Ever the Brave (A Clash of Kingdoms Novel)(54)

I drop to a knee, all thoughts gone aside from the fear that Captain Omar might possibly be dead, or very close to death. Could he survive the horse’s blow? No matter how many times I see death, it always surprises me. A person is there, and then they’re gone. So fast. I was just talking to him, and now he’s so still. A mark the shape of a horse’s hoof is purpling on his forehead. Blood leaks from the edge of the wound.

I pray there’s life still left in his body.

“Omar?” I touch his shoulder.

He doesn’t move. I stare at his chest where the other hoof left it concaved.

Watch for the rise and fall.

Breathe, Omar.

I find myself waiting until my own lungs burn.





Chapter

24


Britta


AFTER THREE ATTEMPTS TO COAX GILLIAN away from the center of the Great Hall, I forgo niceties and yank her arm toward the columns lining the room. Her glare could burn my skin off. Who knew it’d be easier to get Gillian’s fat heifer to lay an egg than get Gillian to leave the throng of lords?

Once we’re tucked behind a column, I explain my urgency, telling her what Cohen told me about Lord Jamis. Her anger seems to fade as I sum up my purpose for dragging her away. “I need the carriage driver to take me home so I can grab Snowfire, a change of clothing, some food for travel, and my bow. But I’m not good at talking. I need you to secure a driver for my departure. And excuse my absence to the king.”

She sputters at me.

I put on my best hopeful smile.

“You want a royal driver to see you to the cottage so you can grab a change of clothes and your bow?” A squeak marks her question. She purses her lips.

“Yes.” I lift my skirt and wiggle my boot, indicating where my dagger is. Always.

“Boots, Britta?” She huffs and growls all at once. “Where are the slippers I gave you?”

“Focus, Gillian. Boots are not the issue.”

She folds her arms. “The answer is no.”

“No? Why not?”

“Britta, you cannot leave. He hasn’t granted you noble status yet.”

“That doesn’t matter. Lord Jamis is—”

Her eyes flare. Her lips go between her teeth. I glance over my shoulder, noticing the awful guard has taken up post near the column.

Motioning for her to follow, I walk to a private spot near the west corridor. Gillian has a way with words that I’ve never managed. I’m awkward at best. I plead with her once more.

“Why are you so determined?” she asks.

“I have to do this,” I tell Gillian. “I have to go after him.”

She gets a far-off look in her eyes. Servants move in and out of the room, bringing food to the tables, pouring goblets of wine, and placing name cards in front of plates. “If you leave now, you might anger the king. You could lose your chance.” She turns to me, determined. “I cannot let you do that.”

“Dammit, Gillian—”

“But—but I’ll go for you.” Her hand fists around the fan. Her mouth puckers like she’s swallowed a bushel of lemons. “I’d rather you didn’t go at all. If you must, let me gather your supplies while you stay here.”

“That makes no sense.”

“You’ll have time for the king to elevate you to the nobility. And I’m a maid. No one will notice if I leave.”

My first instinct is to say no. It’ll put me that much farther behind Cohen.

I start to shake my head when she grips my arm and tugs me closer. “How do you expect me to get a message to the king? Imagine how he’ll react if he announces your change in status and you’re not here.”

I chew my lip. She’s brought up an issue I hadn’t considered.

“The last thing you can afford to do is embarrass or anger him.”

Gillian’s logic is frustrating.

“All right,” I say. “You go. I’ll stay.”

“Really?”

“Don’t look so shocked. I’m not that big a fool.”

The pleased smile that spreads across her face. She makes me promise I’ll mingle. Which won’t happen. And then agree to thank the king. I’ll consider it.

She starts to walk away and then makes an abrupt turn back. “What about Lirra?”

Though I prefer to travel alone, it’s safer to go together. “Have her pack up her horse. She’ll go with me.”

The smile on Gillian’s face grows. “Good. She’s going stir-crazy and could use a little out-of-the-cottage adventure.”

This time I smile. I think it’s Gillian who is going a little crazy with Lirra around.

After she leaves, I partially do as promised and move to the other side of the column so I’m closer to the gathered crowd.

Servants bustle past the lords and ladies with trays of breads and meats. The long tables look a tray away from collapsing because there is so much food. It is a bigger feast than I’ve ever seen. My stomach grumbles in appreciation. Four castle workers balance a roasted pig on a platter, carrying it to the head table. Saliva pools in my mouth. Eventually, the herald calls for everyone in attendance to find their assigned seat.

The crowd breaks apart, sliding around the tables, reading name cards, and chatting merrily when they discover their seat is surrounded by friends. They move as naturally and quickly as a herd of elk in the Evers.