The Thief's Daughter (Kingfountain #2)

The steward reached them immediately. “We were not expecting you, Lady Mortimer, until tomorrow,” he said in an agitated tone. He gave Owen a quick glance, but then shifted his gaze to Etayne.

“Tomorrow?” Etayne said blithely. “There must have been a misunderstanding. We have traveled quite far to arrive here today. Am I not welcome?”

The steward blanched. “Of course you are, Lady Mortimer!” he said. “I was just noting my surprise at seeing you so soon. My name is Lawson and I will attend you.”

“My name is Elysabeth Victoria Mortimer,” Etayne said sweetly. “Lady Mortimer is my mother.”

“Ah, my apologies. Welcome to the Ardanays!” He smiled, but the furrowed brow and intense look did not alter. He was extremely nervous, and Owen suspected it was not just because he was unprepared to receive visitors.

“If you will follow me,” Lawson said with a stiff bow, and proceeded to walk briskly back to the doors. Etayne glanced at Owen, a small frown of distrust on her mouth.

Owen felt the shifting of the gravel under his boots. He turned to the hired men, who had also dismounted. “Make the carriage ready,” he ordered softly. “Then rove the grounds in case you’re needed.”

The men nodded, and they began guiding the carriage around so it was ready to depart the way it had come.

Owen followed Etayne and Lawson.

The manor was furnished more decadently than Iago Llewellyn’s palace. It was obvious the Earl of Huntley had far more extraneous wealth than his sovereign. There were servants rushing to and fro, looking nervous about the commotion, but Owen saw half a dozen, no more. The manor was much smaller than Tatton Hall and Owen imagined the staff was smaller as well.

“How was the journey from Edonburick?” Lawson asked over his shoulder.

“Pleasant,” Etayne said simply, keeping her answer short and to the point.

The steward steered them to the right, and they were quickly guided to a waxed wood door. He rapped on it firmly and then twisted the handles.

It was a beautiful sitting room, with luxurious furniture and a huge bay window partially blocked by overhanging wisteria. The window curtains were open, filling the room with light. Eyric and Kathryn were already there, waiting for them.

Eyric wore a simple hunting tunic, the collar loose. He was not armed, for which Owen was grateful. He paced nervously, his hair unkempt. When they entered, his attention was fixated on Etayne, but there was nothing in his eyes to indicate he could see through the illusion.

“Lady Elysabeth,” Eyric said with a bow. “May I introduce you to my wife, Lady Kathryn?”

Etayne did a formal curtsy, which was reciprocated by Lady Kathryn, who also bowed her head as if deferring to one of superior rank, even though they were both the daughters of earls.

Kathryn was no longer wearing a headdress. She had a beautiful green gown, modestly cut, and was not wearing any jewelry save for a wedding band on her finger and a simple set of earrings. Her hair, Owen discovered, was chestnut red. Her lack of a headdress was another clue that their arrival had surprised the couple. Her hair was braided into rings on the back of her head, but stray wisps fell across her brow.

Kathryn was a beauty, as the reports had said, but there was no trace of haughtiness in her expression. Her eyes were hazel and innocent, and he knew without extending his power that she had had a very sheltered childhood and life. Her lips were full and almost hinted at sadness. As she looked at her guests, her brows wrinkled just slightly, showing concern.

“The pleasure is mine, Lady Elysabeth,” Kathryn said in a soft, quiet way. “You honor us with your visit.”

“I am sorry for the misunderstanding,” Etayne said airily. “I do not know how it happened, but such things do, I’m afraid.”

“May I bring refreshments?” Lawson asked, looking at Lady Kathryn for direction. Owen noticed the subtle deference.

Kathryn nodded simply, and the steward left, shutting the doors behind him.

“While we are surprised by your sudden arrival,” Kathryn said, “it is not unwelcome. This manor was a wedding gift. From my father. It is our new home.” She smiled shyly at Eyric, who looked at her with adoring eyes. He walked up and took her hand, then brought it up to kiss her knuckles.

“I imagine you came here to threaten me,” Eyric said to Etayne, his face darkening. “If that is your purpose, you wasted your trip.”

Etayne smiled coyly. “Not at all. We have much to discuss, actually. But I’m afraid I must beg a moment alone with Lady Kathryn.” Her voice pitched a little lower. “Along the journey, a most womanly matter suddenly presented itself and caught me by surprise. I must beg your help, Lady Kathryn.”

Owen nearly smirked, but managed to keep his gaze neutral.

Lady Kathryn looked sympathetic. “My poor dear, of course. Come with me.”

Eyric looked at his wife for a moment, but then smiled in understanding. “Clearly certain matters are of greater importance. I’ll await you here, my love.”

Kathryn and Etayne linked arms, their skirts swishing as they went to the door. Kathryn looked back at Eyric, gave him an endearing, tender look, and then escorted Etayne away. As the door shut, Owen could not believe how well his plan was working. Would all the pieces fall where he’d arranged them?

Eyric stared after her for a moment longer, looking absolutely besotted. He sighed and clasped his hands behind his back. He glanced at Owen, though he only saw him as a knight, an escort. No one of importance. Certainly no one worth conversing with.

“My congratulations on your marriage, my lord,” Owen said innocuously.

Eyric started to pace again, the look of love beginning to fade into one of worry. He had a careworn look, the face of one who was hunted and weary of the chase. He was strong, young, and very good-looking. There was no doubt in Owen’s mind that Kathryn was already as much in love with her husband as he was in love with her.

Eyric glanced at him again. “Thank you,” he said absently, his brow furrowing.

Owen slowly sauntered over to the window, looking out at the grounds below. It was a beautiful scene, and the puffy clouds made it even more idyllic. The trees swayed in the gentle breeze. He could smell the wisteria through chinks in the panes. Then he saw one of the men he’d hired walking around the manor, surveying the grounds. The man looked at Owen as he passed, and nodded to him discreetly. Owen smiled and nodded back.

“Do you know what Lady Elysabeth wants?” Eyric asked. “Not that you’ll tell me, being her loyal servant.”

“I’m not her servant,” Owen said, gazing at the beauty of the trees. There were only a few years separating him from Eyric, but Owen felt the other man was much older. Though both had suffered, Eyric’s life experiences had been even more painful.