Page 7 of A Crown Without Mercy

“It defies their reputations,” Sylvana joked.

“It sure does.” Muriel chuckled.

They entered the courtyard and followed the gray, stone path toward the well-kept gardens where fragrant flowers, pruned trees, and hedges lined the expansive pathway. Sylvana looked to one segment which contained large trees whose branches sagged beneath the weight of its heavy fruit.Fruit trees for those who don’t eat, and none for those who do,she thought.

Riordan and his brothers stood on the parapet walk near the main tower, watching over the gardens.

“Sylvana makes a lot of deliveries here, but I’ve never seen her sell anything in the market,” Kieran stated.

Nicolai rested his forearms on the stone battlements, feeling as curious as his brothers. “She sells to the kitchen staff and spends most of her time with Muriel.”

“Some guards refer to Muriel as having inquisitive eyes and ears,” Kieran added.

“Why would a female of Sylvanas’s status sell goods for Helots and Mortals?” Riordan asked.

“Your guess is as good as mine. From what I’ve witnessed, she loathes both races,” Kieran replied.

“Riordan, what’s with your sudden interest in the female?” Nicolai asked.

“Lycans were seen in the forest around her manor, and I’ve received word her father Kadric snuck out in the middle of the night. No one seems to know of his whereabouts,” Riordan answered.

“I’m curious why the Lycans are scurrying around his land like rats?” Kieran questioned.

Nicolai stood up and leaned against the tower with his arms crossed. “Kadric and the Cynfadel clan have always been loyal. He and his son, Alaric, are also well-respected members of the Legion. It would make sense Kadric would leave on clan business for periods of time, especially if he knows about them. He may be hunting them down?”

“Since you want to defend her family, I want you to make her acquaintance,” Riordan stated. Nicolai nodded and the three of them stared down at the two females.

Kieran rested his forearms on the stone wall. “I would like to make her acquaintance as

well.”

“This private enough?” Muriel suggested.

They took a seat on a stone bench that sat beneath an ancient Ankerwycke Yew in the center of the garden and Muriel filled their cups.

“How are your sisters?” Muriel asked as she handed Sylvana a cup.

“Calista is good, but Mira is becoming something else to deal with, and yours?”

“Bothersome,” Muriel joked.

Sylvana took a sip of her ale and smiled coyly at Muriel. “You going to ask about Alaric?”

Muriel smiled back and shrugged her shoulders. “No, but since you brought him up, how is he?”

“Other than spending most of his time with the Legion, he’s great. He asked about you the last time I made a delivery. You should come to the manor for a visit.”

“I might take you up on the offer. If I tell you something, will you keep it between us?”

“Of course I will.”

“I really like Alaric, but I’ve also met someone.”

“Really? Who? When did that happen?”

“Not too long ago. But we aren’t compatible, status wise.”

“Is his status above or below yours?”

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