The Ciphers of Muirwood (Covenant of Muirwood #2)(97)
The night seemed to pass as a dream. Maia’s legs were weary from the constant motion, but although she was tired, she did not want to miss a single moment.
After resting for a spell after a dance, Collier touched her shoulder. “Watch for the opening and be ready,” he said, his mouth pressing against the hair by her ear. He tousled some strands, smiling at her, and promptly left her side and walked up to her father, who was reveling nearby. She heard Collier speak to him, asking for an opportunity to address a particular matter with him in private. Her father looked annoyed, but he broke away from his escort and allowed Collier to lead him toward the musicians. That left Jayn Sexton alone, and Maia seized the opportunity to approach the girl. As soon as she saw Maia, Jayn flushed and did a deep curtsy.
“You are Jayn Sexton,” Maia said, motioning a hand for the girl to abandon the formality.
“And you are Lady Maia,” the girl replied in a meek voice.
“There is someone here who wishes to see you,” Maia said. “Will you walk with me?”
Jayn glanced back at the king, her face pinching with worry, but then nodded vigorously. Maia linked arms with her and led her away. She was as quiet as ashes as they walked and kept glancing back at the king, who was engrossed in conversation with Collier.
“I hope you are not afraid of me,” Maia said softly. “I bear you no ill will, Jayn.”
The girl looked at her in stunned silence. She was a pretty girl, for certain, and the quality of her gown showed her fine youthful figure. She had dark hair, though lighter than Maia’s own, paired with dark eyes. “I did not know how you might feel about me,” she confessed in a trembling way. “I imagined you might be resentful.”
“I am not,” Maia said, shaking her head. “There are Suzenne and Dodd. She wanted to see you, but did not think she would get a chance.”
Jayn’s face brightened visibly when she saw her friend. When Suzenne saw her, she smiled with delight and rushed forward to pull her into a feverish embrace. It made Maia smile to see them so affectionate with each other. The girls started to speak to each other in hushed tones. Maia was about to slip away to give them some privacy, but Suzenne reached out and caught her wrist.
“Jayn, you do not know Maia very well. But let me say that she reminds me so much of you. Your temperaments are very similar. You care for every forgotten creature and are kind to anyone, regardless of their station. Maia, as you know, Jayn was my companion for many years while we were learners.” Her expression turned serious. “She is still one of us, a Cipher,” she added.
Jayn smiled demurely. “I have sent the Aldermaston’s wife messages as I could,” she explained. “I brought her news today of your father’s reaction to the events thus far. He is furious with Lady Deorwynn. I have never seen him so wroth, and I have often seen him angry.” Jayn looked at Maia in desperation. “She is still my lady whom I serve, and I fear for her.” She swallowed. “I fear the king may do more than banish her. He sent Crabwell hastily back to Comoros.”
“I observed that as well,” Maia said, intrigued. “What does he intend?”
Jayn glanced back at Collier and the king, biting her lip. “Crabwell interrogated me about my mistress before we left Comoros. There have been rumors of her infidelity for many weeks now. Lady Deorwynn made sure to keep such activities from my awareness, of course, but her daughters knew of it. I am not often . . . in her company anymore.” She looked both guilty and miserable. “But the accusation Lia made against her is true. I have heard both of those men mentioned by Murer and Jolecia, and they would always give each other a knowing look. Only through the Gift of Seering could she have known something like that. The evidence she mentioned must be kept very secret. I am sure Crabwell rides to intercept that evidence before Lady Deorwynn can destroy it. When the king sees proof, he plans to execute her.”
Maia stared at her in shock. “Truly? No one has ever executed a woman for adultery.”
Jayn shook her head. “Not for adultery. For treason. I have heard him whisper of this to his advisors. He will make a public example of her.” Maia felt sick inside at the thought of her father executing his own wife. And of course, the hypocrisy of it galled her.
“He is looking for me,” Jayn said, her eyes feverish. “I must go. Be careful, Lady Maia. He is not pleased with you, either. You shamed him this morning. He never forgets a slight. I must go.” She reached out and squeezed Suzenne’s hand fiercely. Her eyes were smoldering. “I am still a maston,” she breathed, clutching her friend’s hand.
Maia and Suzenne watched her hasten to the king’s side. Her expression changed as she approached him, like she was putting on a mask, and she bowed before Maia’s father and said something they could not hear. Maia was saddened by what they had learned from Jayn Sexton, but she was so proud of her for holding firm to her maston oaths. The king looked a little peevish, but he took the girl’s hand in his, kissed it, and stepped in front of the maypole as the next round of dancers assembled. He raised his hand, and all fell silent.
“We are pleased,” he said in a rich, ebullient voice, “that you have enjoyed this Whitsunday festival. It is our solemn honor to preside over this festivity. The tradition of the maypole dance is quite familiar to you all. With us, this evening, we enjoy the companionship of the King of Dahomey. In his honor, I would like to introduce a dance known as the Volta, which is a favorite of his court at Rexenne. It is similar to the galliard, but with a twist. My son, if you would demonstrate the first set, we shall all accompany you in the second.”