The Ciphers of Muirwood (Covenant of Muirwood #2)(24)

“One of the learners . . . well . . . not exactly anymore. His father was the former Earl of Forshee. I just wondered if there was any news about his father or brothers.”

Suzenne was still trying to mask her interest, but she seemed genuinely concerned—enough so to risk embarrassing herself.

“They will be given one last chance to sign the Act of Submission before they are killed,” Maia said flatly, watching for Suzenne’s reaction.

“Oh no,” Suzenne gasped, her expression crinkling with sorrow. “Poor Dodd.”

Maia looked at her in surprise. “You still care for him then?”

Suzenne blinked away tears and covered her mouth. She tried hard to regain her composure, but Maia could see the strength of her feelings slipping free of the mask of indifference. “Yes,” she finally gasped. “I always have.”

Maia rose from her chair. “Then why did you abandon him?” she asked. Though she did not seek to harm the girl, she could not keep herself from asking. Her own guilt at betraying Collier was sufficient motivation to pry.

Suzenne was miserable. “My parents,” she choked. “Oh, Maia! How can I make you understand? After Dodd was disinherited, my parents forbade me to even speak to him. They had been supportive of our . . . relationship . . . I was surprised that they would . . . but what else could I do? Do we not owe obedience to our parents? I trust their judgment. But in this thing . . . I wonder if they are more worried about their position in court than they are about my feelings.” She shook her head, burying her face in her hands.

Now Maia understood. Suzenne was from a well-bred Family, one whose position was answerable to the state of rank. Seeing how far the noble Prices had been cast down, her parents had done what they believed to be in their best interest.

Maia put her arm around Suzenne’s shoulders and hugged her as she wept softly, her shoulders convulsing.

“Have you told no one this?” Maia whispered, stroking Suzenne’s beautiful hair.

The other girl shook her head with anguish. “I dared not,” she gasped. “The girls gossip and murmur and tease. I am sorry to give you yet another burden, Maia. You understand my situation, do you not?”

“All too well,” Maia said. “We love our parents, yet we are hurt by them. Loyalty, when divided, is sharper than a blade and cuts both ways.” She tipped her chin up. “I will not tell.” She observed her closely. “So Dodd does not know how you feel?”

Suzenne shook her head no.

“I see. Well, I can say he suffers as greatly as you do.”

There were sounds of approaching girls from the passageway below as the other Ciphers began to arrive.

“We can talk later,” Maia said, patting Suzenne’s arm. “For now, we must dry our eyes.”

Suzenne nodded, smiling. A burden shared was easier to endure. Maia could see the relief spreading across Suzenne’s entire countenance. A warm prick of heat came into Maia’s heart. She felt more respect for her companion now that she knew the truth.

Maia greeted the younger girls as they entered, unusually chatty considering the early hour, while Suzenne walked around and arranged the chairs into straight rows. Every now and then she dabbed her eyes on her sleeve.

Maeg came in with a gaggle of other girls, all chittering excitedly like little ravenous birds. “You will never guess what I heard!” Maeg said proudly, her eyes bright and gleaming.

“What is that?” Suzenne asked, not facing the other girl as she approached.

“The king and queen are coming for Whitsunday!” Maeg said with obvious delight. “The entire court is descending! Suzenne, is it not wonderful news! This is our last year, our last dance around the maypole. We will not have to suffer smelly blacksmiths or sniveling first-year learners—”

“Or that fat hunter!” chimed in another girl with a wicked chuckle.

“Yes, especially not him,” Maeg said with disdain. “Suzenne, this is perfect! Not only do we have a chance of finding a suitable husband, but likely a position as well! I would love to be in Lady Deorwynn’s household. I hear all of her ladies-in-waiting wear the finest gowns and are given jewels and perfume. That is where Jayn is serving. Oh, I could just laugh. We could end up together, Suzenne! All three of us again! It would be perfect.”

Maia’s cheeks flushed, but she kept her back turned so that they would not see her face. Serving Lady Deorwynn was not as glamorous as Maeg made it out to be. Maia knew firsthand of her caprice; she could not bear it if another girl was prettier than her or her daughters, and any spark of spirit was ruthlessly crushed in those who served her. Perhaps Maeg deserved such a fate, but not Suzenne.

“You are not thrilled?” Maeg said with a tone of surprise. “What is wrong, Suzenne? This is the most wonderful thing that could have . . . oh no, I see.” The tone suddenly changed and shifted, turning darker. “I see why you are not as excited as I am. Yes, how could I forget. Your new companion is the king’s daughter.” She said the words with utter derision.

Maia could hear the girl approaching her and steeled herself to face her petty abuse. She remembered the Aldermaston and how he had faced down the Earl of Forshee with quiet calm and an unflappable manner. And the last words of her mother’s letter to her father resounded with her too—after all his ill treatment of her, she had shown him only love. If they could do that, surely she could face one pompous brat.