“That’s—” Warna stopped, not sure she wanted to say the words out loud.
“Aye,” the man gave her a sardonic look. “They cart it up, we warm it here, and then serve it out. Never mind if there’s a change in plans, or the number fed, or aught gets spilled or spoiled.
“I see,” Warna said slowly. “That means there are no stores of supplies here, either, doesn’t it?”
The cook shot her a satisfied look. “You know housekeeping, eh? I think you do understand, m’lady.”
The clatter of boots pulled their attention to the door, as Verice walked in. The rest of his men continued on to the courtyard.
The cook hustled back to his duties as Verice strode over.
“The reports are worse than first thought. I need to go now. It can’t wait until morning.”
“How bad is it?” Warna asked, as memories arose of burning buildings, and fleeing her home.
“Bad enough,” Verice said grimly. “I need to see for myself.” He hesitated. “The constable told me he’d reassigned that loft room.”
“To two men, if you can believe. But it’s not his fault, Verice, he couldn’t know that—”
“Agreed,” Verice held up a hand to stem her flow of words. “I told him to put you in my chambers for the night. He’s seeing to fresh bedding, then the room is yours. We’ll see to other arrangements when I return, probably after the nooning.”
“Safe travels, Verice,” Warna said
“My thanks,” Verice said, and then he hesitated, staring down at her. He reached out a gloved hand, and stroked her cheek. “Sleep well,” he said abruptly, then turned and left the room.
She watched him go with a sigh, and a swift prayer to the Lord and Lady for his safety. Then she took a sip of kav, and turned back to the cook. “Tell me more about the castle kitchens.”
It was early when she finally retired to Verice’s chamber. She’d eaten with the men, after she’d watched the cooks carrying in large kettles and roasted haunches from carts outside. Then she’d walked around the keep again, noting the buildings along the way, and paying closer attention to their purposes.
She’d kept her distance from the keep.
After all that, she was well and truly ready for sleep, yawning as she mounted the stairs. There was a guard at Verice’s door, but he saluted her through, and closed the door behind her.
The outer room was much the same, with maps strewn over the table and weapons on the walls. But what drew her was the large bed, heaped with pillows and blankets. It looked wonderful.
She used the basin and pitcher for a quick wash, and then stripped off her clothes, and pulled on her sleep shirt. She threw back the blankets and crawled in, enjoying the welcoming softness. It was warm enough, she’d only really need one blanket and she curled up, hugging one of the pillows.
Warna let out a slow breath, feeling her body relaxing. She had a plan. Not much of one, but it was her own, and it was her decision, and it felt good. It wasn’t all that dramatic, or even very exciting, but she was satisfied. She yawned as she closed her eyes.
Of course, Verice might not agree…
She smiled even as she drifted off to sleep.
Chapter Seventeen
“Good riddance,” Wolfe muttered as he snapped the portal shut behind Charrin.
Kalynn narrowed her eyes at him. “You practically shoved him through,” she scolded.
“After the headaches I had to go through to open a portal in the Royal gardens?” Wolfe snorted. “Permissions for this and authorizations for that and scribes to the Under-assistant of the Herald to the King?” Wolfe flapped his hands in frustration. “Bah. I should have opened the portal during their stupid Ceremony of the Bedchamber. Dumped Charrin on the heaps of blankets and linens and been done with it.”
“And be barred from the Elven Royal Court for life, no doubt.” Kalynn shook her head.
“Look at me,” Wolfe waggled his bushy white eyebrows at her. “So devastated. So heartbroken. Crushed by the very idea.”
Kalynn rolled her eyes. “Now that he’s gone, we need to consider supplies. Have you checked the flying tack? It’s been a while since we used those saddles. Although if we could portal—”
“First, come to the workroom,” Wolfe took her hand and pulled her toward the stairs.
