Page 73 of Keeper of the Word

The silence resumed. Whatever weighed upon Prince Dashiell was heavy, indeed. One might think from his tone that his eyes would be sweeping the room, but instead, he kept firmly still.

When he spoke again, he faced her. “Might I truly trust you?”

“By the Light of the stars that courses through my veins, you may fully trust me.”

He cleared his throat. “Before the Rapture Moon, I was in?—”

The door opened, and Prince Dashiell may as well have been imitating a hoshefer, so spooked he appeared.

“There you are, Your Highness. We’ve been searching for you,” the knight said. Dashiell gave her a sideways glimpse. “The chancellor requires your presence. The sovereign has business for you to attend to.”

“See what I mean?” The prince wrapped himself in his smile. “My comings and goings are always watched. I hear you enjoy the gardens at night, Lady Elanna.”

“Aye.”

“Mayhap our paths will cross there this evening. ’Tis supposed to be a lovely night.”

For the rest of the day, Elanna fidgeted. Until finally, the reprieve of sundown—the stars winking through the sky—allowed some of her nervous energy to fade as she, Joss, and Barrett found their place in the garden.

Without Tara and her other sisters, ’twas difficult. StarSeers did not always share their visions with one another, but more often than not, they sought each other for counsel and guidance. They helped one another with their interpretations. Elanna had no one.She knew she could trust Joss, Barrett, and Hux—at least, she thought she could. But they were here for her guardianship, not direction. Guardianship. The thought of the Lucien Law was a ponderous thing. True, there had always been guards in Ashwin, but to be constantly followed and tracked and kept like a corralled creature—she supposed it would feel very much like it did now. Two of the three were always with her. And while Elanna was fond of all of them, Prince Dashiell had a point. Comings and goings would never be her own.

What if the Lucien Law was invoked and a guardian was chosen for her whom she disliked or even despised? Dashiell did not seem particularly fond of his new guards.

“Stars, help me.”

“Did you say something, m’lady?” Joss said from her stance a few feet away.

“Nay. Nothing.” Little did Joss know she illustrated the very concern Elanna mulled over.

Elanna was suddenly struck by the sensation that Dashiell was not coming to the garden. His path had changed.

Stars.

Elanna caught the word “Hux” as Joss whispered to Barrett.

“Is Hux relieving you soon?”

Hux had remained scarce since he’d exited the Delara. Joss and Barrett had received little rest.

“I hope so.” Joss narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest before immediately unfolding them. “Pardon, m’lady.”

“No pardon necessary. Ah, here comes your relief now.”

“Stars almighty,” Joss whispered to Barrett as she stiffened.

Hux strode to them. “’Tis a cheery reception.”

Joss tightened her pursed lips as she exchanged a side-glance with Barrett.

“I say, Joss, you appear as though you’d like to skin me! Why do not you and Barrett enjoy a pleasant, relaxing night? I shall take it from here.”

Now their exchange of glanceswasobvious.

“Please,” Elanna said, “I will be quite safe in the hands of Hux.Little can happen within these walls. I insist that you have a quiet evening without standing here in the garden all night.”

“But,” Barrett said, “Lord Tolvar would not be pleased?—”

“Sir Barrett, we are within the walls of the castle. Please.”