Page 268 of Historical Hotties
But he wasn’t exactly sure how.
He needed to know more about the man.
That was where Peregrine came in. As the king’s most trusted servant who wasn’t an advisor or someone who held a formal title, Peregrine had access to men like Thor de Reyne without really being noticed. Surely Peregrine could tell Rotri something about Thor that could help him in his quest to rid himself of the man who currently held the title that belonged to Domnall, but Peregrine wanted coinage for his information. Domnall paid himthe remainder of the money he’d brought with him to London, so Peregrine was growing rich off two greedy and conniving men.
Rotri intended to get his money’s worth.
“Thank you for coming,” he said as Peregrine sat down in his solar and Domnall poured him a measure of wine. “I am glad we finally have the opportunity to meet. You have been quite helpful to me and my son and we are appreciative.”
Peregrine, who was usually well dressed, had on rather plain clothing for the journey to the Dordon apartment because he didn’t want to be noticed. It had taken Domnall days to convince him to come, and even then he only did it when Domnall paid him well. But he wasn’t here for a social call. He’d figured out that Dordon and his son would pay him well for any information from the palace, specifically about Thor de Reyne or Gage de Reyne, and he was going to milk them for all they had. Some of the information he gave them wasn’t even truthful, but he’d tell them anything for the coins Domnall seemed to want to throw at him.
He was only here today for more money.
“You want something and are willing to pay for it, my lord,” Peregrine said. “Let us be honest—this is not a friendly visit. You want something from me, so ask your questions and be swift. I am expected back at Westminster soon.”
So much for pleasantries. Rotri sat down across from the man.
“I like a man who gets straight to the point of his visit,” he said, still trying to be polite in spite of Peregrine’s not-so-friendly attitude. “I want to know where Thor de Reyne is. I will assume he has gone back to Westminster? Do you know if he is living there, or is he elsewhere?”
Peregrine took a long drink of the cheap wine. “He is not at Westminster,” he said, smacking his lips. “The Earl of Tamworth and Stafford has gone north to inspect his properties.”
That was news to Rotri. “When did he leave?”
“About six days ago.”
“How long will he be there?”
“I do not know.”
“Did his wife go with him?”
“As far as I know,” Peregrine said. “I heard Ashington speaking of their marriage and the journey to visit the properties.”
Rotri passed a concerned look at Domnall. “He hasleftLondon.”
Domnall nodded. “Indeed,” he said. “Then mayhap we should leave as well.”
Rotri pondered that a moment before returning his attention to Peregrine. “Is there anything else you can tell me about him?” he asked.
“What else do you want to know?” Peregrine asked, unhappy that he had been provided terrible wine. “Before you ask, know that I do not know the man personally. He is above my station. I am a mere servant and nothing more, so anything I tell you is rumor or observation.”
Rotri understood. “As I said, we are appreciative,” he said. “Has Ashington left, too? Or does he remain in London?”
Peregrine was looking at his wine cup, barely full, and the inordinate amount of dregs collecting at the bottom.Cheap wine,he thought. “Ashington is still here,” he said. “My lord, all I can tell you is that Tamworth was married to Lady de Tosni. That night, the king held a feast in their honor with fourteen courses, and the couple seemed content. They left London two days later. That is literally all I can tell you unless there is something more you have in mind.”
He seemed impatient. Rotri watched the man’s restless movements before shaking his head. “There is not,” he said.
Peregrine downed the rest of the cup and slammed it back to the table before standing up. “Good,” he said decisively. But he paused, looking between father and son. “I am not entirely sure what your obsession is with Thor de Reyne, but you must know that the man is unbreakable. He is a Blackchurch-trained knight, an elite warrior, who not only holds the title of Lord Protector to the king, but now he is the Earl of Tamworth and Stafford and commands thousands. More to the point, his wife, a lady who is your niece, is now under his protection. I know you have been trying to see the Archbishop of Canterbury for quite some time, and I know you showed up at Westminster Palace with a tale of some document that proves you have guardianship over the former Lady de Tosni, but I would strongly suggest you forget about her. Pursuing whatever you are pursuing with Thor and the lady will only get you killed.”
Rotri didn’t want to burn his only contact in Henry’s court, but he didn’t like the advice. It was difficult for him not to bite back.
“Thank you for the information,” he said through clenched teeth. “You may go now.”
Peregrine’s gaze lingered on the man before he snorted wryly and headed for the door. It was clear that he thought Dordon was ridiculous. When the man was gone, Domnall turned to his father.
“He is right,” he said quietly. “This is at an end, Father.”
But Rotri shook his head. “It isnotat an end,” he said. “It will never be at an end until I have what I want. There is a way. We simply have to discover what that is.”
