“I tell you, there is no merit to Celia’s accusation. I’ve spoken with dozens of men and women, most of whom respect Taryn and want no harm caused to her or you.” The bells in Baehlon’s braids chimed softly with his movements.
“There is something not right about that girl, though,” Janeira stated. “I sense in her much disarray and darkness.” Janeira didn’t mean Taryn.
“I as well.” Rhoane poked a stick into the fire, churning embers. “I should speak with Taryn. Sort out the lies Celia has told.”
Janeira placed a hand on his arm, surprising him. “Leave her for the moment. I am near certain nothing happened in Talaith, but I will not know for sure until we reach Paderau. Let her stay unbalanced where you are concerned. Either she will do something to prove the rumors true, or she will do nothing and prove them false. Her anger can be mollified later. If someone is casting suspicion upon the Darennsai, it is better to learn who than to protect her feelings.”
Rhoane looked across the camp to where Taryn sat with her sisters. The furtive glances she gave him were getting fewer. Anger and hurt simmered beneath the calm exterior she showed the world, and he was the cause of those emotions.
“That is a dangerous game you are playing, Janeira,” Baehlon said. “Taryn is not like you or these other women. She deserves an apology, and to hear it from Rhoane.”
“Why does he need to apologize? He has done nothing wrong.” A flush spread from Janeira’s exposed cleavage to her neck.
Baehlon shook his head, his eyes resting on her face, far above her breasts.
It was Rhoane who answered. “That is where you are wrong, my kinswoman. I have wronged Taryn in a grievous manner. When she presented information to me, I demanded proof, but when information was brought to me about her, I asked for none. I am as guilty as the rest of these courtiers.” He rose, tossing the stick in the fire. “I cannot let her suffer my silence a moment longer.”
“You must, Rhoane.” Janeira stood to face him. “Say nothing to her until we reach Paderau. Whatever is happening here is beyond you and the Darennsai.”
Rhoane studied her features, looked beyond the glint of anger in her eyes. “Until Paderau, then. But not a moment longer.”
Baehlon cleared his throat. “I’ll talk to Fae, have her keep an eye on Taryn and give her a word or two of encouragement where Rhoane is concerned. You keep skulking around and terrifying everyone.” He grinned at Janeira. “And I’ll keep my ears open to anything that might be useful. I don’t agree with Janeira that you should avoid Taryn, Rhoane, but I’ve not been lucky in romance, so what do I know?”
Rhoane and Janeira resumed their seats—she with arms crossed over her chest, he with serious doubts.
“For the record, my informants have found nothing to incriminate your betrothed,” Janeira offered after the conversation stalled. “If my instincts are proved correct in Paderau, I will tell King Stephan Taryn is worthy of you.”
Shocked by her admission, Rhoane hid a smile. “Thank you, Janeira. That is high praise, indeed.”
“She is not Fadair.” Janeira reached into her vest and pulled out a cream envelope. Taryn’s elaborate scrawl spelled out his name. “You, on the other hand, are an ass.”
Rhoane took the envelope from her, anger burning in his belly. “You stole the notes?”
“Not me,” Janeira said, offended. “That twit the crown princess favors. I found them in her belongings. I only took one to not cause alarm.”
He tucked the note in his tunic for later reading. “When did you find them?”
“This afternoon. You do not want to know what other treasures she keeps in her locked box.”
Rhoane glared across the camp to where Celia lounged with Marissa, her laughter tinkling above the din. He owed Taryn much more than an apology.
Chapter Thirty-Three
The trip to Paderau was uneventful in a welcome way. She and Rhoane kept a respectful distance, each wary of the other but neither meeting a glance nor speaking to the other. It made for a difficult journey emotionally, and by the time they approached the city gates, Taryn was ready to be out of the saddle and away from Janeira’s constant scrutiny.
The large group moved through the city and finally made their way to the palace proper, where Hayden and the duke were waiting for them. Before Taryn could greet either one, Sabina almost ran her over. Hayden smiled at Taryn over Sabina’s head, mouthing the words, I’ll find you later. Taryn nodded and moved on to give a warm greeting to the duke.
After the hellos were said, Taryn was shown to a different set of rooms than those she’d been given on her previous visit. She heard giggling from the bedchamber, and Taryn went in to find Mayla and Lorilee unpacking her bags. When they saw her, both girls squealed as they raced to give her a low curtsey before hugging her.
“Girls, please, you’re going to crush me,” she said, wrapping her arms around them. “I’ve missed you.”
“We’re just so excited, miss. I mean, Your Highness. Why didn’t you tell us?” Mayla asked.
“Honestly, I didn’t know. I was taken from court when I was only a baby, and Brandt raised me without any knowledge of who I was.” They had a dozen more questions, and Taryn did her best to answer. Finally, she held up a hand for silence. “I could really use one of your special baths. You know, with the scented water and oils.”
They were, as ever, her chatty maids, telling her the gossip and news about Paderau.
Lorilee was combing out her hair and asked, “Miss, have you colored your hair?”
“It was a gift from Nadra.” It was the only way she could explain that stardust had given her silver highlights.
“I like it. Your hair is longer, as well.”
“You have a good memory. Is there any way I could take you two with me to Talaith?” Taryn asked in all sincerity. It was refreshing to have people around who enjoyed her company. Especially when they knew her before her title and accepted her without a thought of recompense.
Once dressed, Taryn left the maids and headed to the kitchens. As she expected, Carga was in the center of the room, shouting orders while simultaneously whisking a bowl of egg whites and tasting from a pot. Taryn stood in the shadows for several minutes, watching the woman work. When there was a lull in activity, Taryn stepped from her hiding place to greet her friend.
“I’ve missed you, Carga.”
“I can see they are not feeding you at Talaith. You are skin and bones, girl.” She made up a plate of cheese and bread for Taryn. “Eat this while we talk.” She poured two cups of grhom before sitting beside her. Like Mayla and Lorilee, she took Taryn’s rise in station with equanimity, as if she’d never thought of her as anything but a friend.
“I’ve been dying for a cup of grhom. Thank you.” Taryn took a sip of the steaming liquid, eyeing Carga over the rim. “I suppose you’ve heard about what happened in Talaith. About my supposed evil deeds with an unnamed man?”
“News travels fast, especially scandal.”
“Did you also hear that Rhoane’s kinswoman was there that night and probably thinks I’m a total slut or something. As if.” Taryn snorted.
Carga’s lip quirked up in a grin. “Who is she?”
“A gorgeous creature named Janeira.” Taryn waited for Carga’s expression to confirm her suspicions about the cook. When a flicker of alarm crossed her face, Taryn said, “You’re Eleri, aren’t you?” If she weren’t Eleri, she’d have no idea who Janeira was. Her short hair meant she was sheanna within her race. In addition to her research about the prophecies, Taryn had been learning all she could about the elusive people.
Carga glanced around the kitchen, making certain she couldn’t be overheard. “No one here knows this.”
“Does the duke know?”
“Yes, but none other. You will keep my secret, yes?” Taryn nodded. “Thank you. About your dilemma—Janeira is one of King Stephan’s greatest warriors. If you embarrassed Rhoane, she will take it personally and not forgive the sl
ight easily.”
“I got that impression. She and Rhoane have barely spoken to me since that night. I need your help. How can I get in her good graces, and more important, how can I impress King Stephan?”
Carga absently shredded a piece of bread. “King Stephan will simply look into your heart to know the measure of you. Janeira—now, that is going to be more difficult. But she is a soldier. If she sees you training like you mean it and that you have the respect of the other soldiers, that might help soften her feelings toward you. One thing is certain, though, Taryn of House Galendrin, you need her support. If what the trees are whispering is true, you will need as many allies as you can get.”
“The trees talk to you?”
“Of course. If you listen, they will tell you some amazing things.”
“Can I come here again tomorrow to get Eleri lessons from you? Anything at all you can give me that might help.” Taryn stood, taking a last sip of her drink. “I could drink your grhom all day, every day.”
“You honor me, Princess. Come by tomorrow morning. I will tell you what I can.”
“You’re the best. Thanks.”
She left the kitchens more confident than she’d been in several weeks and headed outside for some fresh air. She strolled along the river’s edge, her mind drifting far from Paderau.
“I’d be willing to wager what your thoughts are right about now.”
Taryn spun around to find Hayden standing a few feet away. She almost suffocated him in a great bear hug. “I’ve missed you so much. You’ve no idea how boring the palace is without you.”
“Is that so? I’ve been hearing tales of your wicked deeds.”
She groaned. “What did I do now?”
He waggled his eyebrows at her, making her laugh.
“You mean people are still harping on that one night? Can we please move on?”
“They will once there is an even bigger scandal to gossip about. Right now, you’re it.”
She took his arm, directing them toward the river. “I’m sure I’m going to get into trouble for this, too. It seems I’m not allowed to be alone with a man.”
Hayden nudged her with his shoulder. “Yes, but I’m a perfect gentleman, so it’s fine.”
“Like that matters to Mother. God, I hate calling her that. She has Rhoane convinced that Aomori and I had sex.”
“Rhoane’s loyalties run deep. Give him time, Taryn. Besides, Aomori and Tinsley have become more vocal about their affection for each other. He sent Lliandra a formal letter declining any intention of courting Sabina.”
“You don’t think that will hurt Sabina, do you? Lliandra is singularly focused on her marrying Aomori to further her cause.”
“Sabina will handle this with as much grace as she’s handled what your mother’s put her through thus far. The woman is made of silken steel.”
Taryn rested her head on his shoulder. “I really have missed you. Since you’ve been preoccupied with Sabina, I’ve hardly gotten to see you.”
“There will be a place in my life for you. Always.” He kissed the top of her head. “There. That should give the empress something to talk about.”
Taryn slapped his arm. “You are bloody wicked, you know that? Do you have any idea what a temper she has? I’m terrified of her.” She resumed her place on his shoulder and said dreamily, “So, now that Aomori is out, will you petition Lliandra for Sabina’s hand?”
“It’s still her wish that I make a profitable union for her. One not limited to coin.” There was subtext beneath his words that he tried to hide, but Taryn caught it.
“Why do I get the feeling there’s more to this?”
The scandal of Sabina’s family was that she was born without any ShantiMari. Some at court only saw her as a suitable wife for a high noble but not a male descended from both Houses of Light and Dark. In their opinion, Sabina’s beauty or intelligence didn’t outweigh her powerlessness.
“I’ve heard a rumor that Lliandra is going to support Herbret’s claim,” Hayden said.
“No! She wouldn’t. He’s a disgusting toad.”
“Yes, but his family is the wealthiest in the region, aside from the empress, that is. She needs his money more than I need a powerless wife, it would appear.”
“Don’t you dare give up on her, Hayden. You two are perfect together. Power or no.”
“Well, as you’re unavailable, I suppose I’ll have to accept her as a pale substitute.”
“Ha! Didn’t you see that dress she wore to the feast? There is nothing pale about her.”
“Yes, I did see. And so did half of Talaith. By the gods, that girl is amazing.” From the pure love in his voice, the smallest bit of jealousy tugged her heart.
“It’s obvious you have deep feelings for her.” She looked across the river to the north. “We’ll find a way to make this work. I know you two will be happy together. Always. You just have to name your first daughter after me. I am, after all, the one who got you together.”
“Hold on. I never said anything about marriage. We’ve only just met. These things take time. It’s not like you can just meet someone and spend the rest of your life together.”
“For you, maybe.”
Hayden turned her to face him. “I’m sorry, Taryn. That was insensitive of me.”
“I’m getting used to the idea.”
He looked surprised. “You don’t love Rhoane?”
“That’s just the thing. I do.” Her pendant burst into song, startling her. This was the first time she’d admitted it to herself or anyone else. She hushed her cynfar and continued. “But I wouldn’t blame him if he wants to undo our bonds and find someone worthy of him. Like Janeira.”
“There’s only one woman worthy of a man like Prince Rhoane. She’s the same girl who kicked that sword away from me. Have you talked to him since the feast?” They turned back toward the palace. The setting sun gleamed against the windows, turning the walls into shining plates of gold.
“Not really. He’s always with Janeira.”
“Maybe all he needs is an apology.”
“I already tried that.” A dark sadness was descending over her thoughts. “How about if you give me one of your special tours to take my mind off these unpleasant things?”
“Now?”
“Dinner is ages away, and we’ve got some time to kill. Besides, I’ve never seen the whole palace.”
Hayden showed her a dozen rooms in the time they had. They ran, laughing, through secret passageways and slid across the marble floors of the audience chamber. Their last stop was a suite of rooms near the duke’s. “My mother’s,” Hayden said, opening the door for Taryn. “She loved it here. We keep the apartment exactly as it was when she was living, as a reminder of her beauty and love of life.”
Taryn saw touches of Gwyneira in every detail of the rooms—a rose laid on a table, or a painting of Hayden and his brother placed just above her dressing vanity. Reminders of her family were everywhere. She was a woman devoted to her husband and children.
Taryn took Hayden’s hand in hers. “Thank you for sharing this with me. I feel as if I know your mother just from being near her things.”
“Only a few servants are allowed in here. It’s heavily warded against intruders, but of course, you are welcome to visit anytime.” He gave her hand a squeeze. “I think Mother would enjoy your company.”
Tears stung her eyes. “I would like that.” Her stomach gave a loud grumble, and Hayden laughed.
“Perhaps now we can eat?”
“If you don’t mind. I’m starved. Let’s go find your princess and then have dinner together.”
THE next morning, before meeting with Baehlon for their training, Taryn made a stop at Gwyneira’s rooms. As soon as she stepped through the doorway, a calm that eluded her lately embraced her. She wanted to sit in one of Gwyneira’s comfortable chairs to simply be in her presence, but Taryn had come for a single purpose.
After a few minutes of searching, she found a suitable pl
ace to hide the seal in a small cupboard behind a decorative chest. Once she had it tucked safely away and warded with as many alarms as she could think of, she stood in the center of the room.
If you are here, I want to ask that you keep this item safe. Someday I’ll have need of it, but until then, I thank you for protecting it. Taryn lowered herself in a formal curtsey. I wish I could have known you in life, Aunt Gwyneira.
A gentle breeze rustled Taryn’s hair, and the faint scent of roses filled the room. With the knowledge Gwyneira would take care of the seal, she left the apartment with a promise to visit often, as well as to keep her husband and son safe.
Taryn walked with purpose through the hallways of the palace. Once outside her mother’s rooms, she entered without knocking, surprising several maids who fussed around Lliandra.
Her mother gave her a cool glance. “Good morning, Taryn. To what do I owe this visit?”
“If you make Sabina marry Herbret, or anyone other than Hayden, I will take that as a personal affront and do everything in my power to block their union.”
“By what authority do you come in here and order me around?”
Taryn glanced at the maids who stood like statues around the empress, silent, impotent. “Seriously? You want to go there, Mother?” Scorn dripped on the last word. “I have a sword and a crown that give me the right to tell you not to mess with me or my friends. Sabina chooses who she’ll marry. Not you. Are we understood?”
Lliandra stared at her, mouth agape. A tiny squeak was her only reply.
“Good. I’m glad that’s settled. Now get off your high horse and start acting like my mother. We shouldn’t be on opposite sides of the playing field. We need to work together.”
She swept from the room, adrenaline pumping through her veins, making everything crisper, more refined. When she reached the end of the hall and turned a corner, she gave a whoop and danced around. There would be repercussions, but for the moment, it felt good to stand up to Lliandra. Damn good.
The Stones of Resurrection Page 31