Page 88 of Oath of the Wolf
Cenric’s jaw worked as he stared across the water.He cursed, letting off several oaths in both Valdari and Hyldish.“I’m not a traitor.”Cenric faced Brynn.“I won’t do it.Not…not like this.”
“I know.”Brynn grasped his other hand.“I don’t think we should.”
Cenric’s relief was almost palpable.“You don’t?”
Betrayal was a dangerous line to cross.Even Brynn’s mother had wielded that weapon sparingly.“I don’t know what Tullia plans, but I don’t think we can trust her any more than Ovrek.”
Cenric cursed again.“Things were never this complicated during the war.”
Brynn offered a wan smile.“Were they less complicated or were you too far beneath politics at the time?”
Cenric cast Brynn a dour look.“You make too much sense sometimes.”
Brynn bowed her head, looking to their joined hands.“We can’t run.It would only speed your foretelling of Ovrek taking Ombra.”
Cenric grumbled incoherently.“He’d never believe me if I said Tullia wanted him dead, but I might be able to warn him there’s another attempt coming.”
“You might.”Brynn didn’t really believe it.
“This whole thing is wretched.”
“We need to get ready for the feast,” Brynn said quietly.
“I suppose.”Cenric made no move to leave their spot on the beach.“I don’t know what to do.It seems like every choice is the wrong one.”
“I feel the same,” Brynn admitted.
Cenric pulled her into his arms, tucking her under his chin for just a moment.He squeezed her tight and Brynn pressed her ear to his chest, listening to the comforting thrum of his pulse.They stayed like that for a long space of heartbeats, not moving.
Finally, they broke apart, heading back to their ship and tents.Esa helped Brynn change into a new shift and dress.She pinned Brynn’s hair back under the blue silk veil Sifma had given her and helped Brynn adjust her necklace of carnelian beads.Cenric wanted her to wear the silver cuff he’d received from Ovrek, so she did.
Kalen helped Cenric into his feasting attire with the embroidered tunic Brynn had sewn for him and his rabbit-lined mantle secured with his wolf’s head brooch.
Brynn decided to leave Guin with Esa in their tent.Kalen was to stay and guard Esa, as always.Their thanes who had returned from hunting down traitors with Ovrek’s men also remained behind.
Brynn stepped outside with Cenric, and her two Valdari guards followed.They said something to Cenric and he answered in clipped Valdari.
Cenric took her hand, tugging her against his side protectively.Her husband was tense, uneasy.She supposed she was, too.She felt that way she had every morning for years after her father had died—taut as a bowstring and expecting danger at every sound.
They reached Ovrek’s hall, the towering structure looming over them like a hungry beast.By the fading light of the evening, the doors seemed to be its maw, eager to swallow them all up.
They entered inside with the crowd and their two guards drifted off, disappearing into the throng.It seemed the men did not have orders to continue watching Brynn.
The scene was much as it had been a few nights ago.Brynn recognized several faces, and most people occupied the same benches.
Yet a pall seemed to hang over the room.The death of Gistrid and the attempt on Ovrek’s life had left a shadow over them.It was a bad sign.Brynn wasn’t sure if news of the Grandfather Yew’s destruction had spread yet, but it would soon if it hadn’t already.
Ovrek shouted at the sight of Cenric, calling out in Valdari.The king greeted her husband with his usual effusiveness, clapping Cenric on the back and presenting him to several jarls he had just been speaking with.
Cenric let go of her hand to give his full attention to the king, playing the part they both knew he had to.He pulled Ovrek in, speaking quickly and softly.
Ovrek yanked away, shaking his head.
Cenric tried again, but Ovrek waved a hand, dismissing him.
The king greeted Brynn next, though it was in Valdari this time.
Brynn’s chest twisted a little at that.It meant Ovrek was more interested in putting on a show for the onlookers.It was a bad sign.
