Defender of Hearts

by Tanya Bird

  The music stopped, and Lyndal stepped back from the king and curtsied. Instead of retreating to the nobility section, Borin took hold of her hand and displayed her before the now applauding crowd. Astin looked around at the smiling merchants and farmers, and a cold sensation crawled up his spine.

  Lyndal had not remained at Eldon Castle for her cousin’s sake, nor for Queen Fayre’s amusement. She was a pawn in a game she had no idea she was playing. She was the bridge. Kind, generous, achingly beautiful. Shining brighter than any sun these people could remember.

  Half merchant.

  Half noble.

  If people did not know her name before, they would know it now.

  ‘Lady Lyndal,’ Queen Fayre had called her.

  Astin swallowed down the acid rising in his throat.

  As Lyndal looked around at the applauding crowd, her eyes stopped on him. He saw the uncertainty, the confusion. It was enough to make him want to march over there and usher her away. Instead, he was forced to stand idle and watch her life begin to unravel.

  Chapter 15

  When King Borin finally released her hand, Lyndal took a relieved breath. What in God’s name was going on? People were applauding. Queen Fayre was watching them with an expression bordering on maternal pride. The bland stares coming from the nobility were the one thing preventing Lyndal’s head from exploding.

  ‘Are you coming?’ Borin asked her, impatient to flee the crowd.

  She shook her head. ‘In a minute.’ She needed to see her family more than she needed air.

  Borin strolled off, and her uncle followed, his eyes so loathing she thought he might go up in a bonfire of hatred. Lyndal caught sight of the backs of Kendra and her aunt as they retreated also.

  A hand landed on her shoulder, and she gasped. It was Blake.

  ‘What in God’s name is going on?’ Her sister was not one to beat around the bush.

  Eda and her mother were standing behind Blake wearing the same worried expression.

  Lyndal forced a smile. ‘What was what?’

  ‘That,’ Blake said, pointing in the direction of the king. ‘You and the king. All cute together.’

  ‘It was just a dance.’ But it was not just a dance. It was a test of some kind—one she had apparently passed with flying colours.

  Candace brought a hand to her forehead. ‘They are already lighting the bonfires for the ceremony. We do not have time for these games.’

  Lyndal shook her head. ‘What game is that?’

  ‘That man will ruin any chances of you finding a husband,’ her mother continued. ‘He will use you up and discard you the second he feels the slightest bit bored.’

  It took Lyndal a moment to register the conversation. ‘What exactly are you asking me here?’

  ‘How could you lie with that man?’ Blake blurted. ‘Have you forgotten that he once locked us up, starved us, then shot arrows at us?’

  Astin appeared at her side, his presence dominating the space. ‘Easy,’ he said to Blake. ‘It’s not what you think.’

  Lyndal closed her mouth. ‘But thank you for assuming that, dear sister.’

  ‘It seems we are missing a vital piece of this story,’ her mother said quietly.

  Lyndal took her mother’s hand. ‘The dance was Queen Fayre’s idea, a ploy to win over disgruntled merchants. Nothing more.’

  Candace stared at her daughter for the longest time, as though trying to find truth in her eyes. ‘So you will be home in four weeks as planned?’

  ‘Absolutely. Nothing has changed.’ She was reassuring herself also.

  If you don’t return to us in four weeks, Eda signed, I’m coming for you.

  Lyndal stepped up and pulled her sister to her. ‘Don’t go starting wars just yet.’

  ‘Lady Lyndal,’ a voice called.

  All five of them turned in Queen Fayre’s direction.

  ‘It is time to go,’ the queen mother said. She offered a smile to Lyndal’s family before making her way to the nobility section.

  Lyndal released her sister, trying not to let her growing uneasiness show on the outside. ‘I’m sorry.’

  ‘Lady Lyndal?’ Blake repeated. ‘How does a merchant claim such a title? Did they baptise you in meat or something?’

  Lyndal shifted her body to block Queen Fayre’s view. ‘Stop it. She’ll hear you.’

  ‘Let’s go,’ Astin said, taking her by the elbow.

  Candace grabbed her other arm, looking her straight in the eyes. ‘Do not let that man take anything you are not prepared to give him. You owe him nothing—king or not.’

  That only made the uneasiness inside her surge. ‘No. No, he doesn’t want anything from me.’ She looked to Astin for confirmation, but he was looking away. ‘It was just one staged dance,’ she said, turning back to her mother with a bright smile. ‘I’ll see you all in four weeks.’

  She felt something dig into her side and looked down. Eda held a sheathed dagger in her hand.

  If he tries to get into your bed, Eda signed by way of explanation.

  ‘Put that thing away,’ Astin said, pushing it out of sight. Then he was whisking Lyndal away. ‘Let’s go.’

  The girls' father had taught all his daughters how to use various weapons when they were younger, but Lyndal had never had cause to use those skills with Blake and Eda around.

  She tripped on some uneven ground as she watched her family over her shoulder. Astin righted her without breaking stride.

  ‘I want to go home,’ she said, looking up at him.

  His throat bobbed. ‘I know.’

  The rope opened for them, and then they were back among the nobility. Lyndal eyed the crowd and found many of them looking in her direction. ‘Tell me I’m being paranoid, that they’re not looking at me.’

  Astin moved in front of her, shielding her from their stares. ‘Don’t worry about them.’ He looked over his shoulder. ‘Lady Henley has Queen Fayre occupied, so take a moment to collect yourself while I go and find Kendra.’

  She nodded, the action heavy.

  ‘Wait here.’ He dipped his head so he was eye level with her. ‘Don’t move from this spot.’

  Another nod. ‘All right.’

  Then he was gone from sight.

  Lyndal closed her eyes and exhaled slowly through her mouth, trying to calm her racing mind.

  ‘What the hell are you playing at?’

  Her eyes snapped open at the sound of her uncle’s voice. ‘Uncle.’

  He grabbed her arm tightly and brought his face close to hers. ‘You are lucky we are in a public place, or I would knock that smug expression off your face, you little harlot.’

  ‘What?’ She tried to pull free of his grip, and he tightened his hold on her.

  ‘Do you really think he is going to let a little half-breed like you in his bed?’

  Her arm began to throb. ‘I assure you I’ve no intention of getting into anyone’s bed.’

  ‘You are a merchant.’ He hissed the last word at her. ‘A thief by nature. I just never thought you would steal your own cousin’s future—a future she has worked her whole life for.’

  His words lit a fire in her stomach. ‘I’ve stolen nothing. And I suggest you let go of me before Queen Fayre happens to glance in our direction. She has a low tolerance for this kind of behaviour.’

  His fingers tightened like a clamp, making her gasp.

  Before he could get a word out, Astin stepped into view, two storm cloud eyes narrowed at Thomas.

  ‘Either you remove your hand or I remove it. You have one second to decide.’ His tone was pure ice.

  Thomas released Lyndal’s arm and turned to the defender. ‘This is a private family conversation. I suggest you go watch my daughter.’

  Astin did not move. ‘The private conversation is over.’

  Lyndal released a shaky breath and backed away. ‘I’m going to find Kendra.’

  ‘We’re not done here,’ Thomas said through his teeth.

  Astin stepped bet
ween them. ‘Yes you are.’ He gestured for Lyndal to start walking. ‘Go.’

  She did not have to be told twice. She fled with her head pounding and vision blurring.

  ‘Where is she?’ she asked Astin when he fell into step with her.

  ‘In the carriage. She’s not feeling well. I’ve informed Queen Fayre that I’m taking you both back to Eldon Castle.’

  Lyndal’s eyes close with relief. ‘You shouldn’t have intervened.’ She looked up at him. ‘He’s not an enemy you want, and I can handle him.’

  ‘Was that you handling him?’

  Her hand went to the tender spot on her arm. ‘Suttone women are not made of glass.’

  ‘I’m your bodyguard. I’m not about to stand idle while he breaks your arm. And I don’t care what you’re made of. It doesn’t change the job.’

  Up ahead, Kendra waited in the carriage looking close to tears. She turned her head in the other direction when she spotted them. The damage done by one dance was unthinkable.

  Astin offered his hand, and Lyndal took it. So much strength in such a gentle grip. So much warmth.

  Her eyes met his. ‘Thank you.’ Not only for the gesture but for everything that had come before it.

  He kept hold of her hand until she took her seat, then rapped his knuckles on the side of the carriage to signal the driver to go. The carriage lurched forwards, leaving Astin behind and Lyndal to face the fallout alone.

  ‘Queen Fayre wishes to speak with me upon her return,’ Kendra said, not looking at her.

  Lyndal watched her cousin for a moment. ‘That’s good news.’ She tried to make her tone upbeat.

  Kendra finally dragged her eyes to Lyndal. ‘How is that good news when she has done her best to avoid me all day?’

  There was no mistaking the resentment in her eyes.

  Leaning forwards, Lyndal took her hand. ‘I’m on your side.’

  Kendra stared at her, eyes shiny. ‘You do not get it, do you? Your side does not matter.’

  Chapter 16

  Lyndal paced the length of the solar, back and forth, hugging herself tightly. She accidentally squeezed the bruise on her arm left by her uncle and cursed aloud. It had been thirty minutes since Kendra had been summoned by Queen Fayre. If chess was involved, she would likely be gone for hours.

  Footsteps out in the corridor made her turn towards the door. It burst open, and Kendra stepped inside the room, black tears streaking her face. She had spent a startling amount of time thickening her eyelashes with tea leaves that morning. Now she was turning in frantic circles, shaking out her hands like she had just committed a murder.

  ‘What on earth happened?’ Lyndal asked, going to her.

  Kendra stepped back. ‘I am to go home.’

  Relief poured out of Lyndal in one enormous breath. ‘Thank Belenus for that.’

  Kendra’s eyes widened. ‘What?’

  ‘I’m sorry,’ Lyndal said quickly. She spotted Astin outside the door, watching their exchange. ‘It’s just that… I would really like to go home.’

  Kendra licked tears off her lips. ‘Well, that is too bad. It seems you are to remain here—without me.’

  At first Lyndal thought she must have misheard. ‘What did you say?’

  Astin knocked on the door frame.

  ‘What is it?’ Lyndal asked, a hand pressed to her slowing heart.

  His expression was apologetic. ‘Queen Fayre wants to see you in her quarters.’

  A meeting in her private quarters meant she did not want anyone else overhearing—not even her guards.

  Lyndal’s lungs squeezed. ‘I’m a little busy, as you can see.’

  ‘It is not a casual invitation,’ Kendra snapped. ‘She is ordering you to go to her. Is that really so difficult for you to grasp?’

  Lyndal’s hand dropped to her side, her eyes burning. ‘All right.’ She nodded and looked around the room. What was she looking for? A reason to stay, perhaps. She forced her feet to carry her forwards. ‘We’ll talk when I get back.’

  ‘I will not be here,’ Kendra said, hands fisted. ‘Do you not understand what is happening right now? I am in the way.’

  ‘Whose way?’

  ‘Yours!’

  Lyndal’s breathing was so shallow she feared she might faint. ‘I don’t understand—’

  Kendra threw her hands up and headed for the door that led through to her bedchamber. ‘I need to pack.’

  Lyndal went to go after her, but a hand landed on her shoulder. She turned to Astin. ‘What’s going on?’ Her eyes welled up as the question fell out of her.

  He gestured for her to follow him out into the hall, then pulled the door closed behind them. He looked both ways before saying, ‘I don’t know, but I suspect Queen Fayre will answer all your questions.’ He signalled with his head for her to start walking. ‘You need to keep it together. Understand?’ When she did not respond, he added, ‘You’re known for your level head, so stay level for me.’

  The ‘for me’ part made it sound like he genuinely cared. ‘She wants something from me.’

  ‘She does. And you’re about to find out what that something is.’

  They rounded the corner of the east wing, the steady rhythm of his feet blending with her erratic steps. When they reached Queen Fayre’s quarters, the defender on duty went inside to announce her arrival.

  ‘Level head,’ Astin said, voice low. ‘I’ll be waiting right here for you.’

  She nodded, then stiffened when the door swung open again. When she entered, she found the queen mother seated comfortably on the lounge. The fire was ablaze with fresh wood, making the air stifling.

  ‘Please,’ the queen said, gesturing to one of the chairs. ‘It is best if you are seated for this conversation.’ She offered a smile no doubt intended to ease nerves.

  Lyndal walked over to the chair and lowered herself into it, pressing the tips of her fingers into the expensive fabric.

  ‘Level head.’

  She raised her chin. ‘I’m listening, Your Majesty.’

  Chapter 17

  ‘It’s been three days,’ Harlan said. ‘And still she’s not said a word to you?’

  Astin shook his head. ‘Not one word.’

  ‘And she’s not left her bedchamber?’

  ‘There’s a guard posted outside her door every minute.’

  They were seated at a table by the tavern window, watching the merchants come and go from the dock. The air smelled of salt, blood, and manure. While more livestock was arriving on the ships each month, at least half of it never made it out of the port borough due to disease. Sick animals were slaughtered on the beach and thrown into the water. The merchants would wait in the shallows with spears and catch the fish that arrived to eat the contaminated carcasses.

  ‘We can’t help her if she doesn’t tell us what’s going on,’ Harlan said, taking a swig of his ale.

  Astin was technically off duty but refrained from drinking. He wanted a clear head when Lyndal finally decided to exit her room. He had thought he was doing the right thing by giving her space and time, a few hours to digest whatever it was Queen Fayre had told her. He never imagined that would turn into three days.

  ‘We just ignore the rumours, right?’ Harlan asked, looking down at his cup.

  ‘She’s not sharing the king’s bed, if that’s what you’re asking.’

  Harlan nodded. ‘I think their little dance at the festival gave a different impression. The nobility are losing their mind at the mere thought of a merchant mistress.’

  ‘And the merchants are practically celebrating in the streets.’

  Harlan emptied his drink. ‘Shame we can’t peer inside Queen Fayre’s devious mind and see what’s really at play here.’

  ‘We’ll find out soon enough.’

  The warden appeared at the tavern window, looking between them, then down at Harlan’s empty cup. ‘Early finish?’

  The men rose and stood to attention.

  ‘I’m off duty and about to head h
ome,’ Harlan replied. ‘You should come for dinner.’

  ‘Some of us work full days,’ Shapur replied before turning his attention to Astin. ‘Any reason you are here when the woman under your protection is out on the terrace?’

  ‘The guard was supposed to fetch me if she emerged.’ Astin knocked his chair backwards as he jumped out the open window instead of using the door.

  ‘Perhaps he did not think to check the tavern,’ Shapur fired back.

  Harlan spoke up at that. ‘He hasn’t been drinking.’

  ‘I’ll head there now, sir.’

  ‘Fletcher,’ the warden said, stopping him in his tracks. ‘Stay alert. Big news is about to break, and a lot of very powerful people are not going to like it.’

  Astin exchanged a glance with Harlan, then saluted before jogging off in the direction of the castle.

  ‘I am pleased you took a few days to think things over,’ Queen Fayre said as she moved her bishop along the chessboard. ‘It is a skill to push emotions aside when making decisions.’

  Lyndal moved her castle sideways on the board and leaned back in her chair. ‘I basically lay on the floor the entire time staring at the roof.’

  ‘It is all right for a woman to lie on the floor sometimes—as long as she does not remain there.’ Fayre looked up from the board. ‘I imagine you have lots of questions.’

  Lyndal watched her make her move. ‘Questions and requests.’

  ‘Go on.’

  She moved her pawn, considering her next words carefully. ‘Firstly, there’s the matter of the almshouse in the merchant borough.’

  Queen Fayre laughed lightly. ‘Yes, I have heard all about this almshouse. If you are still here at the end of the month, I shall fund the project myself.’

  And just like that, Lyndal had an almshouse. It almost seemed too easy, but then she remembered what she would be giving up to get it.

  ‘What else?’ the queen mother asked.