Page 75 of The Court of Secrets
Adius stopped me as I hurried to Morgana’s room. “Your Majesty. One of King Blaise’s ships has arrived from Berovia. We haven’t allowed them onto land yet. What should we do?”
“Let them dock. I know what they were sent for.” They must have retrieved the Amulet of Viribus. Now, only the Ring of Immortalem stood between Blaise and the curse.
He nodded. “Right away, Majesty. Also, the girls for the Ruby Circle have arrived. They’ve been shown their rooms. There are only twenty, as per your request.”
It was a far smaller number of ladies than was present the other times the tradition had been celebrated at the castle, but it was definitely not the right time for many visitors. “Send Florence to organize everything and keep them entertained.”
“They’ll expect your presence.”
I sighed, and my shoulders slumped forward. “I’ll make sure to see them tonight. First, I must see Morgana.”
He walked at my side through the large corridors. Morgana had been out cold for hours, but one of the maids had informed me she had finally awakened. I’d locked myself in the office, wondering how I was going to murder a hundred people and bring Neoma to Magaelor. In my hand was a letter, a treaty, the only hope I had to gain their trust.
He cleared this throat. “Excuse my intruding, but the lords will be expecting punishment for Lady Marissa’s murder.”
“She wasn’t herself, Adius. I can’t get into why, but you must believe me.”
“I do.” His expression hardened. “I saw her. There was something sinister about her.”
“There was.” A shiver snaked down my spine. “Regardless, tell them I will discuss her punishment at the next meeting.”
“I shall schedule one.”
“Adius.” I paused, stopping for a moment in the middle of the empty corridor that connected to the west wing to where Morgana was. “It’s been overwhelming, and you being at my side… it has been a relief. I trust you, and that says a lot. Which is why I’ve been wanting to discuss an important matter with you.” I smiled. Out of all the anguish and sadness of late, this was a small happiness, something I felt I was doing for the right reasons. “There is still an opening for royal advisor. I hadn’t filled it because I didn’t know who I wanted, but it’s obvious. I would feel honored if you took the position. It has better pay. I would ensure you are gifted lands, for your service. A nice place where you and Florence can retire one day.”
He hesitated. I knew the life of a guard, of a general, was what he preferred, but Florence preferred a particular lifestyle, and this could give it to her—to them both.
“I am humbled by your request, and there is no greater honor than serving at your side, but may I take it under consideration?”
I nodded. “Of course.” I turned and walked again. “I need you to find Blaise and tell him I no longer require the potion.”
He glanced at me sideways but didn’t ask why. “I’ll go to him now.”
“Also.” I handed him the letter.
He took it and raised his eyebrows. Shining back at him were the words “King Kiros of Berovia.”
“Take this to the messenger to send to Berovia. It must arrive in Kiros’s hands.”
“I will ensure it is sent immediately.”
“Thanks, Adius, and do think about the position. I would find it a great help. You already act like an advisory. I know it’s not the life of a general, but there’s no one else I can trust.”
He nodded with a hint of a smile, then turned and walked back in the direction we came from. I took a deep breath and continued to Morgana’s room, nervous at what awaited me on the other side of her door.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
I sat on the edge of her bed, dipping her downward. Her bloodshot eyes were focused on the chandelier hanging overhead, and her long brown waves were matted. Those and her chapped lips were the only signs she’d been possessed by a centuries-old being. I grabbed a brush and began pulling out the knots. A maid tried to interject, but I wanted to do this for her.
“Everything is going to be okay now.” I brushed a tangle out and sighed. The pixies had done an amazing job at healing her. They would come in handy, especially with the letter I had sent. They were one of the terms. “I’m handling it.”
“What did you promise him?” Her pointed stare found mine.
I looked around the room. Only a maid clattered around with a tray of tea. “Leave,” I ordered. “Leave the tea.”
The maid placed the peppermint teas on the side table, then left us alone.
“I did what I needed to do, to save you,” I whispered. “And Magaelor,” I said before she could get mad. “Like you did when you saved me.”
