The Queen's Poisoner (Kingfountain, #1)(59)

“Do you know why they call the game Wizr?” she asked, as they both began to settle the pieces back to the starting position.

He nodded and quickly explained the origin of the term.

“I wish Myrddin was real,” she said with a sigh. “Some people say it’s just a story. There aren’t any true Wizrs anymore. But I like to imagine that Wizrs are real, that the Fountain truly can bless people with magic. There are so many stories, some of them must be true. Like with you,” she said slyly. They stared at the board and started another game.

“Your Highness, so lovely to see you,” Liona said. Her voice was one of many in the background, but Owen had especially cunning hearing. He jerked his head up and saw Princess Elyse speaking softly to Liona. He had not spoken to her in a while and his heart sighed wistfully, remembering how gently she had welcomed him to the palace. He felt tenderness toward her and hoped she would stop to greet him.

“Why are you staring at her?” Evie asked with a taunting voice. “She’s so beautiful. I wish my hair was gold like hers, not dark as wood. She’s very lovely, Owen. You should admire her. She’s ten years older than us and she still doesn’t have a husband. I pity her, truly. Her last betrothed was killed at Ambion Hill by the king. Did you know that? My grandpapa told me about it. He led the vanguard.”

At her words, Owen felt worry and regret. Perhaps Ankarette was right, and Evie would not be able to keep a secret from her grandfather. Maybe it was not fair to ask it of her.

She was oblivious to his inner turmoil. “There was fighting and arrows and crossbows. I wish I could have been there. I would love to learn how to fight, but they will not let ladies into the training yard. When you learn how to fight, you must promise to teach me. The king remained on the hill, watching as Grandpapa was losing the battle down below. Then he saw his enemy cross the field, unguarded. So the king took his household knights and they charged them. The king himself! I wish I had been there! They slammed into the rebels’ men and the king took down the standard-bearer with his own lance. His horse was cut down beneath him, but still he fought, surrounded only by his most loyal knights. And he struck down his enemy with his own sword. After he fell, the battle ended. There was no one left to fight for.” She sighed, fidgeting with a particular piece of the set. “Are you . . . afraid of going into battle?” she asked him.

Owen looked at her, perplexed. “I’m too young.”

“Not now, silly boy. When you are older. You start training when you are ten. It’s hard work, but I know I would love it. Like the Maid of Donremy at the siege of Lionn! When King Severn was young, he was sent to his uncle’s castle in the North to be trained in war.” She gave him an eager look. “Maybe the king will send you to the North! Wouldn’t that be wonderful, Owen Kiskaddon? Then we could have all the adventures we’ve talked about. Maybe Grandpapa would let me train too. Or you and I could do it in secret! It would be just like a dream.” She sighed contentedly.

Owen heard the sound of someone sitting on the bench next to them and felt the shadow spread over him. He smelled her—Ankarette. The scent like a rose pressed into the pages of a book. He glanced surreptitiously at her, feeling his stomach wriggling again. There were so many people around.

Elysabeth Victoria Mortimer lifted her head at the newcomer. She was completely unafraid of meeting new people, and it didn’t bother her in the least that an adult had come so close to their game. “Hello,” she said with a bright smile. “I’m Elysabeth Victoria Mortimer.”

“What a lovely name,” Ankarette said, returning the smile. “Please, don’t let me disturb your game.”

“We weren’t playing exactly,” Evie replied confidentially. “Owen is teaching me how to win. He’s very clever. Do you know who this is? He’s Owen Kiskaddon, the king’s ward. He’s my friend.” Her eyes crinkled as she reached out and squeezed Owen’s hand.

“I can tell you are very close,” Ankarette said, her smile warm and inviting.

“What is your name?” Evie asked.

Owen swallowed, wondering what the reply would be. His stomach was churning with the newness of the situation. Ankarette had never come down into the kitchen before when others were around. It made him worry for her safety.

“How thoughtful of you to ask,” Ankarette said with a winning smile. “I used to come here often, back when the queen dowager lived in the palace. There were always so many children running about back then. They had a large brood.”

Evie nodded. “She lives in the sanctuary of Our Lady now. How sad it must be to go from being a queen to being a prisoner in a sanctuary. My grandpapa says she is never going to come out. My grandpapa is Duke Horwath. Do you know him?”

“I do,” Ankarette answered. “You must love him a great deal.”

She nodded vigorously. “Oh yes. He is dear to my heart. I love my grandpapa. But he brought me here to Kingfountain to meet Owen.” She patted his leg. “We’re going to be married, you know. He’s Fountain-blessed.”

“So I’ve heard,” Ankarette said smugly. “You best play your game. I’m sorry to have bothered you. I love playing Wizr myself.”

“Would you like to play with us?” Evie said. “What was your name again? I thought you had told me, but then I realized you hadn’t. You’re very pretty. I like how your hair is done up like that. It’s so beautiful. Mine isn’t long enough yet, but when I’m older, I will wear it like yours. What was your name?”