The Betrothed (The Betrothed #1) - Kiera Cass Page 0,75

a moment and swallow my tears. She’d been so nervous before, and then so happy once she was positive her baby was on the way. That was three now. . . . I couldn’t imagine her suffering.

I do love that I have your letters to look forward to, so once you’re married and settled, do take some time to write me all the details of your special day. I want to feel as if I were in Coroa again, standing beside you, eating honey cakes.

I’m sorry this letter is so brief, but since my garden has waned, I find myself easily tired. I will send you more news soon, telling you all the gossip about the gentry in Isolte, even though you won’t know any of these people at all. The stories themselves are amusing, and I think it might keep you entertained out in the country.

Do take care of yourself, Lady Hollis. Stay well and write soon.

Your dear friend,

Valentina

I sighed. I wished she could be standing by my side, too. Tucking my letters into my skirts, I went to the only person I could talk to about this.

Thirty

IF HE WASN’T HELPING WITH the renovations to the manor, Silas was always in the outbuildings with Sullivan, working on new pieces. It seemed, despite the rumors of our leaving together, he was still receiving commissions. The people of court had seen Eastoffe work firsthand at least twice now, and there was no denying their skill.

I could see him through the large, glassless window, hammering away on metal as Sullivan appeared to be polishing a piece toward the back.

“Good afternoon, sir,” I said, setting myself down on the window ledge.

“My lady!” Silas called, wiping sweat from his face before coming over and kissing me. In the corner, Sullivan stashed his work under some straw. “To what do I owe the honor of your company?”

“I had a question for you.”

Quietly, Sullivan crept out the door. If anyone took the time to watch, it was impossible to miss how sweet he was. He tended to live in his own world in his head, but he wanted to offer others privacy, too. Just in case.

“What do you want to know?”

“Do you remember how I was in charge of entertaining Valentina?”

He laughed. “Yes. And I remember you doing a smashing job because no one—I mean, no one—in the Isolten court could get her to smile, let alone talk.”

“It felt like quite an accomplishment at the time. I wasn’t sure, after we spoke, if you realized just how close Valentina and I were.”

Silas raised his eyebrows, looking over at me. “I realized. As much as I was wishing you’d come just to speak to me, I could tell how worried you were for her. I was hoping it would be a very short-lived friendship.”

I grimaced. “I know you and the Isolten royal family aren’t exactly on good terms.”

“You don’t know the half of it.”

“But all the same, I care about Valentina. She’s entrusted me with some very important secrets.”

He squinted, crossing his arms. “Such as?”

I sighed. “She just had a miscarriage. It’s the third one she’s lost.”

Silas stood there, gaping at me. “Are you certain?”

“Yes. She told me under strict confidence about the first two when she visited, and she just wrote me about the third. I’m worried for her.”

He ran his fingers through his hair. “Three . . . I have to tell Father.”

“No!” I insisted, putting my hands up. “I promised I’d keep her secret, and she trusts me. I’m only telling you so I can explain my following, very unreasonable request.”

“Which is?”

“Do you . . . could we go to Isolte sometime soon?”

“Hollis.” His face was aghast and his tone flat.

“Not for long!” I promised. “I know that Valentina is all alone, and I’m sure she’s afraid the king may divorce her—or worse—now that she’s lost a third child. I want her to know she has a friend.”

“Then write her a letter.”

“It’s not the same!” I protested.

He shook his head, staring back at the fire. “I resigned myself to the fact that I wouldn’t be able to give you the life you were going to have at the palace—”

“I don’t want that life,” I interjected.

“And I promised myself that, so long as it was in my power, I’d give you everything you ever asked for.” He came closer, lowering his voice. “But Isolte is a dangerous place for my family. The king doesn’t trust us, and we’re not sure if the Darkest Knights would