Free The Whisperer by Fiona McIntosh Page B

are coming riding tomorrow, aren’t you?’
    ‘I shall be around,’ Pilo replied. ‘Sleep well, my Prince.’ He glanced down at Dragon, giving him a stern look and it seemed the dog understood precisely what was required of him.
    The banquet was over, formal farewells had been dealt with and the musicians and performers were packing up at the end of the Great Hall. Miralda had excused herself, leaving the two royal brothers to sip a nightcap by the glowing embers of the fire. Two of Rodin’s dogs were at the hearth; his guards close enough in the chamber to intimidate any visitors but not near enough to hear the conversation between the King and Duke.
    No-one could hear them. No-one except Pilo, who had only been prepared to leave the sleeping Prince because he trustedRodin’s most feared mastiff to set up a terrible noise should it hear anything unfamiliar or untoward. Dragon was a fierce guard dog and, for some reason Pilo could never fathom, was just as happy to take commands from him as he was from his real master. Pilo had never taken advantage of this until tonight, but the mastiff had dutifully come when he called, trailed him to the Prince’s suite and, even more amazingly, remained where he had been quietly ordered to stay. It bought Pilo the time he wanted to steal downstairs and eavesdrop on the royal brothers. This was not something he felt happy about doing, but for all the Queen’s deep distress over Lute’s vulnerability where the Duke was concerned, the King seemed equally comfortable. Pilo needed to see for himself and the best way to catch the Duke in an unguarded moment was to spy on him.
    ‘Thank you for today, Rodin,’ said Janko, wearily raising a goblet.
    Rodin smiled. ‘Don’t mention it, brother. Truly, I wish I could show our appreciation for your heroism more keenly. You know there’s to be a statue sculpted in your honour—are you up to posing for it?’
    ‘Of course,’ Janko said, waving a hand as though it was of no importance.
    ‘What are your plans? Do you want to return to your estate in the country for a while? It’s been years since you’ve been home to Longley—although you know you’re welcome to stay in the palace as long as you like.’
    Janko pursed his lips momentarily. ‘You know, perhaps it’s best I go to Longley. I don’t think Miralda likes me being here.’
    ‘Nonsense!’ Rodin dismissed Janko’s theory but from his tone it was clear to Pilo that the King was not so sure. Rodin shook his head as though baffled. ‘Miralda’s just not one for a lot of pomp and ceremony and dressing up. You know her, happier on a horse than in a gown. We haven’t held a banquet such as this in years—she was probably anxious that it should all go off well.’
    Janko smiled indulgently. ‘That’s kind of you but I think I make her nervous. She watches me a lot, have you noticed?’
    ‘You always were the good-looking one,’ Rodin said, feigning indignance and draining his wine.
    At this Janko snorted. ‘I don’t think you should ever worry on that score, brother.’
    ‘No, I know,’ Rodin said and sighed, rubbing his eyes. ‘So, what did you think of Lute? He’s growing up into a fine young man, we think.’
    ‘He’s got poise—far more than I recall.’
    ‘It’s been several years. I should hope so.’
    ‘No, it’s not just his age. He’s gained confidence, stature.’
    ‘Well, he’s growing into his role. Lo willing, he won’t need to sit my crown on his head for a few years yet but he’s getting very good counselling from the team of trainers and advisors we have around him. He will make a good King one day—make us all proud, I’m sure.’
    ‘Indeed,’ Janko said. ‘That manservant of his sticks close.’
    ‘Pilo?’
    ‘Is that his name?’ Janko said innocently. ‘What’s his actual role?’
    Pilo leaned forwards from behind the enormous velvet drapes that concealed him. He needed to hear clearly why the Duke was so interested in the