Free 9780981988238 by Leona Wisoker Page A

hadn't faded; he watched her with a fond, if exhausted, expression. “You're a relative unknown, where those more seasoned diplomats already have reputations and enemies among the desert Families. You also have no taint of having been under Ninnic's service, which in itself will ease tempers along the way.”

“I can't be the only one like that,” she said, hoping her expression didn't betray the sinking feeling in her stomach. He'd carefully ignored the unsubtle prompt. “And I'm certainly not the most diplomatic envoy you have to hand.”

“You're the only one I trust,” he told her. “Young, yes, but you're sharp, and you've proven your loyalty beyond any question. This position requires a tremendous amount of trust. Diplomacy you can learn. And a rough edge can be a help, sometimes, with the desert lords.”

She frowned at him. “Most girls my age are married already, with a child on their hip.”

“You've often said that idea bores you to screaming,” he countered. “Has that changed? I could find you a good husband within a day.”

“No,” she said. “It still bores me.” She grinned at him, finding her resentment suddenly sloughing off like water over hard ground. She'd been a fool to hope anything had changed. “All right, I'll do it.”

“Thank you,” he said. “Now, I need some sleep. We'll meet here again an hour after tomorrow's dinner ends.”
     
     
    By the end of the next day, rumor had already flown round the palace: Pieas Sessin had departed without a word in the middle of the night.

“It's true,” Eredion said, his face dark with anger when presented with the question that evening after dinner. Alyea had arrived moments before the desert lord. “He's taken his horse, and those of his belongings that travel comfortably. I did not give him leave to go.”

“Where is he headed?” the king asked, his own expression hard.

“I don't know,” Eredion said. “I can't believe he'd be so foolish as to make his way back to the desert. I've sent a messenger-bird to Water's End, and to Sessin Family Fortress, warning them to hold him against my return if he shows up there.”

Oruen rubbed at his eyes briefly. “You must have some guess as to where he would go.”

“You likely have the same guess,” Eredion said. “The Stone Islands, to hunt Scratha.”

The king seemed unsurprised by the thought, and not particularly worried.

“Yes,” he said. “I've sent word to the dock captains already to watch for him, and messenger-birds to the coastal villages nearby. If Pieas tries to catch passage on a ship to the Stone Islands, we may not be able to stop him, but we'll know about it within a day.”

Eredion turned to Alyea. “I offer my apologies, and offer my services as some compensation. If you need anything, now or any day in the future, call on me. I'll do what I can to help.”

“Thank you,” she said, startled. “That's a generous offer.”

He displayed another brief, intense smile. “I know. I'm counting on you not to abuse it.”

“I won't,” she said, at the same time Oruen said: “She won't, Eredion.”

They all laughed, the tension easing, and leaned back in their chairs.

“Let's have some wine,” Oruen suggested. “I'd like to hear your thoughts, Eredion, on the posting I'm proposing to give to Alyea. You have experience she lacks, and she's doubtless interested in your advice.”

“She won't take advantage, maybe,” Eredion said wryly, “but you're transparent, Lord Oruen.”

“The desert Families keep themselves very private,” Oruen said with a shrug. “Do you blame me for being curious?”

“No,” Eredion said. “Not really. A good king should take every chance to learn about his people and allies, and I think you're the first good king this palace has seen for far too long.”

“Thank you,” Oruen said, sounding deeply flattered. “More wine?”

“Now you're trying to get me drunk so I'll spill Family secrets,” Eredion laughed,