Page 65 of Degradation

He looked down at the maid, and I felt his contempt.

“Her child was taken,” I said. “She was desperate and did not know who she had reported to the guard. She only hoped to gain favor and ask for the return of her child.”

His shoulders slumped.

“It is a story told again and again in Adele—children taken in the night, never to be seen again. Her hope to see her child again is a foolish one.”

Setting the tea aside, I touched the woman’s hand again and searched her mind more deeply.

“The child was taken a year ago. Her husband killed himself. Her mind broke in her grief. She sought employment here, hoping to find a way to regain her child even though a part of her knew that wasn’t possible.” I removed the memory of our visit and soothed the edge of her grief with happier thoughts of the people she’d lost.

“Please take pity on her when she wakes,” I said, withdrawing. “The fault is not hers but the queen’s.”

He nodded and rose when I did. Mrs. Wimbles did the same.

“The purpose of our visit was solely to look for a clue as to where Brandle might have gone. If he was taken by the guard as a potential breeding partner for the queen, where would he be kept?” I asked Mr. Ascott.

“In the castle. She keeps the young men close to her. They’re fed well and cared for until she needs them.”

My skin grew hot and tingled dangerously. “It’s time for us to take our leave. Thank you for your time.”

“I hope to meet you again, Miss Cartwright.” He wondered if I would be willing to retire to the countryside with his son.

Retiring to the forest with my companions sounded like a dream, and I shamefully found myself wishing we had never left.

Forgive me, Eloise,I thought as I nodded my farewell and left the house.

Liam helped us into the carriage and didn’t ask questions when Mrs. Wimbles said to return to her home. When we arrived, she gathered all five of her servants and introduced me openly as a caster who would test their loyalty as Liam and Eadric stood to the side, dressed as one of her staff.

When I touched the arm of the last person and detected nothing, I nodded to her.

“Your home is safe.”

She hugged each one of her servants and asked the head of the household to give each of them an extra gold.

“Speak of nothing you see or hear here,” she said.

I thought of Maeve’s spell that had bound me to silence and felt torn. Casting the same on these servants would ensure our safety. Yet, I also knew the pain of such a spell. But did it need to be painful? Had it been so because we’d been unwilling or because Maeve wished it? Intuition told me it was the latter.

“Wait,” I called when they would have left. “May I cast a spell to ensure your silence? It won’t cause you harm. If you attempt to speak to anyone outside of this home regarding the visitors who have called in recent days or in the days to come, you will simply lose your train of thought. It’s for your safety as well as Mrs. Wimbles.” They agreed, and after briefly wishing Garron was there to guide me, I touched my energy to theirs and focused my intent.

“There. It’s done,” I said.

I turned toward Eadric and Liam, who had remained quiet observers.

“Brandle was taken by the queen’s guard, not for who he is but for his pretty face.”

Eadric swore colorfully. Although Mrs. Wimbles didn’t look shocked by his profanity, she felt it.

“Anger and fear are emotions we all endure,” I said to her. “Even royalty. It would be wise for us to return. Before we do so, may I also cast the spell upon you?”

She readily agreed, and I took more care when casting on her, adding a forget spell regarding the brothers' identities.

“Thank you for your help and support,” I said.

We left her home and returned to the previous residence where I was prepared to repeat the process.

“Pogwid already ensured everyone here would never speak of their highness’ existences or yours should you ever join them,” Philip said.

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