Orval went still, afraid to look at her.
“You won’t have time to pursue your studies as you serve your King.” Satia’s voice was silk over stone. “It would be devastating if it were to be lost. A lifetime of work.”
Amari’s gaze met his. Orval wet his lips but found the strength to stay silent.
“For the purpose of preservation, your papers and books will be stored in the Royal Library. Eventually, once the collection is catalogued and copied, we will send the originals to you. In the meanwhile, trust in the knowledge that your work will be waiting for you, safe and secure.”
Xyrath laughed again. “You’ll have the lands under control in no time, mark my words. You’ll have the mines working and stone flowing soon. Send me a hunk of white marble as quick as you can, eh? Enough for a life-sized statue, yes?” Xyrath gave a wave of dismissal. “A safe journey to you, cousin.” Xyrath lifted his head, looking over Orval’s shoulder. “Ah, Master Sculptor! How good to see you!
Orval couldn’t speak, couldn’t bring himself to thank the King and Queen. He turned and stumbled, feet tangled in both robe and carpet.
At his side in an instant, Amari somehow managed to subtly take his train in hand, easing the drag as he walked.
“Make way,” their escort cried out as they approached the hall. “Make way for the Lord High Baron and Lady High Baroness of the Black Hills.”
Their walk through the halls, once again following the courtier, was silent, neither willing to speak where so many might hear. The crowd, however, was filled with whispers and knowing looks.
Captain Ussin was waiting at the carriage. “Get in,” he said gruffly. “We’ll get you back.” He barely waited until they had climbed in before he shoved the trailing end of Orval’s cloak in behind him and got in himself, sitting on the opposite bench.
Amari fussed with the cloaks, pulling the heavy velvet over them and getting it up off the floor of the carriage. Underneath the mass of fabric and fur, she reached for Orval’s hand and held it tight. Realizing the chain of her cloak was pressing on her throat, Orval reached with his free hand and undid the clasp.
Amari rubbed her throat, then released his own chain before putting her head on his shoulder with a sigh.
“Rest while ya can,” Ussin muttered. “Long journey tomorrow.” Never once did he look Orval in the eye.
The carriage rattled up to their home and Orval climbed out first, leaving his cloak behind and offering his hand to Amari. She stepped out, looking so weary it made his heart ache.
“I’ll see to the cloaks,” Ussin said, grabbing Amari’s as it slipped from her shoulders.
They climbed the stairs, Amari taking the lead.
The kitchen was empty. Gone, all gone—tables, chairs, crockery, pots, pans. All gone.
Bondmaiden Nora stood in the center of the room holding a lantern. She curtsied deeply as they stared. “Lord High Baron. Lady High Baroness.”
A thin wail came from the bedroom. Amari rushed past Nora; Orval followed as quickly as he could.
Light spilled in from the privy. Winter stood by the bed, the only piece of furniture left in the room. The babes’ baskets sat on the bed, a tiny hand waving over the side of one.
“She never touched them,” Winter whispered, pale as Orval had ever seen her. “The soldiers swarmed in after you left and swept everything into sacks and crates. She threatened—”
Nora walked into the room.
“Lara just started to fuss,” Winter finished.
Amari was busy checking the children, making soothing noises. “Help me, if you would,” she said to Winter. “I need to nurse them.”
“We need to leave them to get their rest, Madam Winter.” Nora made it a command. Winter shot a glance at Orval, then nodded and headed to the doorway.
“We have left what you will need for tonight and tomorrow morning in the privy,” Nora said cooly. “You will need to wake early and dress warmly for your journey. Breakfast will be provided and the rest of your things will be packed and loaded in the morning.” She held out the lantern to Orval.
He took it quickly, fumbling with the handle.
Nora paused in the doorway. “The Queen wants to make sure that you are not disturbed tonight, so soldiers have been posted within and without for your protection.” She curtsied. “Sleep well,” she said and swept away, herding Winter before her.
Amari opened her mouth but Orval held up his hand. “Let me help you into a nursing gown,” he said.
She closed her mouth and nodded.
