‘I think my noble intentions are clear since Alice stands next to me and no harm has come to her.’
Alice gasped then. Softly. But she didn’t move. She was brave. And Hugh’s faith in her strength blinded him to her vulnerability.
He brought the blade forward and lowered it to throw it under-arm. Just in case.
Eldric chuckled. ‘Not very knightly of you to allow a maiden to be your shield.’
‘You as well, then,’ Alice said with steel in her voice he had never heard before.
Not now; don’t let her guess everything now.
‘Eldric, leave,’ Hugh growled.
‘Not a chance. Not now that we can finally get to the point.’ Eldric swept further into the room and Hugh watched Alice move behind him, her eyes scanning the room. No doubt for a weapon.
It was the casualness of Eldric’s words that punctuated through Hugh’s anger, diffused the haze of desire that had burned through him from Alice’s love and confession.
Eldric was too casual...too knowing. ‘You comprehend now, don’t you, why I’m here?’
Hugh knew it was only Alice’s presence in the room that kept his knife still. His secret was known. Lives were in danger. Not only his own, but families, entire clans. ‘How much does Edward know?’
Eldric crossed his arms across his chest, and leaned his shoulder against the wall. ‘Not mincing words in front of her, then? Either you’re planning on killing me, or she is with that comb.’
Alice didn’t drop said comb, but she came close. She looked mutinous, ready to throw it despite the lack of surprise she’d no doubt been depending on.
‘Look at me, Hugh.’ Eldric shifted his crossed arms. ‘I couldn’t attack fast enough for any harm to come about and you know it.’
‘How is it you know?’ Hugh said, though he had already guessed. Eldric had been too careful with his words and actions since his arrival.
‘Because I’m like you.’
‘Another spy. Who isn’t?’ Alice blurted.
Eldric’s lips quirked. ‘It’s not something I acknowledge in front of strangers, but apparently, it’s information Hugh freely hands out.’
‘Edward sent you here,’ Hugh said. It was not a question, but he had to know with certainty how deep this went.
‘Long before your arrival. Or his summoning of her.’
Alice did drop the comb then.
Eldric cracked a smile. ‘You aren’t any good at this you know.’ Then he nodded his head. ‘And you, rushing headlong to defend her. As if you could protect her when your very presence is the cause of—’
‘Enough!’ Hugh growled. ‘We’ll have thisconversation, since you insist, but we’ll do it elsewhere.’
‘No, you won’t,’ Alice said. She’d moved towards the door again; looked as if she intended to bar their departure. ‘You won’t be leaving this room until I know what is going on.’
Eldric’s low whistle did nothing to ease Hugh’s riotous feelings. Elation at being with Alice, at her bravery in the face of Eldric. Her understanding that he and Eldric were spies.
Eldric’s presence here was either a bluff or meant he knew Hugh had the Seal, though there was a possibility he didn’t know about Robert. Eldric definitely knew about his involvement with Alice, and that meant the King could too. She was in danger. If only he could protect her from it.
‘How many spies does a king need?’
‘How vast is Edward’s greed and desire for power?’ Eldric replied.
Vast—so vast. Hugh wondered if, given enough time, he’d take over the world.
‘Explain it to me,’ Alice said.
