In the Veins of the Drowning(39)

No one would doubt he was a God.

Lachlan turned to me. “Don’t let them intimidate you. They were a lustful, violent, pigheaded lot. You’ll fit right in.”

Agatha tsked before their gazes caught on one another and lingered. Lachlan beheld her with fondness, with heartbreak. He set an absent-minded hand to his chest like it ached. “My rooms are the same, Agatha.”

Agatha only gave him a sharp, cold nod, then looped her arm through mine.

Head bent, Lachlan started up the western stairs, taking them two at a time, then disappeared into the shadow of the hall.

“What the hell are you doing?” I chided. “You still love him. And he still loves you.”

She rolled her eyes. “Lachlan loves everyone. And everyone loves him. He’s charming and roguish and too witty.”

“Opposites attract.” I looked up the staircase he’d ascended. “I think he’s hurt that you’re willing to leave him again.”

“I tried to explain it to him.” She shook her head. “I told him I’d go with you when the king sends you off in search of Eusia too.”

I stiffened. That was something else entirely. There was no way of knowing where the hunt for Eusia would take me, but it would most certainly be dangerous. “You can’t come with me, Agatha,” I said, firmly. “I’m hardly qualified for the task, and you have even less power than I do. I won’t see you get hurt. I’d only blame myself for it.” Her mouth fell open, her chest filling with a protest. “Please. You’ve looked after me for so long. You’ve given up so much for me. You should make up for it now.”

“I’m not sure how.” She looked overcome. I was not the only one who had been ripped from her old life, I was not the only one starting new. Selfishly, I was grateful to not be alone in the terror of it.

“Your Majesty!” A jovial voice echoed through the hall. A stout man with a bright smile approached the king. His face was as round as his stomach, his skin a dark, smooth brown. His crinkled eyes were a faceted amber. “It’s good to have you back.” He stopped before Theodore and gave him a grand bow. “Was the Isle of Seraf just as we suspected?”

Theodore’s dark brows lowered. “There were a few surprises.”

“Ahh, well. The empress and the princess have been here for nearly two days. They’ve been content to rest and wander the gardens, but I think it would be wise to plan the negotiations directly.”

Theodore nodded. “Thank you, Eftan. Is all well with them?”

The man’s wide smile dropped ever so slightly. He let his booming voice soften. “The empress is a woman of… high standards. I suggest the meeting be held in the Garden Room. I’ll have the servants set the table.” His eyes brightened, and he leaned in conspiratorially. “The princess, however, is lovely. Lucky for you.”

Theodore gave an unaffected grunt.

“And who are these young women?” Eftan set a hand to his belly, shifting his weight from foot to foot.

“This is…” Theodore strained for words. “Lady Imogen Nel. She…” He gave up searching for an explanation for my existence and gestured to Agatha, absently. “And this is Commander Mela’s former wife, Agatha. She was my governess once. Perhaps you remember her.”

Eftan’s face creased with distant recognition. “Why, yes. Agatha. I believe I do remember you.” His cheeks rounded further with a full and friendly smile. “I’ll find you both comfortable rooms. Come with me.”

“Chancellor, it’s good to see you again.” Agatha’s cheeks flushed pink, and she said, “Are there any rooms available near Commander Mela’s?”

“I believe so, yes.” He gestured to a nearby maid and then Agatha was making her way up the western stairs. She gave me an unsure smile before she disappeared.

“Eftan,” Theodore said, “may I have a word?” He stepped closer to the little man and leaned in to whisper. As Theodore spoke, Eftan stood very straight, very still, then he shot me a quick, condescending look.

I choked back a groan.

Eftan gave Theodore a reverential bow. “I understand, Your Majesty.” The man faced me without meeting my eye, bowed, and offered a clipped “Good day.” Then he turned on his heel and strode from the hall, boots snapping quickly over the marble.

“What did you tell him?”

Theodore’s eyes narrowed and an uneasy warmth fell through my stomach. “I told him to have the warships and land soldiers prepared for an attack from Seraf.” His voice had sunk so deep into his chest I could nearly feel it rumble through me. “And I told him you would be sleeping in my room for the time being.”

“Oh.” I swallowed hard. “Did you tell him why?”

“I’ll let him draw his own conclusions. They’re likely better than the truth.” He yanked the crown from his head and started up the eastern stairs.

I fisted my skirt and all but ran up after him. “He’ll think I’m your mistress, and just as your fiancée has arrived—”

“Like I said—better than the truth. The poor man would collapse if I told him you are my blood-bound wife.”

We reached a long hall, where he led us past large windows that framed flowering gardens, vine-covered outbuildings, and the wide, glinting sea beyond the cliff. The carpet was thick and soft, but I was desperate for a pair of shoes. For stays and underclothes that fit. For a hot bath.