All of Morwenna’s contrition and helplessness had been feigned. In that brief moment of sun-bright clarity, Trynne recognized the face of her enemy, the enemy of the realm. She’d had suspicions before. She’d seen the shadows on the wall. Now she knew exactly who was blocking the light.
At the same time, Trynne’s own magic was sufficiently drained that she would not prevail in a contest with Severn’s daughter. No doubt the poisoner was anticipating her arrival. She had set these events into motion in preparation for it. She knew how the memory spell worked. No doubt she was the one who’d lured the men into the grove and stolen Gahalatine’s memories. That flash of a pale skirt had been hers. What reaction was Morwenna expecting from Trynne?
All she knew was that she needed to survive getting out of that room.
And so she chose to feign ignorance.
“Genny, I came as soon as I could,” Trynne said as she hurried into the room. It was not difficult pretending; her emotions were already wringing with concern for the child. “Poor Kate! Can I see her? You must be frantic.”
Trynne did not reach out with her magic. She was sorely tempted, but such an action would give away her distrust immediately. Her actions needed to imply she wholeheartedly believed Genny was standing there. Trynne approached, keeping her eyes fixed on the cradle. The babe’s labored breathing could be heard from across the room and Trynne reflexively pressed her fist against her own mouth, the shock of it piercing to her core. How could someone harm such a defenseless thing? The thought made her shudder with revulsion.
She arrived at the crib. “Oh,” she gasped, staring miserably at the child. The babe’s complexion was green, and she struggled fitfully in her sleep. She reached out and touched Morwenna’s shoulder, just as if the girl were truly her best friend and not a monster.
“It came on suddenly,” came the reply. Morwenna was trying to act the part of a suffering mother. “The doctors cannot say what is causing it. She vomits over and over and grows weaker by the hour.
The king is frantic, as you can imagine.” There was a slight inflection in her words, as if she could not totally disguise her utter animosity for her brother. “The Fountain is cursing us. I fear the child may die.”
Was there an implied threat in her words? Trynne swallowed, wanting to snatch the baby and run.
“Can I . . . can I try to heal her?” Trynne pleaded, glancing imploringly at the queen’s beautiful face. “My magic is nearly wrung out, Genny. I have little left. But if I can save her, if there is any way I can save her, I will.”
Morwenna positioned herself closer to the crib and put her hand on the railing of it. She slowly shook her head. “No, I don’t think so.
It’s because of you that she’s so sick.”
Trynne’s heart was hammering wildly. She struggled to maintain her composure. “What do you mean?”
Morwenna gave her a warning look. “Your powers have been rather . . . erratic of late, Trynne. Drew and I are worried the burden you’ve carried is beyond your capabilities. Even a stone will crack under stress. We’ve seen the signs in you.”
Trynne needed to get out of the room, but she sensed that Morwenna had no intention of letting her walk free.
“Well, I have been preoccupied of late,” Trynne said, taking a single step backward, watching to see how Morwenna would react.
Her adversary took a step forward to compensate.
“Of course you have,” Morwenna said soothingly. “When the mind is burdened with guilt, a person can sleepwalk at night and not remember what they did in the morning. Do you have any lapses in your memories, Trynne? Things you’ve done but have since forgotten?”
Coldness seeped into Trynne’s bones. She took another step backward, knowing if she turned to run, a dagger would be plunged into her back. Still, she resisted the urge to summon her magic to defend herself.
“What are you saying?” Trynne stammered. “Genny, this isn’t like you.”
The look in the queen’s eyes was unforgiving. “You gave your heart to one man and married another for wealth and power. It’s been tormenting you, hasn’t it? And now Fallon wishes to marry Morwenna Argentine. He loves her, you know. He always has. I didn’t want to tell you, but I think you always knew the truth deep down. Their secrets. Their friendship was deeper than you know. He used you to get information for her. He used your feelings for him to deceive you. He does not love you now. Not after you betrayed him.”