Free The Singer's Crown by Elaine Isaak Page B

the floor beside the others. Then Sulin gave him a sharp glance, especially glaring at the princess’s badge he wore. He mouthed the appropriate prayer as he tied the cord and placed the bundle aside before picking up another. Thomas was at the far end of the bunch, learning the prayer from a maid. Sulin finished her bundles and left for the funeral ground. Several others soon followed, each bearing seven bundles. Thomas went along with them, casting a regretful glance at Kattanan, who found himself alone with the body.
    He had just picked up his sixth cord when he heard footsteps approaching and jumped up as Sir pounded into the chapel and stopped short. “What are you doing here? I would have you gone from my sight!”
    Kattanan stepped back, holding the branches before him as a shield. “I came in Mourning, Sir. No harm was meant.”
    â€œYou are not fit to tie branches for the baron, you piping swallow.” He crossed in four long strides. Kattanan slipped aside and was backed into the corner, the badge of the princess revealed against his hip. “So you would try to hide behind her.” Sir wrapped a strong hand around the singer’s arm and hauled him up.
    â€œGoddess protect me in this Your house!” Kattanan whispered, and Sir squeezed harder but did not strike him, glancing around as if he had just realized where he was.
    He growled, still hesitating, then flung the singer to the floor. “Finish your branches and get out.” The squire flung himself into a pew, his stony back to Kattanan.
    His final prayers were rushed, and his fingers numb as he tied the last bundles. Hurriedly, the singer gathered up his bundles, then paused, hearing another approaching. He glanced to the door, then thought the better of it, and scrambled under the slab table behind the red funerary cloth, taking the branches with him. His every breath was thunder in his ears, his heartbeat an earthquake as he crouched there. These new footsteps were still heavy, but not with anger as the squire’s had been, and the newcomer barred the door behind him.
    â€œSo you are here at last, to watch the ruin of your plans! I should never have listened to you!” Sir sprang up and approached him, but was stilled by some gesture.
    â€œAre we alone?” the new voice said, chillingly familiar.
    â€œThe canary was here, but he’s gone, and in a hurry. He’s ruined everything.”
    â€œCalm down, Montgomery. I have no idea what you’re on about.” The voice was both deep and commanding, used to complete obedience. Earl Orie. There was a creaking sound as he sat down. “I was to be gone already, and shall have some explaining if I am found here.”
    â€œI made the request, as you advised.” Sir’s voice was still edged with fury, and he paced as he spoke. “It was over supper, and she sent the singer to bear her message. The prince returned that he’d think about it. I gave her every compliment; she is a pretty girl—”
    â€œThat is none of your concern,” Orie cut in, with low menace.
    â€œHe sent a servant to tell me no! That it was better I stay on at Umberlundt in this troubled time. So what of all your fine plans?”
    â€œMy only plan remains to win the heart of the princess, and I am well on that road, whatever becomes of your ambitions. I might have already succeeded if not for you.”
    â€œIt’s not my fault the baron kept him out the night before. I never had a chance to try anything, or believe me I would have done. Anyway, that doesn’t matter now.” His pacing steps suddenly turned and came straight for the table. The well-polished boots filled Kattanan’s vision. “A dead man won’t turn that lady’s head, or any other.” He slapped his palms against the table. “But now I’m stuck out in nowhere for Goddess knows how long! I ache to be rid of that place.”
    â€œBefore you will