Page 105 of Disillusioned (A Lay of Ruinous Reign #2)

Her mother’s face reddened further as Agnes let out a high-pitched giggle. “Hold your tongue and have some decorum for once.”

Although Garin said nothing beside her—she didn’t know what his expression was because she wouldn’t dare look at him—she felt a violent jolt of adrenaline, so strong it made her nauseous.

His displeasure . Lilac dug her nails into his arm. The sensation passed as quickly as it came on, but she felt her face blanch.

“You’re not coming down with an illness, too, Your Majesty?” Kemble leaned against the railing looking down on them.

“No,” she snapped. “I’m not.”

“Wait.” Helena fidgeted with the frills on her day gown and glanced down at their hands. “So, you two aren’t at odds with each other?”

“What she means to ask is,” said Gertrude hastily, “you are still considering the emperor’s offer, aren’t you? Despite last night.”

“I haven’t yet denied the motion.” A wave of hopeful, half-concerned whispers spread through the crowd. “Unless specified otherwise. And if any of you want our kingdom to be spared, you won’t say a thing.” Lilac turned to Marguerite. “Is Father still recovering from last night?”

“He departed with several guards to assess the situation out east,” her mother answered reluctantly.

Lilac’s heart dropped—it was an answer she wasn’t expecting. Garin remained expressionless. “He went there himself? So soon? Has there been any change in status?”

“None confirmed,” Marguerite said, straightening a little under Lilac’s rigid tone. “We didn’t receive an active update from them yesterday, so he wanted to see it for himself ahead of your ceremonies. He will be back in time. It is only a day trip, I made him promise.”

“Did he leave with Rupert? He mentioned last night that he’d leave this morning for the battleground.”

“No. Your father took a moment to gather his men and armor. He just left.”

“Rupert seemed in a rush and brought no guard,” added Emma, wringing her hands.

Marguerite nodded with surprising reassurance. “I assume they will catch up with him, though, Lady Emma. The armorer wasn’t around, but Ambrosius opened the armory for them before leaving.”

“Blew it up, you mean,” muttered Agnes, sniffling.

“Where did Ambrosius go?” Lilac looked to Garin, who remained silent. Maybe he’d gone to deal with the chest.

“I don’t know, he didn’t say. What I do know is that Rupert has departed and Henri took a quarter of the remaining guard with him.” Marguerite’s lip quivered. “Your ceremony is in two days. Our country is on the brink of war. Yet our keep remains defenseless.”

Not for long , Lilac thought.

“I must attend this meeting,” Lilac said. “It is important.” Hedwig was peeking around the corner of the kitchen wall, smiling when the queen turned to her. “After last night, perhaps our guests would enjoy retiring for tea and breakfast in the Grand Hall?”

“Gladly, Your Majesty.” Hedwig bowed before disappearing into the scullery.

“Meanwhile, Albrecht will retire to his quarters.”

“On the contrary,” Garin said, slinking his arm from her grasp. “I’m going to step outside to find my valet. I’d imagine he’s walking the grounds.”

“But you need rest,” Lilac suggested.

“I’m plenty rested.”

“And to eat something. ”

Garin returned her warning smile with one of his own. “Believe me, I am well sated.”

“Fine, My Lord.” Her fingers flew to her mouth. The agreement was lifted from her lips by his magic, shocking her. It wasn’t even an outright command this time. She gritted her teeth, glaring daggers at him.

One could hear a pin drop as Garin dipped into a reverent bow and gave a quick peck to the back of Lilac’s hand—a simple acknowledgement of hierarchy. No one could tell, perhaps besides Piper, that it was a gesture that made her blood sing with rage and desire.

“Madame Agnes,” Garin said, looking past Lilac as he straightened. “You look rather upset.”

Agnes uncrossed her arms, her scowl deepening. She wiped at the corner of her eye. “Most unfortunately.”

“What’s the matter?” The tilt of Garin’s head was unmistakably predatory. A few of the maids retreated a couple steps, Marguerite’s face went pale. “Why were you crying?”

Only Agnes seemed to think he exuded concern. “It’s William. He was gone from the bed this morning with no warning, no note.”

“That’s odd. Has he gone off with your aid?”

“Aid?”

“Your own valet or servant.”

“We didn’t bring any of them. It’s just us, Will and I.”

Garin clicked his tongue. “That’s a shame.

You know, Ambrosius has the habit of wandering off when he has much to ponder.

Last night my misconduct was inexcusable,” he said with a small bow to the rest of the room.

“Perhaps they’ve taken reprieve together.

Gone on a walk through the grounds.” He glanced back at Lilac.

“I might take Madame Agnes to look for her dear William. What do you think, Your Majesty?”

Lilac leered in his direction. She would’ve fought harder to stop him, had it been anyone else. “Perhaps you should go together to search for them.” The words were almost painful, like he’d stolen the breath from her lungs. “Some fresh air will be good for you both,” she added stiffly.

Agnes shot Lilac a look of annoyance, temporarily breaking from whatever trance he had her under.

“Shall we?” Garin offered his arm and a most charming smile. Looking flattered, the baroness took it .

“Enjoy your stroll,” Lilac offered, exhaling her unease. Don’t get caught.

“I hope you have a productive meeting, Your Majesty. Don’t you dare do anything rash, like start a war.”

Garin ushered Agnes out the door with all the poise and posture of a true noble as his command pivoted Lilac’s shoulders toward the staircase, her buzzing body following.