Page 136 of Crown of Briars
I supposed I should be eating anyway. “Very well. I’ll dress and meet him for lunch.”
“He has asked not to be disturbed. He had your food sent up to you.” Enzira gestured behind her, where a tray of sliced meat, fresh cheese, and toasted bread awaited.
My stomach sank, and I looked questioningly at Enzira. She finally met my gaze, her lips thinning.
Cold realization settled into my bones. “I see.” My voice was strained.
He did not want to see me.
Perhaps he knew about the rose jewel and was angry with me.
Perhaps he regretted kissing me and didn’t want to give me the wrong idea.
“What is it?” Ramia asked, glancing between us.
In Terrish, I explained that the king was too busy to see me today.
“He’s the king,” Ramia said with the wave of her hand. “He has a busy schedule, my lady. Think nothing of it.”
I nodded, but something told me it was more than that. “Where are my clothes from yesterday? I need my cloak.”
“I sent them to be washed,” said Enzira.
“What about the items in my pockets?” I didn’t mind if Enzira knew about the gemstones, but now didn’t seem the time to explain it all to her. Especially not with Ramia present.
Enzira frowned, then strode over to the armoire. After pulling open a few drawers, she withdrew a familiar pouch and lifted it so I could see. “Is this what you’re looking for?”
Ramia made a surprised sound, then covered her mouth. She must have been sleeping when Enzira had put the pouch there.
A relieved exhale whooshed from me. I hurried to Enzira’s side and accepted the pouch from her, pressing my fingers against the rough material to ensure the stones were inside. “Thank you,” I breathed. “Thank you.”
Enzira gave me a knowing smile that made me wonder just how much she knew. “I understand how precious that is to you.”
I swallowed hard. “They are gemstones.”
“I know. I’ve seen you with that one around your neck.” She gestured to the amber stone at my throat. I brushed myfingers over it, grateful that she hadn’t removed it while bathing me.
Shedidseem to perceive more than I realized.
I opened my mouth to say more, but Enzira lifted a hand to stop me. “You do not owe me an explanation, my lady.”
“But I want you to know.”
Her smile turned soft. “Then tell me your tale another time. I would love to hear it. For now, I must ensure you are dressed for the day before attending to other duties. The king has asked me to carefully inspect your chambers alongside the sorceress Tislora to see if any clues were left behind.”
I frowned. “But Warwick is dead.”
“Yes. But we do not know who else was working with him. Anything we find could lead us to his co-conspirators.”
“What is she saying?” Ramia asked.
In Terrish, I said darkly, “We are talking of Warwick and who might have been working with him.”
“It’s a pity that scumbag died before I could get my hands on him,” Ramia muttered as she rearranged the sheets on the bed.
I ignored her, knowing full well she would have beennomatch for Warwick. But perhaps Enzira and Tislora would find out how he was connected to the Earthen Court.
It still made no sense to me.
