Page 260 of The Daughters of Avalon
Mead for all?
Indeed, within moments—as though they’d been awaiting a cue—a horde of servants emerged from the kitchen, all cradling ewers.
As Morwen’s head lolled, they made their way down every aisle, filling goblets and mugs as they passed.
After a long, surreal moment, Cael reached over to gingerly shove at her mother’s shoulder, to which she responded by slumping listlessly to one side of her chair, eyes closing and mouth agape, suddenly drooling.
At once, Rhiannon dragged her gaze about the hall…
Chapter
Ten
The goblet in Morwen’s hand crashed to the floor, spilling its contents. Still, it didn’t faze Morwen, though it startled Rhiannon. For better or worse, the deed was done.
There was no telling how long they had.
Cael waited only another moment for good measure, and then, none-too-gently tugged Rhiannon to her feet.
Already, the draught was taking effect. Most of his guests were following suit, laying down their heads, some in their trenchers, others beside it…
A few toppled from their benches, and Cael made a mental note to secure his own position once the time arrived so he wouldn’t end up with a knot on his head, although perhaps if he did, it would better serve his cause.
“You poisoned her?”
Rhiannon sounded horrified.
“Not precisely.”
“What then?”
“A sleeping draught.”
“How did you know it would work?”
“I didn’t,” said Cael.
“That was your plan?”
“Aye,” he said. “But don’t worry, Rhiannon, she’ll wake in good time.”
“Oh, you mistake me!” she countered, and Cael smiled over the rueful tone of her voice. If any daughter had a right to despise her mother, Rhiannon had more cause than most.
He led her quickly from the dais, dragging her through the hall. “I’ll warrant, she’ll wish she were dead once she wakes, and she may see to it I am.”
“That is not amusing!” Rhiannon said, hurrying along behind him as they made their way through the guest-littered hall. They were dropping like flies amidst a cloud of smoked camphor. Only a few people remained awake—a handful of men and women he trusted. Everyone else was innocent of his plans, and he meant to make it clear they had no part in his ruse. Once the plan was fully orchestrated, those who’d helped perpetrate it would have to leave Blackwood. Already, they were gathering their numbers to flee.
By now, even the musicians were drowsed. Together, they sank to their knees, and collapsed, their instruments banging across the rough stone floor. The lute played a hollow note and one of the pipes rolled beneath a table.
Asdroguedas everyone was, no one paid any attention to the lord and his lady rushing from the hall. Cael doubted anyone could see further than the tips of their noses.
“I cannot believe you did this!”
“Oh, butIdid not,” he countered, turning to wink at her. “You did it. I am but the besotted old fool who dared to trust his beautiful bride.”
“Beautiful?” she repeated dumbly.
“Infinitely so. And, in the eyes of the world, I am not the first husband to be betrayed, and neither will I be the last.”
