Page 30 of The Twisted Throne

The young maid nodded slowly as Ahnna explained, then said, “I will arrange for the purchase of fabrics, my lady.”

As she departed, Ahnna went to the window and looked out over the gardens. She’d do what it took to earn the Harendellians’ respect, but she would never, ever let them forget she was Ithicanian.

“Your Highness!” the butler exclaimedas he pursued James and Georgie through the manor. “What has happened? Your attire!”

“At the bottom of the Tempest Seas, my good man,” Georgie announced. “We lost theDefiantto Amaridian treachery. James has been forced to borrow from those under his command, which has resulted in several split seams.”

His friend poked at his ripped shirt. “Whatwasgoing on in that carriage, Jamie?”

“Nothing of note.” Other than Ahnna being the most infuriating woman he’d ever met.

Entering his father’s study, James went to the desk and drew writing supplies in front of him. He swiftly drafted a letter to his father explaining what had occurred, folded and sealed it, then handed it to Georgie. “I need you to ride to Verwyrd with all haste. Explain everything. Amarid is up to something, and unless the spies have discovered information in our absence, we are not prepared.”

Georgie sighed. “You’re makingmedeliver the news that we sank the queen’s ship?”

“Better you than me.”

“I can’t argue that.” Georgie tucked the letter inside his coat, then rounded on the butler. “Supplies and the best horse you have. And after that, please do track down something suitable for His Highness to wear.”

“Yes, my lord.” The butler turned on his heel and strode out.

“When will you leave?” Georgie asked as James began writing another letter, this one to the Ithicanians, namely, Queen Lara. “Hazel mentioned a visit to the modiste?”

“You’d have better luck stuffing me in a dress than you would Ahnna Kertell,” James muttered. “We’ll leave tomorrow.”

“Why the hurry?”

“Because I do not care to belabor this particular responsibility.” When Georgie didn’t respond, he added, “I have other matters requiring my attention. We’re behind schedule.”

“Behind schedule,” his friend murmured. “Well, that certainly will not do.”

His friend’s tone suggested something other than agreement, and James set down his pen. “What are you trying to imply?”

“Only that all involved might be happier if you took your time.” Georgie walked backward toward the door. “Safe travels, Jamie. I’ll look for you at Verwyrd.”

“Safe travels.”

James turned his focus to finishing the letter to Lara, setting it aside to be put on the next ship to Northwatch. The rest of his officers had been given instructions prior to disembarking theVictoria,and they’d be on their way to ensuring that Harendell was well positioned should Amarid attempt to make a move.

“Sir, a letter has arrived for you.” The butler crossed the room,setting a silver tray with a folded note on the desk. There was a small drawing of a foxglove flower on the corner, and his stomach clenched.How? How does he know I’m here?

There were times when James truly believed that his uncle could see the future, though logically, he knew that it was because his uncle Ronan had spies everywhere.

“Sir?”

James realized the butler had asked him a question. “Pardon?”

“Lady Ahnna will take tea in the orangery today. Do you intend to join her, my lord?”

James stared at the tiny flower, knowing that his uncle would be asking him to account for Ahnna’s presence. To explain why the betrothal had not been canceled. Why James had not dealt with the situation as he’d promised. Overtures of peace between Harendell and Cardiff did not erase generations of bad blood. What trust his uncles had for his father was tenuous at best, and James was the link that held it all together.

“No,” he said. “Give her my regrets.”

“Dinner, sir?”

He shook his head. “I’ve business in the city. Ensure she is well cared for in my absence.”

“Yes, sir.”

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