Page 43 of Immortal Sentry

Eron sat and poured himself some tea. If he acted fast, he just might get a few mouthfuls of breakfast before Miisov ate everything. “Did you find out anything from the men who tried to kill me?”

“Alas, nothing of worth but that they were hired by one of Crau’s men—a man who is now also dead.”

Kene hadn’t lied about courtly intrigue. “So, why are you waiting for me?

“We have a full day. I need to introduce you around so that no one thinks amiss should you be seen.” Miisov had the audacity to smile while spearing the last sausage with his fork.

Eron glared. “You ate my breakfast.”

“You’ll get another if you still have the appetite.” Miisov finished off the cheese.

A matter for petty revenge—later. “Kerric was standing in my rooms last night and simply—vanished. How? Where did he go?”

Miisov smirked, which dislodged bread crumbs from his beard. “Sometimes, you don’t need to know everything. Now, come. We’re meeting with Duke Crau.”

Between the beard crumbs and the mention of Crau, every bit of Eron’s appetite fled. “I’m sure new guards are at my door. Do they know I wasn’t in my rooms last night?”

Merriment sparkled in Miisov’s bright eyes. “How could they when you were here? You even bid them good night.”

If Miisov couldn’t retaliate by possibly turning Eron into a toad or something, Eron might have lobbed an apple at him for eating what might’ve been a perfectly fine meal. And why couldn’t they meet with anyone other than Crau the Treacherous? That explained theif you still have the appetitecomment. “It’s too early in the morning to deal with that worthless cur.”

“I agree. But I’m afraid a meeting is necessary. We must strategize a murder that will never take place and give him the false notion that we don’t suspect him of last night’s attack. And while you have him occupied, I’ll ensure he’s more open to my…suggestions.”

The two guards who waited outside the door fell silently into step behind Eron and Miisov, unobtrusive but still annoyingly there.

Eron murmured, “If I ignore them, will they go away?”

Miisov replied, “Please do. But if you’re successful, you’re a better mage than I.”

Eron sat at a table with Miisov and Duke Crau in a room more pretentious than anything he could’ve envisioned. If sold, the tapestries could have supported an entire village through the harshest of winters. Even the place settings were finer than anything Kene would use at the estate. Of course, she had sold their grandest hunting trophies to raise money for villagers in need, to keep her home from becoming a target for other thieves, and to hold herself above suspicion.

Eron itched to swipe a few pieces of silver cutlery.

“At least you have suitable table manners to portray a noble.” Crau sniffed, nose lifted so arrogantly he’d drown in the rain. Eron could break it for him. “Though I doubt you’ll be in the queen’s presence long enough to give yourself away.”

Miisov remained quiet, neither eating nor drinking. Should Eron be wary of poison? Then again, Miisov shouldn’t be hungry after eating Eron’s stolen meal.

Crau rested his head on his hand, elbow on the table. Kene would’ve growled at Eron if he’d displayed such ill manners. How funny for Crau to worry about Eron’s behavior when even the servants in Kene’s household comported themselves better than this duke.

Crau said, “King Selin and Queen Lessa will arrive tomorrow, along with their sons.”

“Why not let me attack them on the road?” Hunting seemed the easiest solution and would allow Eron plenty of opportunity to spirit Lessa and her sons away.

“I doubt you’d withstand the queen’s guards. Besides, how could I trust you not to run at the first opportunity?”

Excellent point. Eron supposed a man with no scruples might expect all men to be the same.

Crau popped a grape into his mouth and spoke as he chewed. His duchess must be mortified every time they were seen together. “King Bain will host a dinner in their honor. Nothing must happen tomorrow night. We’ll wait until all the king’s guests arrive. We want plenty to bear witness.”

“Won’t there be others from Estia?” Though Eron knew few from Estia who were high-ranking enough to attend, it could happen.

Miisov spoke at last. “No one from Estia was invited.”

Crau and Bain must stand to make a profit from conflicts with Estia. The entirety of Ala would be much better off if a knife were shoved into the arrogant Crau.

“King Selin and the king of Estia are mortal enemies,” Crau said. “Your presence here will be seen as an overture of peace. At least until you kill the queen and princes.” He sounded almost gleeful.

Further proof that Crau was the southern view of a northbound mule. “What happens to me after I fulfill my end of the bargain?”

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