Igniting Darkness (Courting Darkness Duology #2) - Robin LaFevers Page 0,76

how the scales of justice are weighed.”

What should I tell her? To slip out and meet him risks destroying the fragile trust I am trying to build with the king.

As if that is not already lying shattered at my feet.

The king has not visited me in over two weeks. It is possible that, having punished me, he is done with the matter.

“Although he would gut me if he knew I told you, Maraud thinks of you constantly.” Valine’s voice is soft with the affection she holds for him.

And I him, I want to say, but do not. However, my capacity for hope is larger than my ability to learn from my mistakes. “Very well. Tell him to meet me at—” My mind scrambles, trying to come up with a likely location where we won’t be discovered. “The smithy. And for the love of the saints, tell him to wear a disguise lest he be recognized.”

Valine turns her face to mine, all the amusement and humor gone. “And you, Lucinda? How are you faring?” Her genuine concern unnerves me.

I laugh, pleased that it does not sound forced. I feel Gilbert and Roland look at me. “How can you ask? I am settled in the richest court in the land, with every luxury at my fingertips.”

Her gaze seeks out the silver necklace at my throat. “That is no answer.” Then she disappears into the crowd, and I am left standing there, wondering if I am being given a chance to put things right or will make yet another foolish blunder.

 Chapter 42

My guards murmuring, “Your Majesty,” is all the announcement I receive before the king arrives. My heart beats painfully against my ribs as I curtsy. Was I spotted in the courtyard talking to Valine? Surely, that would not be cause for remark.

When he waves me to my feet, I stand. “I am surprised to see you here, sire, but glad.” The entire point of this exercise is to encourage his company.

“I came to see how you find your room. Do you like it?”

I take in the enormous room and rich furnishings. “It is luxury far beyond any I have ever experienced, let alone expected.”

He clasps his hands behind his back. “I chose it myself,” he says with an almost shy pride. He wants me to like it. Cares what I think of his choice. “It is but a few doors down from my own chamber. With the queen and the coming babe, I thought it best if we met somewhere other than my apartments.”

A giddy little beat of hope thumps against my chest. The bond between us has held, in spite of my confession.

“Your discretion is most kind, sire.”

He smiles, then looks away, his gaze landing on the apple I hold in my hand. “Where did you get that?”

I motion to the window. “The courtyard is full of vendors and stalls. It felt good to stretch my legs after so many days of riding.” I hesitate. “I hope that does not displease you, that I visited the courtyard? My guards were with me the entire time.”

He saunters toward the window. “But of course you may have free rein of the palace and its grounds. Just remain within the palace walls.” To his credit, he does not even look at the necklace to warn me of our agreement.

I smile brightly, then follow him to the window. “There.” I point. “That is the woman with these honey sweet apples. And did you see the man with the little monkey in the silk doublet?” I am not flirting with him but trying to extend the moment of simple companionship a little longer. “There is a Flemish wine seller, silk ribbons of all colors, songbirds in little wicker cages, and even a dancing bear!”

He looks at me, glancing from my eyes to my cheeks, which grow pink under his perusal, and I realize I must present the very picture of pastoral, maidenly allure. He smiles wistfully. “I wish I could see it as you do,” he says. “The Princess Marguerite also took great delight in the world around her.”

He still misses her. Mayhap not as a betrothed, but as someone who had been his cheerful companion for nearly eight years.

“You can,” I say gently. “Come.” I tilt my head toward the door. “Let me show you all the simple delights your own courtyard holds.”

He smiles. “I would like that.”

 Chapter 43

Sybella

Tonight is a crowning achievement, the queen’s shining face far brighter than any of the hundreds of