The True Princess: Dragons Run My Life, #2

By tony lavely

Three Princesses of Lindebalgh: Saitanne, Miriajona, Jenoele. All together for Miriajona's wedding to Rhion, the King of Aberystrad.

    •    Jenoele is bound to charge Saitanne with treason.
    •    Miriajona, smothered in the whirlwind of wedding dresses, gowns and fittings, is prevented from being alone with Rhion. She cannot wait for it to be over.
    •    Saitanne's dragons vie for her attention while she protects her sisters, hoping to survive with her lover.

Assassins, flush with promises of gold of uncertain provenance, plot and scheme to eliminate any of the red-haired princesses as a partner for the King.

The True Princess is the second book in the Dragons Run My Life series. In sequence, it follows the novella Amerith, The Warden's Tale.

• Language: English
• Publisher: tony lavely
• Release date: Jan 31, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386589709

Book preview

Book Two

Dragons Run My Life

The True Princess

By

Tony Lavely

Cover Image: Halith, © 2012, Howard David Johnson

Copyright © 2020 by Tony Lavely

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Edition 200805.3

All rights reserved.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite e-tailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

No part of this publication can be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without permission in writing from Tony Lavely.

Map - Territory Two Detail

Description

The Princesses of Lindebalgh: Saitanne, Miriajona, Jenoele. All together for Miriajona’s wedding to Rhion, the King of Aberystrad.

Jenoele is bound to charge Saitanne with treason.

Miriajona, smothered in the whirlwind of wedding dresses, gowns and fittings, is prevented from being alone with Rhion. She cannot wait for it to be over.

Saitanne’s dragons vie for her attention while she protects her sisters, hoping to survive with her lover.

Assassins, flush with promises of gold of uncertain provenance, plot and scheme to eliminate any of the red-haired princesses as a partner for the King.

Unfortunately, while the assassins are more persistent than the other dangers they face, all the Princesses face more severe and less predictable threats.

The True Princess is the second book in the Dragons Run My Life series. In sequence, it follows the novella Amerith, The Warden’s Tale.

The Nordestræde off Sanvicbec, Lindebalgh

Whol’dar, 19 Maryka, 550

1: King Esben's Knarr

19 Maryka

PRINCESS JENOELE LEANED AGAINST the rail of her father’s knarr. Even at thirteen winters and a half, she knew her attitude would bring nothing better than an invitation to stay in her compartment below the waterline, without even the portholes that barely illuminated her parents’ stateroom. Were she to make her feelings known beyond Silje, her odalique, being shut in there would be the best outcome. Not being able to sit for an otto’dar was more likely.

The certainty of it did nothing to assuage her anxiety or fear.

Lady Warden… She spoke without turning, as sure the woman stood close as she was the knarr floated upon the water.

Princess?

Why do we attend Da and Maman?

’Tis as I spoke leaving the Skole, Princess. I have no reason to speak untruth to you.

"My pardon, Warden. I do not doubt your words. I do not understand why we travel to Saitanne’s wedding. Or Miriajona’s. To the Aberystrad king. While you might prove an advantage, should either of my sisters need more protection than the various krigers and Guards can muster, what could I add?"

"I… Your da, the King, did not share his reasoning with me. Nor would I ask him. You may but…"

Since we have begun our journey and time is short, he is unlikely to send me anywhere else. Isn’t that what you wish to say? That is evident. Still, I do not understand Da’s thinking.

’Tis safe to say no one does, save the King and mayhap the Queen.

Someone scuttling behind the Warden caught their attention. A blonde head peeked around the Warden’s hip.

Do not hide, Silje!

Princess, begging your pardon, the King requires you attend him at the seven hour.

Does the command come with a reason?

The odalique bowed her head. "Nay, Princess. None would be given me."

Truly, the Warden muttered.

Jenoele nodded and extended her hand to Silje. "I wish to return home, though I have spent little time there. A question you mayhap can answer, Lady Warden. How shall we sail back to Rendekebing?"

Princess?

We travel under sail, and the winds are from the north. When we return…

Ah. You doubt the oarsmen could propel the boat returning?

The crewman I asked laughed at the suggestion.

The Warden bristled. Which one? I shall⁠—

Nay, Warden. ’Twas not mean or spiteful. He found it incomprehensible, I ween.

What did he answer you, then?

He gave me to understand the winds might change.

Aye. ’Tis my experience the winds and the weather do shift as the star above moves south and north. Though I did not plan for a trip of four thir’dars.

From autumn to spring, then?

Truly. I hope the seamstress can fashion you a cloak to keep the winds from you.

Jenoele’s eyes opened wide, but no wider than Silje’s. Then she shrugged. I suppose, if Da dons such, I shall.

"To keep you safe, you shall don such when I deem it necessary! The King has more fat upon him; the chill does not affect him so. You, while… The Warden studied Jenoele’s bare body for a moment. While your body is perfectly formed, you do not carry fat. Heed me in this; I have lived through sneeuw deep as your shoulder⁠—"

Sneeuw? What is that?

When the weather turns wintry, rain becomes flakes of white. Not wet til they warm. Those flakes are sneeuw. You have never seen such at the Skole. ’Twill kill you, do you not get warm.

Oh. Shall we see such?

It may sneeuw in Traenthe; ’twill not be so heavy as ’tis in Bwichblaenau. There, the star disappears during the winter, for a ’dar or a thir’dar, depending how far south. But you know this, from your lessons.

Jenoele responded to the Warden’s dangerous look with a smile. Aye. But Master had never seen what you tell of either. Would that be too long a trip?

Aye, Princess, it would. As long as this trip. Now, below decks and to the King’s table for your dinner.

Mayhap I shall dare ask my purpose on this voyage.

Fare thee well, Princess, the Warden said with a chuckle.

Aberystrad

2 - 11 Jasel, 550

2: Outside Bryn Bwbach

2 Jasel

PHERICK MCSIMEEN RODE WITH men who like him had survived the ill-fated river attack on the two Lindebalgh princesses. These three were the only ones left of the seizaine who had ridden north with him from Castell Derkar to Lindebalgh and the damnable mountain refuge where the fool Esben had attempted to hide his daughters. With his return to Aberystrad, he fretted more about the upcoming meeting than he ever did over the failed attempts to complete his mission: remove the Lindebalgh princesses from the possibility of sitting on the Aberystrad throne as King Rhion’s Queen. Get rid of Rhion if the opportunity offered, but that would be a happy fortuity; it was not his task.

Ahead, two lieges waited to hear the dismal report. They would say, Tsk-tsk, such a shame, and ride to Castell Derkar to spread the news of his continued failures.

Well, two and a half otto’dars the ride would take them. His ride to Traenthe needed hours, not ’dars. He dug a scrap of parchment from his bag.

After a minute staring at it, he spurred his horse to the road. With the fop Neirin’s assistance, he could still win.

He would still win.

3: Rhion's Palace in Traenthe

3 Jasel

THE GREAT HALL HAD filled with people. Lords and Ladies, Tanial supposed. I don’t belong here, she whispered.

Liam clutched her close. O’course you do, Princess Mine. Buck up now. Can this be worse than a crossbow bolt or a dagger to the heart?

She twisted her head to see his smile. Nay, that’s a smirk! He’s mocking… And so he should. Thank you, Commander. I needed that reminder. Where to?

I assume… Tanial turned to see her former odalique, Bitte, attempt to relax the simper from her expression; Tanial made a rude gesture which meant later! … we, Bitte continued unperturbed, well, you two, not us underlings, are to join the happy couple. She discreetly pointed to the dais on which stood two chairs adjacent to two thrones. But… Bitte’s voice became much less assured. … perchance wait but a moment.

Tanial agreed. King Rhion and Queen-to-be Miri stood on the dais behind the two thrones. She felt Rhion’s anger across the distance. My Queen-to-be will not be seated below the King. Until the Queen’s throne is remade, bring two chairs. He scanned the room; when their eyes met, Tanial knew in her heart he wanted her and Liam beside him right now!

Our turn, Commander. She took his hand and tugged once. Together they hurried to join the King and Miri. She turned to make sure the others would be okay, but Mallt had them circling the hall.

Liam had taken on his Gapten persona, standing tall and focused on Rhion. And on Miri, Tanial noted to her pleasure. O’course, probably no more than half these people want to kill the king. And the other half want to kill Miri! She stepped to the dais, allowing Rhion to offer a hand up. She smiled, gave Miri a quick sisterly buss on both cheeks, then returned to examining the other attendees.

Rhion asked for yet another two chairs. While the footmen ran out to find them, he called Lady Meinwyn to him, then: Minister Neirin, would you join us?

Tanial looked her question to Liam, who whispered in her ear, He’s the one tasked me to bring you here.

Ah. So I should be thanking him?

Don’t thank him overmuch, until we are set in our futures. He is far too willing to allow you to express your gratitude⁠—

I shall take extreme care. I’ll send my message through Knight Errant Metha!

That would be just deserts, he said.

Minister Neirin now stood before them. With a small bow, Liam said, Well met, Minister. I hope all is well with you.

I also, Minister, Tanial said, I understand you are responsible for the Gapten’s safe and trustworthy escort of my sister and me to this august occasion. I thank you, as I’m sure Princess Miriajona will also.

A small favor for the King. I’m well pleased at the outcome. A pleasure to meet you. Gapten, will you have time to meet me, perchance tomorrow? I would hear the whole of your report.

Unless the King or one of the Princesses requires me, I will report. Will seven hours and the half suffice?

Quite well. Thank you. He moved to speak to Rhion and Miri, and then to stand behind the chair next to Meinwyn.

Rhion had begun calling the Lords and Ladies to pledge their swords and honor to him. Since Tanial knew none of them, she listened with half her attention, except when the scent of sulphur or fresh air wafted through her mind. She’d slid her chair close to Miri’s, allowing her to pat the Queen-to-be’s thigh once for sulphur, or twice, thereby passing the dragons’ opinion of the nobles to Rhion.

At the end of it, the star had set; it had been so long Tanial was certain if she looked outside, the sky would be glowing in pre-dawn light. Liam reminded her the sixteen bell had rung, but only just. King Rhion requests our company for a moment afore we rest.

She grimaced, but took his hand as they followed yet another footman. The man walked only a minute before knocking at a nondescript wooden door. It opened immediately, offering a view of the chest of one of the King’s guards. The lacquey introduced them by name, and the guard stepped back to allow them entrance.

Tain! Miri called. Good! Come over here a minute afore Tomi begins. Can you and Liam meet me in the morning, say six hours?

Liam must meet with Minister Neirin at half seven. We won’t need that long, I hope.

I as well. She lowered her voice. I thought to tell you about Da… King Esben, and our family afore you meet them.

A thing I devoutly hoped for, sister-mine! We will be there.

As soon as she turned back to the others, it was obvious Rhion had been waiting for them to finish. He called the small group together. I wish to go over our lists once more. Lady Beliana, please make yourself comfortable; nothing will occur in this company.

Miri laughed almost inaudibly as Beliana took herself to sit at the trundle.

Tanial laid her head against Liam’s arm. Don’t let me fall over if I sleep.

O’course not, milady.

No thought of sleep came. Rhion, Miri and Meinwyn and Neirin combined their lists and discussed various names among them. Tanial felt the dragons’ opinions more frequently; she was surprised at the agreement between the dragons and the four.

When the names had all been discussed and Meinwyn and Neirin left, she mentioned her observation of the dragons’ opinions to Rhion and Miri.

The next morning, Tanial woke before Liam, but the others had again beaten them. She knew they’d gotten to sleep before she and Liam had returned to the shared room, but still.

How long do we have? As if Bitte heard the question, she silently opened the door, peering in. To make sure we’re still asleep?

The girl’s eyes brightened when she saw Tanial, sitting bare on the edge of the bed. Good morning, milady, she whispered.

Good morn. Have we time if Liam rests another quarter hour? Or must we rise now?

Bitte went to the window and pulled the curtain so they could see the bright ’dar. As you wish, milady, but the half-five bell has rung and your breakfast awaits. She slipped back out.

Tanial groaned, then rolled over against Liam hard enough to wake him. Ah, morn, he said. The air of reproach was nearly hidden; his smile spread in spite of it.

’Tis morn. We have no time if we would breakfast afore meeting Miri.

I recall. He swung his feet over the side of the bed, landing in the trundle Metha and Jens had not stored on their rising.

I’ll speak to them later to’dar about Regole’s fascination with neatness and order, Tanial said with a chuckle, and how it may avoid them having to carry you with your broken foot.

He laughed in her face. "I’ll speak to them myself, if you please! What they can do in that thing, I have no idea."

Think about it, Liam. I’m sure something will come to you. It certainly came to them! She sniggered in his ear while moving her hand across his belly. Nice! Now, clamber over it and wash.

When Bitte returned to remind them the morning was fleeting, they were fastening the last closures on Tanial’s leathers. We’ll need some fresh bandages this eve, Bitte. Tain insists on opening her injury.

Perchance, milord, she should take my bed tonight, and I will share yours? Then she will be able to rest… unprovoked.

The girl laughed as she ducked the boot Tanial tossed. Hold! Liam said. That will open it as well. No training for you to’dar.

Will you have time for training after meeting with the Minister? If you do, I’ll speak with the others.

If we’ve finished dawdling? This time, Liam pitched a cushion catching Bitte above the ear, knocking her into the trundle.

Enough! Tanial said. I apologize for starting it. Bitte, you can have first when we begin training. Off we go.

Mallt greeted them from the table when they walked in. Metha is determining how they will fit into Rhion’s duty roster, Bitte said. She expected to be here afore six hour.

Good. Liam and I meet with Miri in a few minutes, then he has a meeting with Minister Neirin. If the star has not set when he’s finished, we will find a quiet spot for training.

Princess, Liam said, I suggest you attempt to extricate Princess Miri and Sarine for training even afore then. She will be almost as relieved as Lady Beliana to be freed. Unless Rhion plans courtly things that will require her. I must find a few minutes with him and Beliana as well.

Her look covered several volumes of questions. Perchance too well. His response was quick. To pass Miri’s dowry along to the appropriate minion. Esben would never permit his daughter’s marriage to go forth sans her dowry.

Her weight in coin, then?

Nay, that would have been too much to carry. He has deeded land to Rhion.

She stopped eating. Do you know where?

One of my tasks was to attempt to map it, but I didn’t finish. I believe it includes Princesser Skole, and land from the sianel toward the western territories.

This is definitely something I missed along with those twenty years of proper princess behavior. Let’s talk more about this, later. I’m too hungry to concentrate as I should.

Mallt clasped her about the shoulders and agreed. I would listen, too, if my lady permits?

Unless the Commander believes harm will arise, aye. She cocked her head in Liam’s direction; his mouth was full but he signed fine.

One of the ubiquitous footmen met them on the way to find the Queen-to-be; he⁠—Tanial was certain he knew where he was going, but to her, he seemed to wander without direction⁠—led them to the most ornamented door Tanial had seen in the palace so far. He rapped smartly, opened it when the call was given, and closed it behind them.

Good morn, sister-mine! Miri was as cheerful as her greeting.

It is. How is your life going, so far?

Her cheer faded. My only problem is… She pointed to Beliana, sitting at a small desk, looking for all the world like she was Queen herself. And over Miri, she probably is, til the marriage at least.

Don’t tell me. You’re not permitted to sleep with Rhion?

Woebegone, the girl nodded.

"Which is because you wouldn’t just sleep with him!"

’Tis true. He is so⁠—

He is and your turn will come soon enough. Right, Lady?

Aye, Princess. If I can keep them apart.

However, Miri said, for now, Lady Beliana, you are free to determine other arrangements. Tain and I will talk for some time.

I need a few minutes with you, also, Lady. Closer to mid’dar, I ween.

I will arrange myself accordingly, Gapten.

Tanial strode across the room. Unless Rhion requires Miri after our meeting, she and Sarine will come with me; we will do some training afore she forgets everything she’s learned.

Ooo! Fun!

I can see for myself how devastated she is over the idea. I will see how long Miri may dally afore being missed. Beliana let herself out.

Hmpf. Dally. Is that what she thinks? Our training is a mere dalliance?

Miri’s hand covered her mouth but not her laugh. She’s not been saved by it, sister-mine, so the lack of fine gowns and courteous steps forces it to a lower style of life. She clasped her hand over her mouth once again. Listen to me; I sound like one of the nobles of whom your dragons take little notice. I mean to say the Commander’s training does not suit either the ballroom or the King’s court, so o’course it must have little value to Princesses.

"Aye, I’d ferreted that from your tortured wordiness. I will take you over my knee, and then never return, if such speech is a result of your bonding!"

I would not resist. Now. King Esben. Our Da. Oh, but wait. Sarine!

Milady?

You can be trusted with seditious words? Tanial’s eyes opened as wide as Sarine’s at Miri’s question.

O’course, milady, not that anything the Princess might say, or the Queen-to-be, could be seditious.

Gramercy. Can you look about; make sure there are no serving girls or boys tucked away in our chambers hoping to get a glimpse?

The girl tittered at the thought of boys hiding, but she nodded and hurried into the rest of the suite.

We’ll pause a moment til she’s done.

Since no girls save the upstairs maid named Aoife, or boys either, appeared when Sarine returned, Tanial assumed none had dared the Princess’ anger. I wondered what happened to you, Aoife. Is all well?

She curtseyed and bowed her head. Aye, milady.

Miri laughed. "We were exceeding lucky to capture her as she swept the hall the other ’dar; she knows so much about the palace. Sarine has taken her as a whatever Sarine may have. They are excellent together."

Would she have her tongue cut out for an inadvertent word?

Ah. You ask a pledge of silence? Both Princesses stared at Aoife.

O’course. The girl’s voice quavered like some of the songbirds Liam had had them emulate. "I would die afore saying anything agin the Queen."

Would that extend to Princess Tain?

Aye. Her voice was hesitant. I don’t understand.

That’s plain. Let’s end this, Miri. I trust Sarine. I believe Aoife is bound to you⁠—

May I be bound to you both?

There’s your answer, Tain. We can both trust her.

Come here, Aoife. Take my hand and pledge to me, except as would interfere with your service to the Queen.

I so pledge. On my honor.

I pledge to you the same. Sit with Sarine.

Miri arranged herself to speak. "Da will arrive on the morrow along with Maman o’course, according to the spies reporting to Rhion. Late, after the thirteen bell.

He will be atop the boat. He’s larger than Liam with hair red as ours.

Liam raised a hand. I must differ with you, Princess Miri. Time has taken its toll; King Esben has little red hair left. It was mostly white when we met last Aril. He is slimmer than many men; slimmer than those who pledged to Rhion. He paused a moment. I hope his health isn’t failing. He raised both hands in defense. Nay, I have no reason save he should not have been so slender when we met. Look to him when we meet; see how you see him.

Miri nodded. Setting that by the way, then, since we can’t do anything about it to’dar, he… and I look to you, Liam, to tell me if he has changed even more. He is loud and boisterous, looking to spark conflict where none exists. Some think him chaotic by nature, but after observation, the conflicts all… well, mostly, anyway, resolve in a satisfactory manner. From his point of view, which matches that of his subjects rather than that of the elder Lords. Those always seem to strive for the way it was.

And your Maman?

A span shorter than Da, slim, with light red hair that’s nearly blonde⁠—not like ours at all. Nearly always, in my experience, alongside Da. She glanced at Liam. Did you meet her?

Nay, though a lady of that description stood with Esben. Silent.

Miri nodded. That would have been her.

When did you last see them? Did they visit the Skole, or did we travel to them? At all?

Miri chewed her lower lip. Perchance… Jenoele’s tenth fadsels'dar. So… three winters past. They came for an otto’dar. She tormented her lip a moment longer. Liam is correct o’course. Da’s hair was losing color even then. She leaned back on her hands. He doted on Jenoele, naturally, and he and Maman closeted themselves with Saitanne⁠—

Why? Did she ever say?

Nay, and that was most of our falling out. To guess… They spoke of his expectations for her. She was certainly less carefree for several otto’dars after they left.

I suppose being informed you shall be married off for the good of the kingdom might damp one’s enthusiasm. Still, if that was the topic, it’s unlikely to become a test of my identity.

Miri nodded.

His personality, then. Happy? Easily angered? Vengeful? What’s to come of Liam, after his man… She wasn’t going to speak it, even if no one would tell. The walls have ears.

Would we speak of it?

I can see no way not to, Miri. How do you see it, Liam?

I agree. Should we have a life together, this would be a large… not mistruth exactly, but⁠—

I understand. Miri collapsed on her rug. By Regole’s eyes, I understand. Damn Saitanne for, for being! She sat up and smoothed her shift. In truth, see how he behaves with you and me when we meet. I take the position that, should he not notice, you should not kick the cleva.

I agree to wait afore jumping headfirst from the high wall, to see what reaction the King’s daughters may evoke. Liam, will you stand with me?

O’course. He bowed. Could you doubt me?

Giggles from Sarine and Aoife’s direction gave Tanial her lead. She smiled, laughed gently and said, ’Tis not doubt of you, but of me I seek to assuage.

And you complained of milady’s flowery language.

Hush, Sarine, or my switches will get a workout. So, we don’t expect King Esben to be difficult to recognize⁠—

Especially with everyone in court filling the docks to get a glimpse of him. Has he ever set foot here, Liam?

Not in my time. He is older than I, but I doubt it.

So, Miri said, everyone will be on the banks and the dock to see him, even if they’d never have any other reason to be there.

Tanial twisted her lips. We go to greet him and form our actions on his.

I don’t like it, Liam said, but, aye. At first blush, anyway. I am off to meet the Minister; I will find you following.

Good, Tanial said as she blew him a kiss, then spoke to Miri, Liam decrees I must heal more, but you and I will seek out Bitte and Mallt, and with these… She gestured Sarine and Aoife to her side. … we shall train.

Aoife, too?

Unless she’d rather not? Miri joined Tanial who continued, We’ll have to find her some leathers, though. One bout and she’ll be bare as a Princess of Lindebalgh!

Miri caught the rough muslin of Aoife’s tunic. With this, the Queen-to-be said, you would almost be bare following a tumble with no one fighting. Come with me.

That reminds me. Should we send word to your Da that appearing bare would not make the best impression?

A good thought. Sarine, while I find leathers to fit Aoife, can you find Beliana and ask her to attend me? The girl ran for the door. Beliana will be able to have the message sent.

Remind her there may be forces who would favor embarrassing our King. I still worry we’ve heard no more of the girl from the south who would be Queen.

Miri nodded while handing Aoife leather breeches that would cover the girl until she could get her own. The girl pulled them up as Beliana opened the door. After a glance, Miri tugged the waistband before she said, Lady Beliana, we hope to spare our King and Queen embarrassment by sending word that appearing bare would not be suitable. We will be garbed and Jenoele should be also. Tain reminds us all not everyone in Traenthe favors the alliance; take care to ensure the message arrives.

Beliana tipped her head. I will arrange it myself, Princess.

How do the wedding plans go?

She gave Tanial a rueful smile. As well as we can expect, given the Queen-to-be wishes to play rough and tumble with her mates instead of appearing for another fitting.

Tanial laughed. "You didn’t say that was your reason, Miri! Did you know that, Aoife?"

The girl’s face bloomed in the slightest bit of merriment.

Miri scowled visibly. Go and find a muslin doublet to match those breeches. If you are bare, ’twill be from the fight.

Beliana shook her head and departed.

Do you need another fitting?

"I need no fittings. My skin is sufficient for Rhion and me both. I suffered through the gown for the wedding itself, knowing the impression is all, but a fitting for a shimmery robe intended only to display afore Rhion removes it, tossing it across the room, that is foolish! Aoife, where are you? And what has happened to Sarine this time?"

The girl popped her head around the archway. Just making sure Aoife is ready, milady.

The only surprise during the workout was Aoife. I am stunned, Tanial said, that you are so quick to these moves.

Miri agreed before Aoife explained. "It was my size, miladies. I was… am! small, so everyone found it… amusing, I suppose, to shove me aside or roll me down the hill into the latrine, or… Anyway, one… one of the stable-boys taught me how to balk much of it."

Should we find him and thank him for making this one thing easier, then?

Aoife dropped to her face, speaking to the sand laid on their arena, Nay, nay! He would be…

Tanial reached her first. She lifted Aoife’s head, then sat her up, waving at the others. Hold there til we understand this better. She gently held the girl’s chin. He would be what, Aoife? The girl froze. Well, Miri, this can’t be good. She feels strongly enough about him that she won’t betray him, but for the life of me, I can’t imagine how anyone could be offended by a stable-boy teaching a ladies’ maid how to defend herself.

Miri sat back, agreeing. You’re certain there would be offense, aren’t you? The girl nodded, one quick head motion.

Is it possible the training went further than she intimates? Sarine asked. Or⁠—perchance more likely⁠—the stable-boy might not be so much a stable⁠—

While Aoife had reacted a little bit at the hint her training might have extended beyond defense, she went chalky at Sarine’s