Page 208 of A Queen's Game
Marietta
Marietta sighed. “Elyse’s at the library again? That’s the third day in a row.”
Amryth looked up from her book on the other end of the couch. “You sound like a clingy lover.”
“Not a clingy lover, just a desperate friend.” Marietta sighed again, throwing herself back into the cushions.
Ever since Marietta found Elyse in the bathroom, she wanted to check in everyday. Gyrsh was a monster, trying to regain control over Elyse. At least, that’s what Keyain shared.
Those were his last words to Marietta. Most mornings, he rose before she woke up and returned after she was already asleep. Unsure if it was to avoid Marietta or if the Exisotis made a move, she was happy Keyain was somewhere else. In the evenings, she ate with Elyse and Amryth—and sometimes Wynn.
Finding Wynn in Elyse’s suite surprised her that first day. Not realizing they knew one another, his presence brought Marietta peace of mind—that a talented mage would watch over Elyse and make sure her father didn’t return. Or the Queen, for that matter. Elyse had broken some rule by sharing Brynden’s real name with Marietta. She hadn’t talked to Elyse about itsince the day they crawled into her bed, Marietta holding her as she cried.
Though the Queen’s warning should have alarmed Marietta, she mostly found it curious. Valeriya knew the Chorys Dasians, knew Brynden’s actual name, but why? Perhaps they were also working with Exisotis. Marietta wanted to ask Elyse questions about Brynden and Sylas—to figure out if they were a part of the group—but didn’t want to upset her. In due time, she would.
The documents she took from Keyain’s desk still sat in her wardrobe, waiting to be handed to Queen Valeriya. Much to her dismay, Keyain kept his desk locked, Marietta never catching him off guard again. The information she had to give to the Queen was helpful, but it didn’t feel enough.
A few days ago, Valeriya had sent a book to Marietta. Highlighted inside were the words ‘The revelers meet’ on one page, followed by ‘just after midnight’ on another. A clever system, considering Keyain would likely have the servants bring him any notes sent to Marietta. An irritating thought. At least she would meet with Valeriya tomorrow evening, though she barely gathered anything. What Marietta wished to do was eavesdrop on Keyain’s meetings. It would be hard since he kept his distance. Perhaps that would be a suitable cover. She gave Amryth a saccharine smile.
“What do you want?” Amryth said without looking up.
“Are you up for a walk?
“Of course, but what plan are you hatching?”
“No plan, just a simple walk,” Marietta said, toying with a lock.
“Bullshit. What are you scheming?”
Marietta smiled. “Do you remember where Keyain has his meetings?”
“Why?”
“I haven’t seen him in a week.”
Amryth raised a single brow, giving a leveling stare.
“What? I haven’t.”
“Why do you want to walk by Keyain’s meeting?” Amryth said, snapping her book shut.
“Well, the King mentioned the Exisotis making a move but—”
“You want to overhear what they’re saying.”
“Yes,” she said, sitting up. Not false, she wanted to know what was happening in that regard, but she also wanted more information for the Queen.
“I’m sure Coryn and Deania will have an update when we go to the temple.”
“Or, how about,” Marietta said, getting up with a stretch, “we happen to walk by their meeting and I happen to hear something about my home city-state.”
Amryth sighed as she stood. “This is a stupid idea. Keyain’s already upset with you.”
Marietta flashed a grin, shrugging. “Then what’s one more thing?”
“This is a stupid idea,” Amryth repeated beside Marietta. At the front of the palace, in the same section as the entrance, they were on the top floor, looking out to the Central Garden. Noblemen walked about the halls, some exchanging notes, others speaking in hushed tones.
“What? We’re just taking a walk,” Marietta said, offering a sweet smile to two elven men who stared at them. They nodded and went back to their papers.
