That night, we attended a large, informal dinner in the great hall of the castle. There were tables everywhere laden with food and drink. Everyone milled around, sitting when and where they chose and walking when they chose.
The king sat at a table up on a pedestal, but he didn’t stand on ceremony tonight, and occasionally spoke to people standing in front of the table—while he ate—before turning to someone sitting on his left or right.
Jarrod and Rolf both seemed more comfortable with this arrangement than with a formal dinner where all eyes seemed to be upon them and they were expected to contribute to a single discussion.
I was just about to sit down when I looked across the hall and saw my parents enter. My mother was tall and imperious as always, my father alert. Both were dressed impeccably.
Upon seeing me, they came straight for us. Mother didn’t bother kissing my cheek.
“Megan,” she said, with a nod.
An unwanted flash of anger rose inside me. She had absolutely no idea what kind of life she’d sent me to. Nor did she care. She’d not written me a single letter to ask how I fared or if I was happy.
For all she knew, Rolf could have beaten me with a riding crop every night.
“Mother,” I responded.
My father looked to Jarrod. “So, you wish to throw Rolf’s name in for the open seat on the council? Rather poor taste as one of your other sons ran a dagger through Monvílle’s throat, don’t you think?”
So, he knew the whole story. Normally, though, he wasn’t so openly cutting—more subtle. His manner suggested he was a good deal more bothered by Jarrod’s threat to expose him than he’d sounded in that letter he sent.
“My dear,” Mother said with a hint of warning. “Lord Jarrod, please accept our condolences on the death of Kai. I enjoyed his company during your visit.”
Jarrod’s tight expression flickered. “Thank you.” His eyes locked on my father. “I’d like to speak to you alone tomorrow. Perhaps before lunch?”
I could see the resentment under the skin of my father’s face, but Jarrod had him over more than one barrel, and he couldn’t afford to offer offense.
“A walk in the courtyard?” Father suggested.
“Fine.”
At that, my father took my mother’s arm. “Forgive us. We have so many people to greet.”
They walked away.
“Puffed-up snob,” Jarrod said quietly. “You wouldn’t know he’d borrowed the money for those clothes on his back.”
I couldn’t argue.
Rolf stayed late in the hall after dinner to speak with some of the men, but I made my excuses and went to our room. Miriam had just slipped a white nightgown over my head when a single knock sounded and Jarrod walked in. He didn’t seem remotely abashed by my state of undress. I grabbed a silk robe off the bed and donned it.
He glanced at Miriam. “Out.”
This brought a flash of alarm. Jarrod had never sought me out in a private bedroom before. But what could I do?
“It’s all right, Miriam. Please excuse us.”
After a moment’s hesitation, she slipped out. He followed her with his eyes.
“Pretty girl, that. I never noticed before.”
“How can I help you?”
His attention swung back to me. “You can drop the haughty act for one. We’re here on business, and tomorrow, you’ll get to work.”
“Doing what?”
“Dredging up dirt. Rolf needs at least six votes, and so far, we’ve only got three for certain.”
“You’ve already managed to secure three?”
I was surprised. There were normally twelve noblemen on the council, and all of them were much like my father, of the oldest blood. With Allemond Monvílle gone, that left eleven men, so Rolf would have to garner at least six votes to carry the open seat. No one of Rolf’s low status had ever come close to attaining a seat.
He nodded. “I’ve got your father in my pocket, and I’ll drive that home tomorrow. We can count on him. I’ve also got Lords Paquet and Sauvage cornered.”
“How?”
“Never you mind. You’re not the only one who knows how to learn secrets. But we’ve got their votes. That leaves three more, and the council convenes in five days. That’s not much time.”
“What is it you wish me to do?”
I had a sinking feeling I already knew.
He laughed without humor, and his eyes moved up and down my silk robe. I wished Rolf would come in.
“Do? You’re not a fool, girl. You know exactly what to do. Start reading men on the council and find something we can use.”
What he was asking was not as easy as he made it sound.
“I can only do one deep reading a day,” I reminded him.
“I know that, so you’d better choose right. Start with Lord Moreau. I’d wager next year’s taxes he’s as corrupt as they come.”
“And if I do find some dirty little secret he won’t want exposed?”
“Bring it to me. I’ll do the rest.”
Well, that was a relief. For a moment, I thought he might ask me to handle the blackmail. Now that I had my instructions, I only wanted him to leave.
Channeling my mother, I drew myself up. “Of course. Now if you’ll excuse me, it has been a long day.” I hoped to sound withering.
It didn’t work.
Instead, he closed the distance between us and grabbed my wrist again, jerking me up against him. His grip was painful.
“Don’t try that on me, girl, or I’ll leave a few bruises where they won’t show. And if you can’t get me something I can use in the next five days, you’ll find out what else I can do. You understand me?”
I was afraid of him. I didn’t want to be, but I was.
“Yes.”
He let go and started for the door. “Get started tomorrow.”
The next four days were some of the worst in my life. In addition to fearing Jarrod, I genuinely wanted to help Rolf. I was ever mindful of what Sebastian had shown and told me, but I believed I could both support my husband and temper some of his baser drives.
As instructed, on the first day, I began by seeking out Lord Moreau before dinner. There was a crowd in the great hall, and I drew him off for a goblet of wine. This was easy. He seemed interested in speaking with me, as he was as stunned as everyone else by Rolf putting his name up for Allemond’s seat.
“How many men have requested to be considered?” I asked.
“Four others,” he answered but didn’t offer their names.
“Only four? Hopefully none of them will have any secrets that might prevent their election.”
Although this was an odd thing to say, it produced the desired effect. I focused fully on his thoughts as his mind instantly went to his own secrets.