The King's Bastard - By Rowena Cory Daniells Page 0,81

muttered. 'But it's a good idea to invite Rejulas back for the Jubilee celebrations. He can spend some time with Piro. Let him be the one to break the betrothal when he discovers what a bad-tempered little wyvern she is!'

Piro could hear the smile in his voice.

'She bared her teeth at him already today,' King Rolen complained. 'I don't know what possessed the girl!'

'Don't be too hard on her, father,' Byren said. 'If she understood how serious things are, she wouldn't have offended Rejulas. Once Rolencia's warlords hear how Palatyne united all the Merofynian spars under him, they'll be dreaming of doing the same. I think it is time she and Fyn took their seats at the war table.'

At last! Piro held her breath.

Her mother sighed. 'Piro's too wilful. She never thinks before she acts. Maybe in a few years.'

'If I'm old enough to be betrothed,' Piro muttered under her breath, 'I'm old enough -'

'Hush,' Fyn hissed. 'Father's speaking.'

'...trust Fyn, but only so far. He's been at the abbey since he was six. His loyalty is divided.'

'I trust Fyn,' Queen Myrella protested. 'He's loyal to us.'

'Give me one good reason why I should trust him,' Lence snapped.

There was a strained silence. Piro closed her eyes, knowing how her mother must be torn, unable to reveal the Affinity which enabled her to glimpse into some people's hearts.

'Very well.' King Rolen sounded tired. 'If he can't be trusted, he can't have a seat at the war table.'

Fyn slipped out of the cupboard, his face ashen. Torn between hearing more and consoling him, Piro followed.

Fyn came to a stop on the far side of the room in the window embrasure. Frost rimmed each diamond pane of glass. He looked sick.

'Father and Lence didn't mean it, Fyn,' she whispered, her breath misting in the chilly air.

'Of course they did.' His voice shook with anger. 'Father was the one who gifted me to the abbey. What did he expect? At least they'll let you take your seat in a few years.'

'Not if I tell them about my Affinity.' Tears stung her eyes. 'Oh, Fyn. I looked into the Mirror of Insight and I saw the wyvern about to tear father's head off. I came to warn him about Rejulas.'

'Forget Rejulas. He's a just an upstart warlord, greedy for power. Merofynia is the real threat. I'm no mystic, Piro, but even I can interpret what you saw. The wyvern is the symbol of Merofynia. King Merofyn threatens Rolencia.'

'But Lence is betrothed to his daughter. Is King Merofyn so treacherous that he would betrothe his daughter, while preparing for war?' Piro whispered. 'Besides, who would want war, when we could have peace?'

'Oh, Piro.' Fyn shook his head. 'You are such an innocent.'

'I am not. Even I know that war brings death!'

'War brings wealth and power for the victor.'

'If you love war, why don't you serve the weapons master?' she snapped.

Fyn sank into the window seat and turned his face away from her.

'I'm sorry, Fyn,' she whispered. 'And I'm sorry about today and the Fate.'

'It was brave of you, Piro.' He gave her an odd look. 'Or didn't you stop to think about the risks?'

'I did. But I didn't intend to be caught.'

He shook his head ruefully. 'Feldspar deserved to find the Fate. His Affinity is stronger than mine. Even your Affinity is stronger than mine.'

Piro winced. She sat in the other half of the window seat and hugged her knees, wishing she could cheer him up.

'Maybe I should go to the abbess of Sylion, tell her I have Affinity and renounce the world,' she said, without conviction. 'At least I'd escape this plotting.'

Fyn snorted. 'You are an innocent. You can't escape plotting in an abbey. Being King Rolen's kin would make you a target in the mistresses' power plays. Besides, our parents won't want to let you go. You're too valuable a Kingdoms' piece. No, Piro. You were right and I was wrong. Tell no one for now.' He reached out and squeezed her hand. 'Will you promise me that?'

She worried her bottom lip with her teeth. 'Seela knows.'

He rolled his eyes. 'Why did you -'

'I wanted to warn Father. She stopped me. Don't worry, she won't tell.'

'Why not?' Fyn countered. 'She and Mother are thick as thieves.'

Piro debated with herself for a moment, then spoke. 'Have you ever wondered why you and I have it?'

'Affinity? Just bad luck -'

'No. We inherited it from Mother.'

He stared at her.

Piro nodded, almost laughing at his stunned expression. 'She's been