Page 75 of The Fae Queen's Revenge

“I am Duchess Hesslefyn now, and as I was found innocent, I believe it is my right to request an audience with the High King.”

Although Ber’s steps had slowed, they were still close enough for Tes to make out the consternation on the lady’s face. Self-important, as always. But then Tes noticed the way the lady nibbled on her lower lip. And the bundle she held—the woman’s fingers clenched and then unclenched around a stack of letters bound tightly by a ribbon.

When the guard gestured dismissively toward the courtyard behind her, Lady Gartren’s usually flawless skin blotched red. “At least summon the chamberlain. I have information that must be shared with Their Majesties.”

“You may send him a request in writing,” the guard replied.

Even at that, Lady Gartren retreated only a step, placing herself on the other side of the threshold. “I am permitted to behere, and so I will stay until I speak to the chamberlain.”

Why was the woman so determined? Most had assumed it would be decades before she dared to show her face at court again after her father had been executed and her mother and two siblings had been imprisoned for treason. Yet the closer Tes and Ber drew, the more obvious it was that Lady Gartren was committed to remaining in place despite the guard’s growing scowl.

Abruptly, Ber halted.“That parchment,”he sent.“Look closely at the bundle.”

Tes peered at the stack of papers, searching for anything of note. It was a deep cream, the kind preferred by royalty forofficial letters. She’d seen it many times from her father. In fact, the corner of one had a similar embossing…no, wait. The raised design of leaves twined around a sword, gold dusted over the image to highlight it, was exactly the one her father used.

The lady carried official papers from King Ryenil.

She and Ber exchanged a single glance of acknowledgment before continuing as quickly as they dared toward the front door. Against Ber’s chest, Speran shifted restlessly in his wrap until his father cupped a hand over his back. Fortunately, he settled. They didn’t have time to take him to the nursery now.

“You will allow her entry at once,” Ber said when they reached the door.

The guard’s gaze snapped to their small group, and recognition sparked in his eyes. Yet he didn’t wave the lady through. “Your Highness, my orders were handed down by the High King himself.”

Ber’s brow shot upward. “He told you this personally?”

“Ah, well.” The guard shifted on his feet. “Of course not, Your Highness. The command passed down through the ranks.”

“And here I stand, a royal prince of Eyamiri blood, directly ordering you to allow the duchess entry,” Ber said, his voice resounding clearly across the entryway. “I refuse to carry my infant child down into the city for a simple discussion with her, and I am certain my brother would agree. Would you like for me to call him down here to tell you so himself?”

The guard floundered at that, his mouth working for several seconds before he managed words. “No, no, Your Highness. If Lady Hesslefyn is with you, I am sure all will be well.”

Tes fought back a smile. It was ridiculous how fierce her husband managed to look with a baby wrapped against his chest, but there was no denying the guard’s quick retreat and nervous glances. Not to mention the duchess. She’d taken anunconscious step back, and her skin was as white as the clouds in the sky behind her.

“Come,” Ber said, gesturing for Lady Gartren to follow as he turned.

Tes half-expected the woman to flee, but after a brief hesitation, she bobbed a curtsy and fell into step with them without a word. The movement didn’t return color to the lady’s cheeks. Her grip both clenched and trembled around the bundle as though she couldn’t decide whether to tear the papers apart or toss them and run, and her lips were flattened into a thin, pale line—no smirk in sight.

She’s terrified.

Ber led them into one of the sitting rooms bordering the grand entryway, but he waved away the servant who offered to fetch refreshments. Only when the door closed behind the servant, leaving them alone, did he turn to face Gartren. But his fierce scowl took even Tes aback.

“Why do you have royal correspondence from Centoi?” he demanded.

Gartren’s free hand lifted to her throat. “I’m…I’m afraid this is for High King Toren or one of his spouses. Only.”

Unwittingly, Tes’s respect for the lady went up a notch at her bravery. But that didn’t mean Tes would allow her to evade the demand. “Lady Gartren, that was an order from your prince.”

“He’s an exile,” Gartren said. Then for the first time, she appeared to truly notice Tes—and Speran. “Except… Why are you and your baby here, Ryssa? I don’t understand.”

Ber’s scowl deepened. “I asked you a question, and I expect an answer, not an evasion.”

“Wait,” Tes said, settling her hand against his upper arm. “If she’s not allowed in the palace, she wouldn’t have been at court this morning to hear Toren’s announcement. Considering her own family’s scandal, I doubt anyone has been by to tell her.”

The blotches returned to the lady’s face. “It is bad enough that I risked shame by seeking an audience with the High King. I don’t need your scorn, too. You needn’t point out my ignorance.”

“I see the problem.” Ber relaxed, and some of the anger faded from his expression. “To explain, I was restored to my rightful place, duchess. I’ve been a spy in the Centoi court for most of my life. As my assignment ended rather precipitously, I’ve been reunited with my wife and child. I assure you that you have not been led to your doom by an enemy of Llyalia.”

“Wife and child?” Lady Gartren asked, not seeming to notice Ber’s attempt at wry humor. Her attention was too busy flicking between the three of them with growing confusion. “But when could you have wed the queen’s commoner cousin? That is…” More blotches appeared along the duchess’s throat. “I meant to say the queen’s companion. Your Highness.”

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