Rasnake(29)

Slowly, they got the women to calm down and give them space, a chance to get out of the boat and to take proper stock of everything. Tallant could see Milton combing every face, fighting not to show his anxiety. Finally, though, Milton caved and asked, "Where is Her Grace?"

"Here," said a strident, beautiful voice. Milton whipped around, and Tallant followed his gaze—and he could see why Milton had thought her worth waiting through twelve years of banishment. Lady Irene was tall, slender, but obviously well-muscled, able to hold her own; Tallant remembered the sword that had hung from her chair. Her hair was a dark, coppery red, cut short, just barely reaching her chin. Though she currently wore an elaborate, dark violet ball gown, Tallant did not doubt for a moment she was more comfortable in pants and leather armor. On her right forearm was a tattoo—an apple tree, in red, green, and black ink, an exact match for the one on Cecil's forearm.

Irene smiled, tired but true. "Well, I'll be damned. I knew Cecil would come for me, but I did not dare hope you would have such excellent timing, Milly."

Milton pushed his way through the other women, and swept Irene up in a tight embrace, kissing her soundly. "Reni."

She stroked his face, tired and worn but obviously happy. "I always knew you'd come back."

"I arrived two days before my full twelve years were technically up," Milton replied. "I'm sorry it took me so long, Reni."

Irene laughed. "You're here, that's all that matters. And coming to my rescue! Such a good husband." She started to kiss him again, but Milton drew back, startled.

"Husband? But Cecil—"

"What?" Irene turned sharply, and looked at Cecil, who was looking distinctly sheepish. "You didn't tell him?"

"Tell me what?" Milton demanded, shooting his brother a look.

Cecil grimaced. "Well, first I was mad at him. Then there was never a good time. He deserved to suffer a bit." He crossed his arms over his chest and scowled.

"Tell. Me. What," Milton bit out.

Heaving a sigh and rolling his eyes, Cecil finally said, "I'm not actually married to her. That's what we told everyone, so the counsel couldn't stop me from taking over should the worst happen—but I'm not actually her husband. I stood as your proxy in the ceremony." He reached into one of his pouches and pulled out the ring Tallant had seen him toying with the other night, and tossed it to Milton.

Milton caught the ring easily, and stared at it, then his brother. "So this whole damned time—"

Irene cut the words off with a kiss. "I want to go home, Milton. Take me home. You two can bicker about it later."

"Of course," Milton said, but shot Cecil a last glare. Cecil ignored him, and instead turned back to the other women, reassuring them, sorting out who would go back in what order. Tallant stepped in to do the rowing, so that they could take two girls back at a time, instead of him and Cecil both rowing.

Eventually, it was only the four them remaining on the island. "So what's going on, Reni?" Milton asked.

Irene brushed irritably at sudden tears. "My father. He kidnapped all of us. I think he's killed Lily, Amber, and Mary."

"Why the gowns?" Tallant asked, not wanting to tell her just how the other girls had died quite yet.

"I think he liked pretending this place is his kingdom, and he's some king, or something, and we're the ladies of his court, here to entertain and please him." Irene said with a tired sigh. "Did you see all the stuff he's stolen? That aside, have you ever tried to swim in a ball gown? It's too cold to go without clothes down here, and he didn't leave us much—and by the time we were brought down here and deposited on the island, our night clothes were no good. I tried to swim once, completely naked, and then in just my undergarments, but it was too far and too cold."

Milton hugged her. "I'm sorry we didn't find you sooner."

"Come on, let's get back," Tallant said.

"Four won't fit in the boat," Cecil said. "Take them, then come for me."

Tallant started to argue, then decided it wasn't worth it.

"So are you Milton's friend or lover?" Irene asked once they were in the boat and on their way. "Or did he bring you back as a present for Cecil?"

Milton glared at her.

Tallant laughed. "I am perfectly happy to be a present, Your Grace, but I came because I am Milton's friend and battle-bonded."

Irene smiled. "I'm sure Cecil would not mind being given such a gift."

Tallant smirked. "He's been a bit stubborn so far, but he's coming around."

"Posturing," Irene said. "Thank you for helping to rescue us. I never did figure out what my father was doing, but he no longer seemed to know me when he took me and brought me down here."

"He was trying to fix the wards he broke," Milton said.

"I see," Irene said softly, and bowed her head. "Amber, Mary, and Lily are dead, aren't they?"

"Yes," Milton said gently, taking her hands. "I'm sorry." Irene nodded, but said nothing. They remained silent until they reached the shore, where the other girls stood waiting nervously, eyes flicking constantly to the doorway, obviously fearful Marden would appear at any moment.