Page 112 of The Duke and the Disciple

“Can I think about it?”

“Of course you can.” She hesitated while facing a window, a new gown in hand.

“Did something else happen?”

She shook her head without turning.

“Would you tell me?”

“Ancestors, what a mess. Help me get this rack up. It wouldn’t be good for either of us if someone came in here.”

“Would you tell me?”

Aesylt’s shoulders rose and fell. “Nothingelse happened. I just need time with my thoughts. The pain and guilt doesn’t just disappear because we wish it so.”

Rahn came up behind her and folded her into a hug. He pressed his mouth to the top of her head, to show her the support his words seemed inadequate for. “You now have someone who knows your darkest secret, and I only adore you more, Aes. I will always be your friend. I willalwaysbe a safe place for you.”

She tilted her head back with a smile, but the tears had returned. “I know.”

Rahn fellasleep to the gentle snores of Aesylt passed out against his chest and the whistle of wind beyond their tower windows.

For the first time since he’d left the only home he remembered, he dreamed of Duncarrow.

Chapter22

Red Is for the Adventurous

Revelry was held in the middle of the woods, in a renovated abbey. It was an interesting use for the derelict structure, Rahn had to admit. One of Carrow’s first orders upon seizing control of the kingdom had been to close the monasteries in favor of a new structure of faith, united under the Reliquary. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of buildings had been abandoned in a rush, only to be looted or burned. He often wondered how long the order would last before the people rose to reclaim their old ways. Fear was only a powerful motivator in the short term.

Pieter walked ahead of Rahn and Aesylt. Two of his personal guards pulled up the rear. There were others stationed throughout the forest, but wherever they were, they were apt at discretion.

Rahn and Aesylt had departed Wulfsgate under discreet cover, wearing servants’ clothing and masks. Before they’d left the carriage, Pieter’s men had confirmed no one had followed them. They were there to evaluate the safety throughout the evening and act quickly if anything changed.

Most importantly, Rahn and Aesylt had to be back before Hal realized they weren’t in the tower at bedtime and alerted Rustan.

An elegant, graceful series of notes poured from the well-illuminated building. As they drew nearer, Rahn saw the string musicians playing under a tent just outside the doors.

“Welcome to Revelry, Lord Dereham.” A rouge-cheeked man in a crimson robe held a silver tray with three goblets. “And your two beautiful initiates.”

Pieter took one, downed it, and handed it back. “Salutations, Proctor. Let me introduce Ella and Gerald. They’re visiting from the Easterlands and have long been pondering membership in their own local Revelry. I thought I’d show them what they’ve been missing.”

“Oh, indeed!” Proctor waggled his brows, then turned his scrutiny on Rahn and Aesylt. “Ooh, you know how to choose them, don’t you? Mind your jealousy tonight, my lord. You may not want to seeeitherof them in the laps of others.”

“It’s my voracious hope they both enjoy as many laps as they can handle.”

The two men laughed. Rahn glanced at Aesylt, to see how she was managing, but she didn’t seem half as nervous as he was. She was staring intensely at the door, her expression obscured by her gold filigree mask. Since she’d mentioned her intention to attend the secret orgy, she’d said almost nothing else about it, other than a simplegoodwhen Rahn had finally told her—because what choice did he have?—he would join her. Even after he’d given her the confirmation, the distance between them only seemed to widen. She’d conjured excuses to beg off of the research. Had hardly looked him in the eye at all.

There was no chance in the heavens he would let her walk into a den of libidinous tigers alone.

“Ah, well, it’s quite biting tonight, isn’t it? Come, come.” Proctor raised a jeweled hand as he turned and headed for the double doors.

When Pieter looked back, his face was lit by the row of torches, which flickered over his features in a way that made him angelic, then demonic. “No one here will recognize you. Stick to the names you were given, wear your masks, and you can indulge to your heart’s content.” He grinned and followed Proctor.

On a whim, Rahn slipped his hand into Aesylt’s. She offered no resistance, but neither did she seem to even notice.

They mounted some stairs, and Proctor gestured toward a small alcove to the left of the doors. Pieter stepped in behind him, and Rahn and Aesylt followed.

“Have you explained the rules to our Ella and Gerald?” Proctor asked. “Even so, we’re duty bound to impart them before anyone enters. Before we go a moment further, I must ask. Ella, Gerald, are you both of sound mind and enthusiastic harmony this evening?”

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