Page 116 of Shadows of Winter

Was this the queen? Penning her next column?

Someone else sat in a nearby chair that was turned to look out the window. Only the top of his or her gray-haired head was visible, but the age of the first woman was in line with what Kaylina had heard about the queen. The king’s first wife had passed without providing an heir, and he’d married Petalira afterward, a woman thirty years his junior.

The guards trailed Kaylina and Vlerion in, though they watched him warily and gave him a wide berth.

“Kaylina Korbian, the mead maker, is here, Your Majesty,” their female guide reported with a curtsey. “And, ah, Lord Vlerion.”

Petalira looked up and smiled at him. “Ah, Lord Vlerion. I’ve no need of a report from the rangers, as I’ve been apprised of recent developments already this morning. Perhaps you could wait outside.” She looked at but did not smile at Kaylina.

Right away, Kaylina knew her dream was not to be. This woman was not a mead fan who wanted to put in a special order. For some reason, Kaylina was in trouble. Again.

“I will wait here, Your Majesty,” Vlerion said.

Petalira’s brows rose. It had been a suggestion, not an order, but, without a doubt, people rarely failed to heed the suggestions of royalty.

Kaylina shifted her weight, torn between wanting Vlerion to stay and not wanting to get him in trouble.

“It’s okay,” she whispered, waving for the door. If something did happen to her, he would be close.

He didn’t move.

“This is a private matter.” Petalira put down the quill and stood. “Between women.” She glanced at the person in the chair, then gazed at Kaylina.

“I will wait here,” Vlerion repeated, flicking a hand toward the sofas. To suggest they could speak privately over there while he stood by the door?

The room was large enough for that…

Petalira frowned at him and looked at the sword at his hip before turning the frown on the woman who’d guided them in. “Why is he armed?”

The woman blanched. “He’s a ranger.”

“So naturally it’s acceptable for him to come to my office bearing blades.”

“No, Your Majesty.” The woman curtsied deeply while keeping her head bowed.

Kaylina’s sling and knife were in the dress pockets too. Should there have been a search before they were allowed in?

“Perhaps he is an ally of hers in this matter,” the woman in the chair spoke, “and should be considered with suspicion.”

Kaylina gaped. She recognized that voice.

Jana rose from the chair and faced them while taking a step closer to the queen’s desk. When Kaylina met her eyes, Jana smiled in triumph, as if the victory she’d sought all along was finally hers.

29

Those you’ve never wronged may yet seek your downfall.

~ “Sorrows of Men,” by the bard Nogorathi

“The rangers are above suspicion, ma’am,” the female guide whispered, though she kept her head down.

“A spy may come from any quarter,” Queen Petalira said.

“In this case,” Jana said, “a poisoner may come from any quarter.”

Uh, poisoner? Kaylina didn’t know what to say.

“Of what do we stand accused?” Vlerion didn’t sound shocked or outraged. No, he was calm, that mask he’d practiced donning so often securely in place.

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