The King's Traitor (Kingfountain #3)(14)

“Diplomacy,” she supplied with a smirk.

“That’s as good a word as any other. I’m going to threaten the Duchess of Brythonica. Etayne was ordered to go with me.”

Kathryn’s face blanched and then she started to tremble. “You’re leaving me alone with him,” she said in a subdued, terrified voice.

The look on her face made his stomach twist into knots. “Yes, I’m afraid that’s true,” he said softly.

Kathryn walked a few steps to a table and planted her palms on the flat surface, her shoulders quivering. “Both of you must go?” she asked pleadingly.

“The king orders it,” Owen said helplessly. “I do not think we will be gone for long. You must be strong, Kathryn. You know the king has power in his voice. You must not let him touch you, even for a moment.”

Her eyes were squeezed shut. “You don’t know what it’s like,” she whispered thickly. “It’s all I can do to keep my wits about me when he’s near. Etayne is so much better at deception.” She opened her eyes and turned, looking pleadingly at the poisoner. “I’m not as strong as you are.”

Etayne looked at her sadly. “You must be, Kathryn. You must stand up to him on your own.”

Kathryn looked as if she would collapse on the floor. “The only thing that keeps me from succumbing,” she whispered, “is imagining my son with the crown on his head.” Her breath started to quicken. “I can’t do this. I can’t endure it!”

Etayne shot Owen a worried look as he stood there helplessly and then she gave him a look that said he was being about as helpful as a brick. Etayne walked up to Kathryn and held her, gently stroking her back, the black silk fabric rustling softly.

“You can deceive him,” Etayne said soothingly. “I know it’s against your nature. But you must do it. You must practice. When he comes to visit you, you always stiffen up and become so distant. Be courteous. I’m not asking you to flirt with him. But smile. Stop looking at him as if he’s a beast.”

“He is a beast,” Kathryn whispered desperately. “Even though the deconeus pronounced the marriage invalid, I told the king it was valid to me. Yet he persists in lavishing gifts. He’s determined to conquer me. I can’t . . . I can’t endure much more of this.” She gave Owen a pleading look, her cheeks wet with tears. “I’m breaking apart inside. I don’t need wealth. I don’t desire to be queen anymore. I miss Atabyrion with all my heart. Can you not just find a little cottage somewhere? A place where Eyric and Andrew and I can be a family together?” She broke away from Etayne’s embrace and gestured to the opulent chamber. “I do not need any of this! I’d be happier as a fisherman’s wife in Brugia than here. Please, Owen! Can you not make us disappear?”

Every time he met with Kathryn, it pained him more and more. “Do you think there is anywhere I could hide you that Severn wouldn’t discover?” he asked her coldly. “There is always someone willing to wag their tongue when there is sufficient coin. Don’t you think your father wishes to ransom you? He’s tried four times! But the king doesn’t want money. He wants you. Your unwillingness to yield only inflames him more.” Owen rubbed his eyes. “I’m doing the best I can, Kathryn. But I understand a little about your suffering. Don’t imagine I’m enjoying this.”

She gave him a wary look, drying her eyes on her sleeve. She patted Etayne’s shoulder and then shook her head. “Thank you for telling me. For . . . for warning me you were leaving. I’m frightened of how Severn makes me feel. He’s twisted me with his power so that I feel compassion for him. That I even believe I love him at times. But I belong to another man. And it’s not right for him to hunt me this way. It’s not right.”

Owen eyed her with pity. “No, it isn’t. Seven years ago, he could have been toppled with a breeze. Now he’s like flint.” He sighed, disgusted with himself. “If he knew we were talking like this, he’d kill me. If he knew only a part of what I do behind his back.” Owen shook his head, not daring to say more. “I must leave for Brythonica. I have a duty to perform, even though I find that duty distasteful. Bear yours the best you can. Hopefully when I come again, there will be more cheerful tidings. Farewell.” He gave her a small bow.

Lady Kathryn smoothed the black fabric over her lap. She was twenty-five years old. A beauty, even in black, but much of her bloom had faded with her imprisonment. The king showed her constantly that he, not her husband, controlled her destiny. He controlled her sleeping arrangements. He controlled her wardrobe. He controlled who visited her. But he could not control her will. Owen saw the strength in her eyes, in the determined look forming on her pouting lips. She stood regally, and gave him a formal curtsy. “Thank you for all you’ve done, Lord Owen,” she said in a firm, clear voice. “I will bear this patiently.”

Owen admired her for it. He turned and went to the door, Etayne following silently save for the swish of her gown. As they exited into the hall, Owen’s heart burned with unspent emotion.

“You look like you want to hit someone,” Etayne said.

He glanced around before answering. There were no servants in the hall, no one nearby to hear them. “I don’t know how much longer I can endure this either,” he muttered under his breath.