The Scrivener s Tale - By Fiona McIntosh Page 0,170

Princess Darcelle emerging from her bedchamber. She looked flushed from her bath - or was it excitement? Over the top of a pale-blue knitted shift, she wore a cream lace dress, studded with pearls. The attire was 'fussy' in Ham's opinion but it certainly showed off Darcelle's exquisite shape as though it had been painted on her.

She reached out her hands to the king. Ham was impressed that Tamas didn't hesitate but grasped them warmly and held them against his cheeks.

'You've never looked more desirable,' he said.

'Tamas,' she exclaimed in a more breathy voice than he was used to hearing. 'You took your time, you had me worried.'

'You must never worry about me, my love.'

Ham watched her cut him a glance.

'Why is the boy here?'

'There's a lot going on, Darcelle - my retinue is understandably concerned for me, for both of us. This is Hamelyn. He's been appointed my personal messenger and I've given my word to my guard that he will rarely leave my side. I cannot linger either, my dear. Forgive me, but there is much to do. Obviously all the formalities have been cancelled and we must make arrangements to return to Cipres.'

Hamelyn watched the queen's sister shift her attention fully to him and he realised all of their suspicions were surely confirmed. Cyricus had not seen him previously, and thus could not know him. If Darcelle had still been present perhaps he would have seen a flare of recognition in her eyes; instead, he fancied he could see the evil spirit lurking behind the cold gaze that felt like winter on his skin.

'You are obviously seeing more of my betrothed than I, Hamelyn of Cipres.'

'Your highness,' Ham muttered deliberately, lowering his gaze to show deference, but really not wishing to look upon the cruel eyes.

'Tell me why a visiting merchant's death is so important to our proceedings, Tamas. The man was barely known in the court so his absence is not going to create any large disturbance.' Ham watched her observing the king's surprised reaction to her words and noted the way she covered her callous response. 'What I mean is, Tentrell dropped dead. It could have happened to him at any time and anywhere. It was inconvenient that his heart chose that moment to give out but we shouldn't let his demise disrupt our nuptials ... surely.'

'It's far more serious, though, Darcelle, and it's not only Tentrell. Have you already forgotten that your chamberlain died through the night, not to mention so many other inexplicable deaths around the palace? I believe there is danger for all of us.'

Darcelle adopted a peeved expression. 'I haven't forgotten, Tamas - don't talk to me as though I'm a child.'

'Oh, forgive me, my love,' Tamas said and pulled her close. Darcelle moved to receive his kiss, but Ham noticed that the king cleverly avoided contact on the lips, making soothing sounds and hugging her, 'but you are as precious as a child to me and thus too valuable to risk.'

Ham moved cautiously and slowly into the shadows in order that Darcelle could forget his presence and he could observe her without being too obvious.

She appeared comforted by this. 'Where is Florentyna?'

The king shrugged. 'I left her at the chapel. She'd gone to pay her respects to Burrage. Quite a shock for her, I gather.'

Darcelle lifted a shoulder, gave a careless smirk.

'Do you remember that beautiful river journey we took together when you visited Cipres?'

'Yes, of course,' she replied, smiling lazily. 'Why do you mention it?'

'Well, there was a tiny island with that chapel I showed you?'

She nodded encouragingly. 'Go on ...' Darcelle said, turning away to stare out the window.

'It was built by my great-great-grandmother for the burial of her daughter, who died suddenly, far too young.'

'Yes, I recall it. It was a beautiful spot.'

'High on a cliff,' he said.

'That's right.'

'And you saw the eagle, said it reminded you of me.'

She giggled. 'I can be fanciful at times, my king. And what did you want to tell me about this chapel?'

'I thought it might make the perfect place to take our vows. It's just that Florentyna mentioned in her distress that so much has ruined our nuptials - '

'And she's suggested we sail for Cipres as soon as possible and get married in your realm for expediency?'

Ham watched the king's eyes narrow. 'I wouldn't put it quite so bluntly - as though it is a devious move -