Page 177 of A Queen's Game
“Haven’t met him, but I hear he’s quite levelheaded.”
“One of his many talents.”
Valeriya held her smirk as the corner of Gyrsh’s mouth lifted, guiding her through the throng of people. Conversations stopped as she passed, the partiers presenting a quick bow or curtsy before returning to their groups.
As they approached Sylas, he dropped into a low bow. “Queen Valeriya, a pleasure to have you join us.” Thesurrounding ladies curtsied, a few offering their greetings, yet she ignored them.
“May I introduce Lord Sylas Tygenbrook, Emissary to Chorys Dasi?” Gyrsh said.
“Wonderful to meet you,” Valeriya said with a quirk of her lip. “Is it true you’re an avid reader?”
Sylas blinked, his expression calming. “That would be true.”
Gyrsh cleared his throat. “Ladies, perhaps I can introduce you to my other contact from Chorys Dasi. Come, let Lord Sylas meet our Queen.”
With a few reluctant glances in Gyrsh’s direction, and one of relief from Sylas, the ladies followed Gyrsh across the room, leaving Valeriya alone with Sylas. The last time she was alone with him was years ago, before her sister married Auryon.
“Have you read the book about a strong-headed bull loose in a village?” she asked, keeping her expression pleasant though she seethed inside. “When the farmers failed to keep an eye on it, it rampaged and did irreparable damage.”
“I think I did read that one,” Sylas said, pausing to sip his clear liquor. “Except the bull never rampaged and was not left unsupervised. The farmer’s neighbors kept it calm.”
“Funny, I’ve recently heard differently.”
“Which version of the book did you read?” he asked with a slight raise to his brow.
“One by a writer who was more interested in the girl accompanying the bull instead of the bull itself.” She paused, smiling at a pair of nobles who passed before continuing. “Some say he had a vested interest in her future.”
Sylas paused, his eyes glancing to the other Chorys Dasians. “Didn’t know that writer knew the tale to begin with, but I assure you that isn’t the story I’m talking about.”
“How sure?”
“Positive.” His unwavering gaze was as confident as his words.
“Even if I tell you that the writer is ratherguardedabout the story?”
Sylas met her stare, comprehending what she meant. “Even then. The story still remains as the bull getting loose in the village and it returning with no damage dealt.”
Valeriya narrowed her eyes. “I’ll have to take your word on it.” Sylas seemed too calm about Az, but he of all people would know best. She did have one other question she wanted to ask. “That writer I mentioned, have you heard about his other stories on magic?”
Sylas slid his gaze across the room. “Now those stories I have read. The girl with the bull is in one of those, and the writer uses his own proficiency to reveal her magical prowess.”
If Sylas already knew Wyltam was capable of magic, who else knew? Was Valeriya the last to know? “I know about the girl,” she said before taking a hefty swig of her drink. “I only recently found out about writer’s proficiency with magic.”
“Perhaps you aren’t as well read as you thought, Valeriya,” he said, giving a knowing look, mouth hidden behind his glass. “The girl’s competency for magic was what caught the bull’s attention.”
Valeriya raised her brows at that. It explained why Az tried so hard for the girl.
Sylas frowned as he lowered his glass. “But now I fear the girl will stay in the village, which will keep the bull there as well. We’re hoping for the girl to return with the bull to its rightful owner.”
That was their end game with Elyse? For her to bring Az home to his sister? “I’m sure the girl’s father is thrilled to hear that.”
“Partially, though he’s more interested in the owner’s reward for the girl. If the girl leads the bull home, the plan is to test her magical abilities.”
A chill raced through Valeriya. That wasn’t part of the plan. Elyse was to stay in Satiros, to be a staple in her court after Wyltam was removed. Az’s sister couldn’t just take Elyse away from her. “You can’t be serious.”
“I am.” Sylas threw back the remainder of his drink. “The girl will become another bull in her pen.”
Nystanya didn’t share that information, and if she wasn’t aware, then Valeriya promised she would be soon. The Chorys Dasians’ deviation from the plan did not bode well—what else was Valeriya missing? What was her sister missing?
