Warrior's Ransom (The First Argentines #2) - Jeff Wheeler Page 0,126

blinded him to his faults. I already know that I have a plentitude of them. I need men of good faith to advise me. Here is what I propose. Is it true that my father promised you the duchy of Glosstyr and wardship of Lady Claire de Murrow? I do believe that I am well informed on that count.”

“It is true,” Ransom said. “Although the agreement was never consummated.”

Benedict smiled. “Sir Simon? Can you vouch for this?”

“It is true, my lord,” Simon said eagerly. “The papers were drawn up, but no ceremony has been performed.”

“Then my first act as King of Ceredigion is to uphold my father’s command. She’s yours, Ransom. If she’ll still have you.” He smiled knowingly. “I jest. I’ve heard she has always kept you close to her heart. May the Fountain bless your marriage. All previous gifts from the crown are ratified as well. You will be, if I’m not mistaken, the wealthiest noble in Ceredigion when this is done. And you will add to our dominion when you tame those rascals in Legault. Some of them have vexed me in my own duchy because of how near they are. No more. What say you, Ransom? Will you serve me? I give you these gifts regardless of your answer.”

Ransom blinked in wonderment, amazed at the king’s offer, at the unexpected generosity. His mouth went dry, and he couldn’t find words. Benedict beamed at him, looking eagerly for a yes. No conditions had been given, which surprised Ransom because of what he’d heard about Maeg. Surely Benedict had wanted to take her as a ward to control him as much as Marcus. Perhaps the conditions would come later.

“I must speak another truth, my lord,” Ransom said, his mind buzzing with the opportunity. His steadfast heart insisted he take a risk that might yet cost him everything. “I don’t think you’ll want to hear it.”

“All the more reason that I need to.” Benedict said it without hesitation, though his joy had clearly been dimmed by the declaration.

“How can I serve you if you serve King Estian? He arranged for the death of your brother and now your father. It was poison that took both of their lives. Poison administered by Lady Alix. Through his machinations, I was abducted from Beestone castle despite the safe conduct you gave me. He is a dishonorable man and an enemy to Ceredigion. That is the truth of things.”

As Ransom spoke, a dark look crossed Benedict’s face. Was it anger? Dread? “Do you have evidence to support such an accusation, Ransom?”

Ransom breathed slowly, trying to maintain his calm. “Evidence? No, I suppose I don’t, but I’ve experienced it firsthand. Lady Alix herself told me that Estian has used her to remove his enemies. She is Fountain-blessed, my lord. And so am I. We have a peculiar way of . . . of sensing each other. She has a gift, my lord, a power beyond the ken of mortals. I believe it is a power of persuasion. I’ve fallen victim to it myself. I’ve loved Claire my entire life, but I nearly abandoned my pursuit of her to marry Alix. You, too, have been under her sway. Have you not noticed that everything she says seems eminently reasonable? It’s only after you put some distance between the both of you that the feelings start to fade.”

A surprised look crossed Benedict’s face. “What you say is true.”

“My gift from the Fountain, my lord, comes with loyalty. For me to realize my own potential, I need to serve a cause greater than myself. If not, I would truly become a monster. I would become like him.”

It was clear from the look on Benedict’s face that he was absorbing the information, working through it in his mind. Silence prevailed for several long moments as the two men looked at each other.

“Did my father know of this?” Benedict finally asked.

“He did. Alix is dangerous. She can travel long distances in a manner I cannot understand, but it has something to do with the fountains within the palaces. I also know of a Wizr set that—”

“Yes!” Benedict said, interrupting him. “I’ve seen it. Estian showed it to me. It’s an ancient thing.”

So it did exist. He’d never truly doubted, but it felt different to know for certain. “It is indeed. It’s connected to the Fountain. The hollow crown is as well. Alix told me they are relics from the past, from the days of King Andrew. A struggle has