Page 85 of Keeper of the Word

“Do not remind me. A shame to the House of Sidra.”

“I’m aware there have been more. And this time, there were more witnesses, Your Majesty.”

“What words?”

“I would not dare repeat them to Your Majesty.”

“You had better if you expect to escape my wrath. This whole business is becoming more than tiresome. You were the person in whose charge I placed the prince. Is this to be another failure?”

Elanna leaned closer to the curtain as they waited for Chancellor Griffith to break the silence. The curtain ruffled slightly, sending more dust into the air. How her nose itched.

“Be still,” Hux whispered in her ear.

“I say, did you see that?” the sovereign asked.

Elanna held her breath.

“Your Majesty?”

“That door. That curtain. It appeared as though it?—”

“Your Majesty,” the other voice said.

Elanna shuddered. The curtain shifted again, but as the voices continued, it appeared everyone’s attention had been drawn away from the doorway. Elanna let out a soft breath.

“The StarSeer and her guard were observed earlier at the ravenmaster’s tower. ’Twas close to the same time guards followed Dashiell from that very courtyard. Could it be a coincidence or is it possible they connect?”

A pause followed.

“Have your eyes and ears alerted you that the StarSeer takesearly morning strolls as well?” The sovereign’s voice was tight and impatient.

“Not usually, nay, Your Majesty. She keeps late hours, naturally.”

Elanna’s heart quickened. She hadn’t realized her schedule, too, was watched.

“Hmm. The ravenmaster, eh? Fetch him to me, Sir Kaff. Send him to my solar.”

“Aye, Your Majesty,” the Warin said. The sound of muted footsteps followed.

“You wish to meet with the ravenmaster yourself, Your Majesty? Surely, I may question him for you. You have so many other important matters to attend to.”

“Naught is more important than discovering what is inspiring the prince to behave so. And when I wish for your opinion, Griffith, I shall ask for it. By the way, still no word from Lord Tolvar about the fray in Anscom?”

“None, Your Majesty.”

“Strange. Now, find the whereabouts of the StarSeer and send her to me in one hour’s time. I know she’s inquired about being granted an audience. Mayhap she can shed light on my son’s moves.”

“Do you think that wise, Your Majesty? I thought we wished to involve her as little as possible.”

“We?Watch your tongue, Griffith. I grow impatient of your insolence. Mayhap the decision to keep her out of matters was made too hastily. Find her.”

“Aye, Your Majesty. And my humblest and deepest apologies. I have only Your Majesty’s interests in mind.”

The soft sound of movements, followed by silence, told them that both had left the corridor. Elanna and Hux came out from their hiding place.

“You see?” Hux whispered. “You never know what you may hear in a darkened corner.”

He strode to where the chancellor had disappeared, but asquick as they’d hidden, Elanna yanked him back into the doorway. Hux kept quiet.