Her heart gushed with appreciation for this man, her faithful mentor and friend. She hugged him, feeling tears sting her eyes. “I don’t know what I would have done without you,” she said, trying to contain her emotions. Part of her was afraid she would never see him again, and that thought made her squeeze him even tighter.
“Gack, lass,” he said, patting her shoulder. “I’m naught but a soldier.” He gently pushed her away and she saw him brush something from his eye. Then he put his meaty hand on hers. “You bring your papa back and this will all be worth it.”
Trynne rose and then kissed his balding head. “Thank you,” she whispered thickly.
Then she turned to her husband. “Do you have faith in me, Husband?”
He gave her an intense look. “I can only judge what I’ve seen. I have much to learn and I will have to ask this fine captain about why he resents me so. But it seems to me you are serving others above yourself. That is what a leader must do. If I can help in any way, I will. Trust must be earned. Be faithful to me and I will be faithful to you.”
His words impressed her. He had always been good with words.
She leaned up and kissed his cheek. “I will,” she said firmly.
Mariette returned with a teapot and Thierry, who gave Fallon a wary look as he entered the nursery.
“What is the meaning of all this?” the steward asked with concern. “I only just learned of Duke Fallon’s arrival. Why was I not told?”
Trynne took a deep breath. It was going to be a long night.
Standing before the mirror, Trynne looked at her reflection as she tightened the strap of her arm bracer. She’d considered wearing the full armor she’d inherited from the Maid of Donremy, but such an outfit would have invited attention and conflict. Instead, she was garbed as a simple knight, equipped with a sturdy chain hauberk, a nondescript tunic, and a leather belt. She had both her swords in their scabbards at her waist. Captain Staeli was finishing going through her pack, which contained a bedroll, some food and water, and even some coins from various realms. Gahalatine stood nearby, his big arms folded, watching her with quiet interest. He and the captain had spent a long time talking in solitude, though she did not know what they’d said to each other.
As she stared at herself in the mirror, her hair tied back in a queue, she realized she could pass for a man to the unobservant.
Worry consumed her. Glancing out at the night sky, she realized it would be dawn shortly. They needed to leave.
There was a soft knock at the door and Mariette entered with Fallon. The palace was asleep, but Trynne’s night was just beginning. She tugged on her gloves as Staeli hefted the pack and helped her put it on.
“How is Kate?” Trynne asked the two as they approached.
“She’s looking better,” Mariette said with relief. “She just took some more tea and some broth. I’ll depart to Edonburick with her for safekeeping. I have the sealed letter you gave me for your parents,”
she added with a nod to Fallon. Trynne quirked her brow at him.
“I’ve said my good-bye,” Fallon offered. He gave her an urgent look. “Kate will be safest in Atabyrion. Genny is not yet free, and my parents can secure the babe in places that Morwenna can’t find.
Now can we go? It will not take long for Morwenna to figure out I’ve betrayed her. Once she does, her wrath will be unleashed to its fullest extent.”
Trynne glanced at Staeli, who looked as somber as ever. He nodded brusquely as he crossed the room to Fallon. Even though the captain was shorter, he had an intimidating air. His hand closed on Fallon’s elbow. “If anything happens to her,” he said, jerking his head toward Trynne, “you’ll have more to fear than Severn’s daughter.”
Gahalatine gave Fallon a distrusting look that mirrored the captain’s.
Fallon swallowed and then nodded, trying to stifle a smile. But he sobered quickly and returned the serious looks sent his way. “My only intention is to get Trynne and her father back to Ploemeur safely. I give you my word of honor.”
Staeli nodded to him, accepting his oath as fact. “I’ll hold you to it, lad,” he said. Then he withdrew the Tay al-Ard from his belt and handed it to Trynne. “I’ll still feel better if she holds this from now on.”
Fallon nodded. “Shall we?”
Trynne walked to the window and parted the curtain, gazing down at the rippling waves. The tide was coming in. From her vantage point, she could see the sea-glass beach. The wardings would hold for another fortnight before they needed to be reset.