Page 70 of Keeper of the Word

Well after dark, Elanna picked herself up, her knees screaming in pain. She had ignored the floor pillow as a self-punishment. But calmness coursed through her. Even with the knowledge of the witch in the city. She would work out what to do. Nay, she would be guided on what to do.

When she opened the door, Joss and Barrett stood in the courtyard. They abruptly stopped talking and stepped away from each other.

“I am sorry to have kept you loitering here for so long. You must be famished.”

“You must be famished, m’lady,” Joss said, straightening and keeping her eyes forward.

“Where is Hux?” Elanna asked.

“He left some hours ago, m’lady,” Barrett said, “after he exited the Delara.”

“M’lady, I am most sorry I did not stop us from leaving the castle this morning. I forgot myself, and it shall ne’er?—”

“’Tis all right, Joss. Let us not speak of that again. Truly. I am well.”

“Very well, m’lady.”

The three walked to the Crown Hall.

“’Tis not far past suppertime,” Joss said, as they made their way. ’Twas clear she searched for something else to speak about.

They reached an intersecting corridor; arguing voices halted them in their tracks. One voice was that of King Rian.

“Your lack of trust in me is maddening,” another voice returned. Prince Dashiell.

“Quiet. This is entirely inappropriate. Let us speak after we’ve dined. In the solar where there aren’t prying ears.”

The three exchanged looks.

“If you trust me, why are you hastening the wedding to the Prodigal Moon?” Dashiell continued, ignoring his father.

“’Tis better this way. Then you may have the rest of the summer season to honeymoon.”

Dashiell’s response was low and indistinguishable.

“’Tis your duty, son. This day was your fortune’s path from the moment you were born.”

Whatever else Dashiell said was indiscernible. The conversation ended and the Great Hall’s doors opened, spilling out the murmur from within. Footsteps approached them.

Joss’s eyes widened as she scanned the corridor as if searching for a place to hide. But Elanna proceeded walking and, at the corner, let Dashiell collide into her.

He flinched. “Stars in heaven! Oh, Lady Elanna.” He inclined his head. Three knights appeared around the corner behind him. His guard, evidently.

Strange,Elanna thought.Dashiell didn’t have guards upon my arrival. And where is Karro, his man-at-arms?

“Your Highness. ’Tis good to see you.”

Dashiell regarded her without fondness at first, but transformed into a diplomatic smile. “And you. Are you well? Enjoying your time at court?”

“I’ve hardly been at court, Your Highness. The Delara is where I spend my time.”

A picture of Dashiell kneeling beside her in the Delara flashed before her. “Do you e’er find yourself in the Delara, Your Highness?”

“Not frequently, I am sorry to admit to a StarSeer.” He gave a carefree laugh.

“I am often there,” Elanna said. The words were odd in her ears. She had not meant to say them. “I would enjoy your company on the morrow if you have the time.”

Dashiell examined her curiously. “Mayhap. If you’ll excuse me, m’lady.”