I am not a noble,” Warna continued, taking a deep breath as she tried to match his angry pace. “Father was a spice merchant and Mother was—”
“Dominic is an arrogant bastard,” Verice growled. He glanced at her, and then slowed to a walk. “Edenrich and the church are welcome to him.”
