Page 77 of A Tale of Ice and Ash
“I’m just thinking. It’s no matter, not yet.”
“You’ll tell me if it’s important?”
Onyx raised an eyebrow. “Of course, Your Highness.”
∞∞∞
They moved the camp lest the Queen try something else and spread the change of location. For the next two days, people arrived in dribs and drabs to offer their allegiance, all of them subjected to the ring of truth before being granted an audience with Eirwen. Onyx decked out one of the tents with furs and fine furnishings, impressing upon his young charge the importance of appearing the part. Eirwen felt it made her look too much like Bianca, but he was insistent.
“They need to see you as a queen. Don’t give them room to see you as a child, or one of them. Not yet.”
Onyx interrogated every arrival, wanting to know their every skillset and ability, in order to better plot a rescue attempt.
Two days before the execution deadline, Marie appeared in the camp. She was dressed in travelling clothes as she raced out to embrace Eirwen.
“Are you all right?” asked the princess.
She nodded into her neck. “I can’t dally. I’m due back home. I’ve left my carriage not far away. I tried to extend the stay but Papa wouldn’t hear of it. I think he knows things are going to get… dangerous.” She inhaled. “I’ve been writing to Lord Hammersmith’s family, but they haven’t replied. I’m not sure if they’ve written him off or if they’re too afraid. I’ll keep trying. I’ll do whatever I can.”
“Thank you, Marie.”
“I just hope you manage to take down the old witch and all of this is completely unnecessary.”
“It’s always good to have a plan B…”
Marie seized her again. “Please don’t die again.”
“I will avoid such an action if I possibly can.”
Marie smiled, and pressed a letter into her hands. “From Cole, updating you on the situation with this mother. She’s been furious. I’d be delighted if I wasn’t so terrified.”
Eirwen took the letter from her grip. It was neither sealed nor signed, as Cole could not afford for it to be intercepted regardless of the trustworthiness of the bearer. She thanked Marie again, had someone walk her back to her carriage, and went into her tent to read it.
Cole had drawn a snowdrop in lieu of a greeting.
I had to tell Her Majesty that you had survived her attempt and she was, putting it mildly, livid. I hope you’ve had the good sense to move your camp because I’m certain she’ll try again. I’m sure you’re taking every care to avoid detection and are thoroughly vetting each new volunteer, but be careful. She has spies somewhere, I’m sure of it. I frequently catch her talking alone in her room. I thought, at first, it was a symptom of madness. Now I’m not so sure.
I’ve asked her to let me help her, but she’s keeping me at a distance. She tells me I’m a good boy and that she’ll handle it. I will, of course, keep trying.
I once more urge Onyx to let me help with the escape attempt.
Take care, I hope we will meet again soon.
Eirwen took a moment to re-read the letter, as if searching for an extra line somewhere, some other secret message.
Am I genuinely searching for some silly, flirty comment from him? What is the matter with me?
She shook it away and went to inform Onyx of Cole’s information. He was poring over a map of the castle, muttering under his breath. Wistal, who was proving very eager, stood by his side making notes.
Onyx scoffed at Cole’s letter.
“You really should use him, you know," Eirwen suggested.
“How about we just ask him to poison her, and be done with it?”
Eirwen froze. “I am not asking Cole to poison his mother.”
“It’s the easiest solution.”
