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“I can offer my services. To accompany them, pray for safe passage. And find out why he sends these men to Murwood End.” The implication, that Galfrid does so to garner their support in the upcoming war. But nothing could be further from the truth.
Silvester watches me closely. If he denies my request and takes the information beyond this chamber, we can only hope he does not discover the truth. The Prima believes he’s backing the man who will be the next king of Meria. Indeed, Lord Hinton may have the support of those who blame Galfrid for the disaster that was the Oryan. For allowing his only son and heir to drown along with two hundred of Meria’s best warriors, as if the king would have wished for such a thing to occur.
He clearly believes Hinton will prevail, and now that Galfrid has refused to be blackmailed, Silvester seems content to cut ties with one of the greatest kings this Isle has ever seen. What he does not know is that Galfrid’s bastard son lives. And though his Voyager son has refused to take his rightful place as heir, one final attempt at convincing him to do so might be my greatest mission ever.
Although I would do it as an Elderman, if possible. If the mission fails, if war does come to Meria, I would at least still be positioned to aid the king as Silvester’s man.
“We will need your skill when the fighting begins,” he said.
He will do it. I try not to let my relief show.
“They would sail forthwith. It will take weeks for Hinton to get into position, and I will have returned by then.”
Silvester looks at the door, aware he remains inside the castle of a man he essentially just declared war against.
“Do it,” he says. “But this time, when you return, I’ll expect more than vague notions
Or: I’ll have more than vague notions of your exploits, lest I begin to question your loyalty, Father Aiken.”
“Of course.” I bow in deference to a man I hate. “I will not fail you.”
“You do the work of the church. Remember that.”
As he leaves, I school my expression into indifference as his guards saunter past. Once alone, finally, I let out a breath.
The first move has just been made. The game, begun.
The stakes? The future of Meria.
24
Hilla
“You are well prepared, Princess.”
“Lady,” I correct the maid, realizing Meria has not had a princess in some time. “Although I am a princess, I am simply Lady Hilla,” I explain.
“Lady Hilla. You do look beautiful this eve.”
Indeed. Another day, another gown. This one even lovelier than the first. In my conversation with the king, I’d been completely remiss in thanking him for the first one.
“Many thanks, mistress.”
“Shall I fetch you an escort?”
Even as she speaks, I follow her to the door. “I do believe I know the way to the hall. But I thank you for your kindness.”
As the maid turns right, I make my way left, down the whitewashed corridor, lit with wall torches. And quickly regret declining her offer. Castle d’Almerita is a maze unlike any castle I’ve been in before.
Spying a servant at the end of the corridor, I am about to ask the way to the hall when a sound to my left beckons. I follow it, marveling that the air is still warm even though I am now outside. I look down and gasp.
Although I knew Castle d’Almerita was built on a cliff, I’ve not yet had the opportunity to see its southernmost side. The view is simply breathtaking. Just below, light from torches all along the walls and moonlight from above illuminate the sea below. The bustle inside is so different from the quiet peace that can be found here. As waves crash against the rock wall beneath me, I am too mesmerized to move. Some say Meria was bewitched by the original Garra who broke the Isle. I say, seeing this, it is merely blessed. Besides, she did not break the Isle into two. Aye, Lady Edina received a love potion that made King Onry fall in love with her, setting the course for their son to leave, but a long series of choices are to blame for the rift, not a single action. As an Easterner, I’ve a great respect for those who fought to make Edingham the kingdom it is today.
But nay, I do not believe Meria is cursed.
“Hilla?”
How did he find me here?
