Page 22 of The Mage's Rake
“No. I’m fine, Hugh. Just feeling the cold… and I am exhausted after my long day.”
“Hm. Well…” Hugh paused and then allowed the conversation to flow to other topics.
Gossiping lightly, Hugh allowed me my much-needed space to think until we arrived at the castle. I was, of course, struggling with jealousy yet again. The green-eyed dragon had raised its head, and I fought bitterly with it the entire ride. Only, when we alighted and walked up the stairs did I realize that my mood had soured the end of what had been a lovely evening. I cursed my idiocy even more. After all, there was that molly that Hugh had mentioned in his sleep. The person he loved. The person who was not me.
Hugh, no doubt realizing the wisdom in allowing me room to process what I was struggling with, instantly sought out Corrin and Landis. I followed along, less enthusiastically. The two were in their rooms, preparing for the night. Seeing how close they were, how intensely Corrin looked at Landis, how their fingers intertwined with each other, how they leaned into each other. They were clearly in love, and I could see how confident Landis was, knowing that Corrin was always there to stand with him. And Corrin cherished Landis and appreciated his unique views on life in Rimefrost. They worked well as a team.
So far, Hugh and I have done fairly well, I mused.Will we ever become that close? I hope so!
Although I wanted to think about it more, I knew I had to focus on the crisis at hand—potential interference during the treaty signing with Esteria. Corrin and Landis reacted with alarm, but within minutes, Corrin was already planning proper security measures with Hugh. Landis was planning which messenger to send with the news to Duke Gareth. Lord Morne was mentioned, clearly filling Landis with dismay and discomfort. Lord Morne was, after all, family, but it was clear that the noble was becoming more of a threat daily.
Corrin took Landis’s hand once again in his, pulled Landis onto his lap, and embraced Landis protectively.
“Whatever your decision, Landis,” he said softly, “we’ll be there for you.”
“Indeed,” Hugh agreed instantly. “Alan and I will be there.”
“Alan and you?” Landis’s blue eyes glinted with amusement and mild suspicion. “You two do seem to be around each other quite a bit as of late. Is there something to report?”
“Oh, well,” I stammered, deciding to fall back on the very real and reasonable excuse on hand. “Investigations into the poisoned arrow are still ongoing. I’ve required a bodyguard as I interview various potion makers around and outside the city. Duke Gareth was kind enough to impress upon Hugh the importance of protecting me. I’m sure he could have selected others, but…”
I floundered suddenly as I realized that my words had led me into dangerous territory. Thankfully, Hugh jumped in to save me from myself.
“Any of the men would have done, of course, but the delicacy of the matter, the security required, I believed it was best if I was on hand, especially so that I could take note of the information myself. Lower the amount of tongues carrying the tales, as you know.”
“Ah yes,” Landis said. “Well, do let us know if you need any help.”
“We shall.” Hugh nodded. “I will admit that at first I was concerned about allowing Alan out and about, but Alan has proved himself to be a catkin of great valor, not unlike yourself, Landis.”
“He’s growing on you,” Landis guessed.
“He is,” Hugh admitted without skipping a beat.
“I heard from the others about your escapade in the Lower Rime,” Corrin said with a small smile. “Rolf returned with news that the little kit has received the medicine, and his father is dosing him properly. I’ve also made arrangements with Aileen to send the kit a blanket. Their living quarters leave much to be desired, according to Rolf.”
Landis looked a bit crestfallen as he thought about Corrin’s words. Corrin had told him the tale, and being reminded of it seemed to bring down the young king’s spirits. Reminded of the young kit, I also felt terrible. How could I let myself get caught up in such petty feelings when others suffered? My own struggles with Hugh seemed to pale in comparison. Judging by the sudden droop of Landis’s golden ears, the young king shared my dismay.
“I feel guilty simply thinking about it,” Landis admitted. “Can I truly allow myself to enjoy a Wintermas celebration when our country struggles so?”
“We should all take happiness where we may find it,” Corrin reassured him, drawing him into another comforting embrace. “But perhaps you and Alan could come up with a way to ease the suffering beyond the east gates.”
Landis glanced over at me. I rose to my feet and bowed.
“If Your Highness would be willing—“
“Landis,” said the young king. “Just call me Landis, Alan.”
“Landis,” I said. “I also share your concerns… and feelings. Ian and Tomlyn Nott aren’t the only ones suffering. I couldn’t help but wonder if there was something I could do, but perhaps we could find some way to help a little… if we work together?”
“It would be my pleasure!” Landis cheered up instantly. “Thank you, Alan.”
I bowed again, turned to Hugh, and suggested that it was time for me to retire for the evening. Hugh agreed and offered to escort me to my rooms. As part of my promise to Gareth, he added quickly, avoiding the knowing looks of Corrin and Landis. As we walked down the hall, Hugh muttered under his breath.
“Oh gods, Alan, I think they may be onto us. Prepare yourself.”
I snuggled more deeply into my scarf and cloak and imagined Hugh pulling me into his lap as Corrin had done to Landis. If I was about to be teased by Corrin and Landis, I wanted there to be something worth teasing about at least. Now, if I could only get Hugh to experiment some more with me in the name of lifting the curse.
Chapter 9
