Page 37 of The King's Bodyguard
“Pardon?” I asked.
“Deceive me?” Landis stared at the lords.
Unwilling to bare himself before the others, Landis was stuck in bed. Still, he tried to gain control of the situation. A failed cause. Lord Morne and his cronies had the upper hand and they weren’t about to cede their newfound power. Their only opposition, Lord Elthorne, was away, escorting the delegation ofWise mollies from Velamere to Rimefrost, and Lord Gareth had not been called yet.
Dammit. Of all the times. And Lord Elthorne isn’t due to arrive for another two days.I suppressed a sigh and made to move toward my clothing. I found a sword at my throat, courtesy of Anderson. At the same time, Gareth and Hugh entered the room.
Gareth’s eyebrow rose silently. Hugh’s lips pursed together, but he failed to hide his delight and laughter. Now was not the time for hilarity. I held Hugh’s gaze.
Hugh. Please. Landis needs your help. I can’t protect him.
”—a cell to await trial.”
Lord Morne was talking nonsense about a trial and summary execution. No such things were about to happen before the wedding. I knew I was safe, but no doubt Lord Morne’s pawns would exact harsh punishment for my “disrespect”, “treason”, and attempted “control of the crown.” As if Landis were a child. As if he weren’t in possession of his own faculties.
“Ser Anderson, lower your sword,” Gareth said.
“My lord,” Lord Morne protested.
“As the representative of Lord Elthorne and substitute general, I hereby order Ser Anderson to lower his sword.” Gareth’s words were hard and precise.
Anderson lowered his sword.
“Corrin, dress. Hugh, escort Corrin to a cell. Place trustworthy guards. I will question Corrin later. Everyone else, out. While I talk to Landis.”
“Our poor king was raped!” Lord Morne protested. “This cannot be—“
“Be quiet, Morne.”
“He said the sounds that were coming out of the room last night—“
Oh. Oh goodness. Gods. Landis.Well, he had indeed been quite loud. But that hardly suggested rape.
“I was not taken against my will!” protested Landis.
“And the Munni guards said nothing,” said Lord Berrymay cautiously as though Landis had said nothing. “I suppose the entire guard knew about it and did not raise an alarm.”
“Is no one listening to me?!” Landis shouted.
“Everyone. Out!” roared Gareth in a rare show of rage.
Flinching at the uncommon show of emotion from Gareth, everyone filed out. I was allowed to quickly dress. Landis stared at me with guilty, sad eyes. His ears hung low and his thin shoulders hunched. I sent him a firm look of encouragement. I tried to smile to show him that I would be alright. This was not his fault.
Dressed in breeches and my white undershirt, I was bundled out of the room, unable to say much. Surrounded by the Sunna day guards, I was escorted down to the clammy cool dungeons. At least it was darker down there. I would be able to sleep. My optimism dimmed a little at the sight of the cell that Anderson opened. Shivering a little, I stepped through and stiffened at the sound of the barred door locking behind me.
Hugh stood by the bars and gazed at me thoughtfully through them.
“So, he was screaming like a molly in heat, huh?” Hugh mused aloud.
“A gentlecat doesn’t kiss and tell, Hugh.”
“Corrin.” I looked up at the unusually gentle tone of Hugh’s usually cheerful voice. “Thank you,” he said.
“For what?”
“For making him happy.”
“How do you know I made him happy?” I blinked.
