Igniting Darkness (Courting Darkness Duology #2) - Robin LaFevers Page 0,121

of my husband’s obstinacy, by our marriage contract, I have authority over Brittany. I am proposing that I exercise it. We must prove the rebellion is real. We must show the king how blinded the regent is by her own scheming and dislike of me—so much so that she is willing to ignore a credible threat to France. If we can do that, we should be able to loosen the regent’s renewed influence on the king, clear Beast of the accusations against him, and prove me innocent of this ridiculous idea that I have betrayed my husband.” She pauses long enough to take a breath. “You are all going to Brittany to put down the rebellion. That is the only thing that will achieve all of those objectives.”

The queen’s plan is both brilliant in its audacity and terrifying in its risks, and my admiration for her has only grown.

She squares her shoulders and lifts her chin. “I trust you two can find a way to make that happen?”

* * *

“I think it’s best if you leave the palace now,” I tell Gen once we are back in her room.

“Tonight?”

“Yes. Collect your things. There is a good chance you will not see them again otherwise.”

Gen looks as if she is being punished. “This is for your own safety,” I gently point out. “I do not trust the regent to give you the full week. Do you still have your letter?”

“Yes.”

“Give it to me, and I will see that it is delivered to the king, although not by my hand.” When she has done that, I lead her outside to the servants’ chapel. She sends me a questioning glance.

“It will be easier to get Beast out of the dungeon if we have people inside the palace. Father Effram can hide you for the next day or two until we are ready to make our move.”

As we step inside the chapel, Father Effram is there, as if waiting for us. The smile he gives Gen is warm and full of compassion, although by the tilt of her chin, I am guessing she is refusing to accept either of those. I must fold my arms across my middle to avoid giving Gen a quick hug, and I cannot even say why. “I’ll see you soon.”

She nods, then follows Father Effram toward the south wall. For some reason I am put in mind of her arrival at the convent, when she was but seven years old. Instead of turning to leave, I wait. Just before she slips out of sight, she looks back over her shoulder. I give her my most confident grin. A flicker of surprise crosses her face, then she returns the smile before following Father Effram out of sight.

 Chapter 66

Maraud

It wasn’t until the fifth day on the road, when the rage had cooled to a simmering boil rather than a seething one, that Maraud asked where they were going.

Pierre d’Albret cut him a sly glance. “In good time, Crunard. In good time.”

“And just who is this person you think I am so eager to see?”

“Also in good time.”

Maraud gritted his teeth and considered whether or not he could kill d’Albret before being taken down by his men.

Luckily for d’Albret, Maraud heard a seventh thrush call just then, and the birds simply weren’t that plentiful this time of year. Which meant that his friends were behind him.

That night, instead of imposing on the hospitality of a castle—there were none nearby—they spent the night in a town. It was small, and there were nearly fifty of them, filling the three inns to overflowing.

D’Albret made it a point to ensure that he—and six of his most brutal minions—were housed in the same inn as Maraud. Even sat at the same table. Maraud hunched over his dinner and tried to ignore them.

“More wine, m’lord?”

Why not? Maraud shoved his cup to the edge of the table and glanced up to nod his thanks, then froze, his heart thumping once in gladness before plummeting to his feet in cold dread when he recognized Valine. He glanced at d’Albret and his men, but their heads were close together as they hatched their evil plots.

She gave him a flirtatious smile as she poured his wine—just as any tavern wench might. “Will that be all, m’lord?” She cocked her hip out at a saucy angle and placed a hand on it, making her meaning clear.

Maraud choked. The noise drew the attention of Pierre, whose calculating eyes swept briefly over Valine. “Take