Page 114 of Shadows of Winter

“And forward,” the guard added.

“The lips of commoners are loose in the south,” Vlerion said.

“I suppose one can’t expect much from wilders annexed in recent centuries.”

Wilders? Kaylina had never heard the term and scowled. Did northerners think her people lived in caves and gnawed raw meat while grooming each other with fish-bone combs salvaged off the beach?

“One cannot,” Vlerion agreed mildly.

Kaylina shot him a dirty look.

The silent guard stepped into the gatehouse and withdrew a clipboard. “She is listed here. An appointment with the queen.” He looked at Kaylina. “Interesting.”

“I’ve found her to be so,” Vlerion said in the same mild tone.

Yes, he’d just admitted that, and she treasured her new knowledge of his feelings.

“There is no mention of you having an appointment today, Lord Vlerion,” the guard said.

“I’m accompanying her.”

“A mead maker rates a ranger companion? On a day when… We’ve been told enemies might strike tonight.”

“She does.” Vlerion’s tone was firm now, and he regarded the men through slitted eyes. “I trust the meeting won’t take long,” he added. “I’ll have plenty of time for my other duties.”

The guards exchanged looks.

“The queen would have added and ranger companion if she wanted to see both of them,” one murmured.

“Are you going to say no to him?” the other whispered back.

“The rangers are loyal to the king. He wouldn’t attack us. Whereas Sergeant Madrik might flog us for letting someone in without an appointment. Especially now when there are spies about.”

“Lord Vlerion isn’t a spy.”

“Are there no rangers on the grounds currently?” Vlerion asked, as if he hadn’t heard the rest of the conversation.

“No, my lord. As far as we’ve seen, they’re all patrolling the harbor and the city for threats.”

“Some should be within the royal castle. The king is a target.”

The guards straightened, their chins rising.

“The royal guard has extra men on the grounds today and is capable of handling riffraff trying to storm the castle.”

“Nonetheless…” Vlerion looked around again, including at the towers along the castle wall. “I’ll talk to Captain Targon after the meeting. Open the gate.”

His voice was firm, and the guard who’d objected that he wasn’t on the schedule was the first to move to obey. He gestured to whomever inside controlled the portcullis. Only after it started to rise did he look at his comrade with uncertainty.

“It’s fine,” the other guard said. “I’d rather have Lord Vlerion inside if something happens than not.”

Nothing about their demeanor or the looks they shared made Kaylina think they knew Vlerion’s secret. They were probably aware only of his fighting ability and based their comments on that.

“We’re capable of handling insurrectionists. It’s not like hordes of Kar’ruk are on the horizon.” Despite the words, the guard stepped back and waved for them to enter.

“You don’t need to stay with me,” Kaylina quietly told Vlerion as they rode through a courtyard twenty times the size of the one at Stillguard Inn. “Especially if you think something is afoot and need to talk to Targon.”

“It can wait.”

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