Page 162 of The Duke and the Disciple

“I meant what I said. No reason our people shouldn’t hear it.” He tugged on her ear but was looking past her, toward the door. “I have to go.”

“Of course, Imryll?—”

“No.” His throat moved. “We have unexpected visitors.”

“Who?”

“Do you remember me telling you about Owen Strong and Farradyn Blackfen, my fellow Knights of Duncarrow?”

“The only ones you liked, as I recall.”

“My friends. Farradyn took my place protecting the queen after I was gone, but Owen left the service all together... went back to the Southerlands. I haven’t seen them since they helped me find Imryll.” He pulled at his stubble, still watching the door.

“What’s it got to do with Tas? She left in a pretty damn big hurry,” Valerian said.

“Tasmin seems to have a history with one of them. I—it’s not my place, even if I knew, and I don’t.”

“Then how did you know to warn her?” Aesylt asked.

“Owen told the guards it would be prudent.” Drazhan kissed the top of her head. “Don’t waste another thought about it. They’re good men, some of the best, and there’s no reason to worry. Enjoy your night, cub.” He narrowed his eyes with a sweeping glance. “Doubtful we’ll have another like it.”

Filled with questions, she watched him leave.

“Go dance with your lover,” Valerian said. “He’s watching me lean in close, whisper in your ear, and he’s about tolose his mind. Wait... Wait, no, give it another moment. There we are. You can thank me later.”

Imryll tappedher foot to keep the chair rocking. Aleksy was curled up on their bed, asleep.

Drazhan paced the length of the room. Little Torian almost disappeared in his broad arms. His thumb brushed his son’s head, but his mind was clearly elsewhere.

“How long will they be staying?” she asked.

“Hm?”

“Owen and Farradyn? They are staying, aren’t they?”

“Yes. Couldn’t say.”

“Which is it?”

“I don’t know, Imryll.”

“Why did they come?”

“I don’t know.”

“You seem far too worried not to know—or at least have a guess.”

“It’s not worry.” He pressed his mouth to Torian’s soft head. “They’re our friends.”

She stopped rocking and leaned in, but the soreness had her curling back into the soft cushion. “Then what?”

“What can you tell me about Tas and Owen?”

“Oh.” Imryll puffed out. She’d almost forgotten. It seemed so long ago. “They had a brief dalliance on Duncarrow.”

“What?”

“Wasn’t much of a secret. According to Tas, he was completely different the morning after. Pretended like nothing happened and wouldn’t even meet her eyes in the halls.”

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