“I don’t think the boy meant treason,” Laisha said. “From what I heard, Nordain goaded him.”
“If he can be goaded one way, can he be goaded another? The Sunedrion is looking for any show of weakness in you. Show them your steel, Laisha, and they will uphold your right to rule this people. But if they think your heart is made of glass, they will insist you marry and let another…”
They came around the corner and saw Thealos at the rim of the fountain, arms folded, staring at them.
She was even more beautiful than he remembered.
Thealos dropped to one knee and bowed his head. “My lady of Avisahn, I must speak with you. I bring word from the Shoreland of a threat to us…”
That was all he could say before the Crimson Wolfsmen had him. They came out of nowhere, rushing so fast that he stammered on the last words before the weight of several bodies crushed the air from his lungs. His arms were yanked back, his hair tugged to expose his throat and he felt the sharp edge of a Silvan blade press against the tender skin. Earth magic thundered in the air and the ground itself seemed to open and inhale him, fusing his body into the paving stones. He could not move or breathe and for a moment, he thought they would kill him. The cloak! Jaerod’s cloak!
Something struck the back of his head and Thealos saw nothing but blackness.
*
“Rouse him, please.”
A tingle of Earth magic and the pain subsided in Thealos’ skull. He blinked and opened his eyes slowly, pain throbbing through his body. A blanket and pallet cushioned him and he pushed himself up for the second time that day and turned his head to get a look at his surroundings.
A quaere of Crimson Wolfsmen were in the room, weapons ready and standing at each corner. There looked to be another detachment in the hall outside. The room itself had dark wainscoting and no curtains, for there were no windows. Other than the pallet, a large chest was the only furnishing.
A tall Shae crouched in front of Thealos with kind blue eyes. He had reddish blond hair that was fading and dusted with gray, trimmed short along with a matching goatee. Dull freckles colored his face and hands, giving him an aged look. From Thealos’ guess, he was thirty to forty Silvan years. His tunic was green but was covered by a ceremonial stole that glittered with silver thread and was studded with stones. It was a chancellor’s stole.
“You are Thealos Quickfellow.” His voice was soft and fine, like long threads of silk.
“I am. You are Chancellor Abtalion.”
A smile turned the ends of the chancellor’s mouth. “I would normally apologize if a guest was pummeled and subdued by the Princess’s personal guard, but your appearance in her private gardens took us…a bit by surprise. When I first glanced at you, I thought you were a Sleepwalker come to abduct her.”
“Then I deserve my bruises for frightening her. Is she well?”
The chancellor’s blue eyes gave away nothing. “How did you come to be on the palace grounds, Thealos?”
Thealos felt a smile quirk his mouth. “I needed to speak to the Princess.”
“You didn’t answer my question.”
“I know. You didn’t answer mine either.”
“You are a barter’s son. There’s no mistaking that.” He rose and started to walk away, but stopped and looked back. “I think she was a little startled, but she wasn’t frightened. Our morning walks do not normally get interrupted like that. What did you come here for?”
“I told you, Chancellor. I need to speak with her.”
“Regarding the charge of treason that Elder Nordain has leveled against you?”
“No. You may have been too startled to have heard me earlier. I come with news from the Shoreland.” He swallowed. “I must speak with her.”
Abtalion stroked the edges of his goatee. “Why don’t you tell me first?”
“I don’t know you.”
He smirked. “You know her so well? A little presumptuous, don’t you think?” The soft way he spoke did not make it feel like a barb.
“Presumption is a lesser crime than treason. Which she does not truly believe I’ve committed. My presence startles you because I was supposed to be delivered at Moonwell this morning.”
“That is more than I know. The Council Elders did not want her majesty’s High Council involved in this until after you had been condemned by the Sunedrion. You have a clever hand for politics by turning yourself in to her custody. By whatever means you managed it.”
“When can I speak with her?”
The chancellor folded his hands in front. “You don’t understand all the context here. Talking to you is dangerous for her. That is why I am here. I will relay your words to her Majesty. If you cooperate with us…”
Thealos stood. He noticed that Abtalion did not flinch, but the four Wolfsmen had each taken a step forward, ready to tackle him again. “We don’t have time for games, Chancellor. There is not enough time. I must speak with her.”
Abtalion met Thealos’ gaze. “Speak with me first.”