Page 91 of The Twisted Throne

“Go with her, Georgie,” William said. “Kiss her before you get to the top, and she’ll forget this ever happened.”

“I…” Georgie looked between Ahnna and William, cursed softly, then clambered out and chased after Virginia.

William closed the door, then called out, “Carry on, then!”

The mules resumed their slow descent of the spiral, Ahnna finding herself alone with William for the first time.

“Don’t mind Ginny,” he said. “She’s a dramatic drunk. And in truth, this might have all been a performance to get Georgie alone.”

Ahnna didn’t believe that had been Virginia’s motivation. It was because the princess doubted Ahnna’s intentions, and in truth, she was surprised the princess had left Ahnna alone with William, given her concerns.

“Honestly,” William said, “I’m grateful that you held her to task about her treatment of the Cardiffian woman. Whether he said so or not, I’m certain that her behavior is half the reason Jamie has been finding reasons to be absent. I know he’s a paragon of stoicism and emotes as much as brick, but my brother does have a feeling or two hidden beneath the surface. And while we try to pretend otherwise, his mother was Cardiffian. I found Ginny’s behavior in poor taste, but to say so would have been a bad look. Politics, and all. So thank you.”

So James does care.Ahnna gave William a tight smile. “You’re welcome.”

“I did leave an invitation for him to join us with the servants, but I don’t anticipate we’ll see him,” William said. “Jamie’s not one for revels. Are you, Ahnna?”

Once upon a time she had been. “I can be convinced.” To add to her words, she took the bottle from his hand and drank.

William laughed, then said, “Have I told you about the new horse I purchased?”

He kept up a steady stream of chatter as they reached the bottom of the spiral, moving into a carriage that already held two of his friends. They were minor lords she hadn’t met before, the sort of which he seemed to keep in endless quantities around him. With a few words here and there, Ahnna moved William through his interests, searching for a clue about C.F. while they progressed through Verwyrd to an alehouse he favored.

It was already raucous inside, dozens of minor noblemen and women waiting, clearly having received word that this was where to be tonight, for they let out loud cheers as William entered with her on his arm. “It’s always good to slum with the common class from time to time,” he said conspiratorially into her ear. “Buy a few rounds and earn their favor.”

But Ahnna barely heard him. On the far side of the alehouse, sitting at the bar, was a familiar figure, tall and broad. The patrons instinctively giving him space, though none of them knew his identity. His eyes locked with Ahnna’s, and he gave a small jerk of his chin toward the rear of the alehouse.

“I’ll be right back,” Ahnnamurmured to William.

Her bodyguard Alfred moved to follow her, but Ahnna said, “I don’t need an escort to the privy. I’ll be right back.”

Not giving him a chance to argue, she hurried through the tables of nobles, brushing elbows with the citizens of Verwyrd. William’s voice followed her through the crowd, “A round for everyone on the crown!”

The alehouse erupted into more cheers right as she stepped into a dim corridor that led to a storage room, where Aren leaned against the wall.

“What are you doing here?” Ahnna demanded as she flung her arms around her brother’s neck, hugging him tight. Then sudden unease struck her in the chest. “Delia? Lara? Are they well?”

“Right as rain.” He wrapped one arm around her, squeezing tight. “Or at least, they were when I left. Nana and Lara might well have killed each other by the time I return.”

That she believed. Stepping back, Ahnna asked, “Then why are you here? You shouldn’t be away from them so soon.”

“You’re right, I shouldn’t.” He hooked his thumbs on his belt, looking down at her. “But I knew that you wouldn’t listen to anyone other than me, so here I am.”

“Listen about what?” Her hands had turned clammy.

“Leaving. I want you back in Ithicana, Ahnna. It’s not safe for you to be here.”

“It’s safe enough.” She crossed her arms. “I’m not leaving.”

“Safe enough?” Aren glared at her with incredulity. “Two attempted assassinations while you journeyed to Verwyrd, then another in the Sky Palace itself. You call that safe?”

“Only one of those was an attempt on my life,” she muttered. “The other two were intended for James.”

“Is that meant to make me feel better?” he demanded. “You were poisoned with wraithroot, Ahnna. You almost died. And I fail to believe that Edward’s bastard was the target the other two times. He’s of no value.”

“Don’t call him that,” Ahnna snarled. “And believe what you will. It’s the truth. Besides, James has taken steps to ensure I’m well protected.”

“Has he now?” Aren’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “Is that why you’re getting drunk with that buffoon William, in the company of the worst rabble of Harendell’s nobility? Where is James right now?”

---