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“Why, care for them in a safe and protected environment, of course. Just as you are doing now, with your staff.”
“Keeping them within the castle walls isn’t the same as keeping them in cages.”
“I did not suggest cages, Your Highness.” Adley paints his face horrified. He could play a court jester in one of our productions, his acting skill impeccable. “Bartering children is not the most palatable solution, but it is better than seeing them executed. I’ve spoken to several of the other lords and ladies, and they are all in favor of this plan. We could announce it during the next assembly.”
I sigh. I would hate to agree with Adley, but in this case, he may be right, at least about moving up Presenting Day. “I’ll consider your request.”
“It would go a long way to curry favor. There are still those within Islor who are apprehensive about the future direction of—”
“I said I’ll consider it.” I sharpen my tone, enough to tell him not to needle me. Adley’s so good at it.
“Of course, Your Highness. That is all I ask. Until then, I think I will enjoy a lovely morning stroll through the garden.” Adley bows with a flourish and wanders toward the path.
Kazimir’s boots scrape across the sandy ground on his approach. “‘If I may …’” He mocks Adley’s standard line. “What was that about?”
“Besides giving my balls a good fondle while he claws at power?” I relay Adley’s request.
“He wants to claim children now. Why am I not surprised.” Kazimir grimaces. “What will you do?”
I shake my head. “Even now, keepers are locking up their servants of all ages to protect themselves.” And how can I blame them? I’m doing the same. I just have the luxury of a castle and guards.
“Do you believe he had nothing to do with last night’s poisoning?”
“Why would he?” I watch Adley disappear behind a hedge. “Kettling doesn’t benefit if I die before Saoirse sits on the throne.”
“No.” Kazimir scowls after him. “But he’s up to something. I feel it in my bones.”
“That’s what you’re here for, isn’t it? To find out?” I tease, but there’s nothing false in my words. Kazimir is my most trusted advisor. I would have replaced Boaz with him my first day as king, but I need Kazimir free to move about Cirilea, gathering information on traitors and plots, not bogged down by daily duty. “Have you heard from Rhodes?” My other trusted captain who has been tasked to be my eyes and ears within Cirilea, tailing Adley’s allies.
Kazimir nods. “He followed Lord Stoll into the Goat’s Knoll last night.”
“And who was the lord of Hawkrest meeting with?” I ask, but I’m sure I already know the answer.
“The owner of the tavern.”
“Of course.” Bexley deals in information as readily as a fish-monger peddles his daily catch.
“Would you like me to compel details of their conversation from her?”
I chuckle. “You won’t compel her to give you anything she doesn’t want to give, and it’ll cost you far more, believe me.” I’ve relied on Bexley for one thing or another since the first night I slinked into her establishment decades ago, pretending to be another Islorian passing through. Somehow, she knew who I was with one glance. She’s one of my greatest allies and yet likely the most dangerous immortal within Islor, if not beyond our borders. Bexley looks out for Bexley, and she does it well.
“I’ll pay her a visit myself as soon as I’m able.” Behind us, blades clash as several guards move in for their morning practice. “But right now, I need to clear my head.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
GRACEN
“We do not have time for this, do we, little one?” I coo. Suri wriggles within her sling but settles against my chest, content to sleep in her cocoon. I ease the heavy door open. “We have fruitcakes and gingerbreads and compotes to make for a royal wedding. And yet we are searching for your brother. Again.” Mika disappeared an hour ago while I was nursing the baby. I’ve checked all his favorite hiding spots so far, to no avail.
I hold my breath as I slip through the door. Servants aren’t permitted to wander freely about this part of the castle, but the guards are too busy searching for the source of that poison to help hunt for a mortal child. When I approached one to see if we could check the library—they’ve found Mika hiding in here before—he waved me through with a grunt of “Go find the brat yourself.”
But tributaries are allowed by escort, and Sabrina told me the castle library is a marvel. I see now that she was not exaggerating. It seems designed to be part collection of books and part garden. Around the outside are where the bookshelves reside, four floors of them, each with its own staircase. I’ve never seen so many books in my life.
