Page 130 of Poisoned Kingdom
‘Will it change anything?’ I whispered. ‘The contract’s still in Tivala’s hands.’
Part of me wanted to believe him,neededto believe him, but having my worst fears realised made it so, so difficult.
A signed and sealed marriage contract was nearly as binding as a blood oath. Even a marriage itself was easier to dissolve than the promise often used to end wars and bring prosperity to the land. Breaking one didn’t just ostracise you. It marked you.Oathbreaker.
And even kings weren’t immune.
I didn’t want to be the reason Reynard wore that stain.
The next half hour was the longest of my life. It didn’t matter how I looked at the situation—Reynard had no choice but to marry this woman or risk all the nobles rallying against him . . .
Unless the contract vanished before it became public knowledge. My fists tightened as I watched the king pace the room, responsibility weighing down his shoulders.
He is mine to protect. Mine. And I won’t give him up, not like this.
At last the scribe arrived, breathless and red-faced, only to go pale the moment he caught sight of Reynard’s thunderous expression. A sombre-looking Riordan entered behind him, positioning himself close to the doors as he traced the truthseeker sigil. Our eyes met, and he gave a small nod. He would get the truth out of the scribe, even if it meant dissecting every though the young man had.
‘M-my king—what happened? What can I do?’ the scribe stammered, his high-pitched voice frantic.
‘Did you seal and send a signed marriage contract to Duke Tivala?’ Reynard asked calmly, but even I felt the weight of his words.
‘No, sire!’ The scribe’s fear and confusion were so evident that Rey cursed, but it only made the poor boy stutter more. ‘I-I begyour forgiveness. I’m still learning. If you tell me where it is, I’ll send it immediately. I’m s-so sorry. My predecessor left without warning, and he didn’t explain everything, and I-I should’ve asked for a list, I know, I know—’
I blinked. Still learning?
What predecessor . . .?
‘When did you start in this role?’ I asked quietly.
The scribe turned to me, trembling under the king’s stare. ‘My lady, I w-was promoted t-two days after you tried . . . when t-they said . . . when you c-came to t-the palace.’ He was practically vibrating with nerves, and I knew the truthseeker spell was difficult to deal with.
Riordan nodded. ‘He’s telling the truth. He hasn’t sent anything—hasn’t evenseenthe contract. Looks like Roksana’s arrival forced our little spy to cut and run back south . . . with a gift for his master.’
I groaned, thumping my forehead with my fist. ‘That’s it! I think I know what happened.’ The memory of my night in the cell flashed in my mind’s eye. ‘Jagon’s accomplice—the southerner boasted about having the king’s seal and scolded my old master for acting against the king.’
Reynard frowned.
‘Why kill the king,’ I said dryly, ‘when you can just marry him off? Rey . . . your previous scribe, I’m sorry I didn’t think of it earlier.’
He nodded grimly. ‘I suspected something when he left so suddenly, but—’ He turned to the scribe. ‘You may go. Not a word about anything you heard today. Return to the palace and draft letters to all the garrison commanders. They are to prepare for war.’
The scribe bowed so fast he nearly stumbled, bolting like demons were snapping at his heels.
Once the door clicked shut and only the three of us remained, Reynard turned to Riordan.
‘Postpone the ball until Gromnitsa,1 two months from now. The celebration of Makosh on the Day of Thunder is the perfect moment to reveal that Sana is my chosen. Mlot’s insane actions have given us the perfect excuse for the delay,’ he said, placing a steady hand on the mage’s shoulder. ‘I know you never wanted this, but in the face of war, I have to appoint a regent . . .’
‘The old nobles won’t like it,’ Riordan warned.
‘They’ll suck it up,’ the king said with a snort. ‘Unless they’d prefer chaos in the kingdom and their daughters dancing on the front lines. Don’t worry, Ri, I’ll return—but while I’m away, I need someone I trust here.’
Rey walked towards me.
‘It’s all just pretence, my light. I need to keep Tivala guessing while I fight Mlot.’ His hand brushed my cheek, his gaze searching mine for understanding. And I did understand, all too well.
If Tivala revealed the agreement and Reynard refused to accept it, the nobles would overthrow him. Not even the threat of the dwarven axemen infantry could hold the kingdom if the aristocracy branded him an oathbreaker.
‘I know,’ I whispered, kissing the inside of his palm and leaning into his touch. ‘What do you need me to do?’
