The King's Traitor (Kingfountain #3)(79)

He watched as his words wriggled inside Drew’s body. The boy was staring at the floor, but then a look stole over his face—confusion, recognition, realization. He raised his head and looked at Owen with a sort of hesitant hope. Then he turned and looked at Kathryn.

The young boy’s face continued to contort as the knowledge swept through him like a flood. “You? You are my . . . my maman?”

Tears rained down Kathryn’s cheeks as she nodded vigorously and then clutched the boy to her bosom, pressing hot kisses against his hair. His small arms clung to her, and Owen heard the shuddering sobs start in his chest.

Taking a step back, Owen stared at the two, his own eyes stinging with tears, which he roughly brushed away. He had to be strong. He had to do all that he could to bring this boy to the throne.

Owen knelt down by the side of the window seat and put his hand on Drew’s knee. “I had to tell you now, lad. There is more I cannot tell you quite yet.”

Drew wiped his nose and looked at Owen in astonishment. “Are you my father?” he demanded.

Owen chuckled softly. “No, lad. I’m your protector. The Fountain put you in my charge when you were born. All the times I came to Dundrennan? It wasn’t just to consult with the duke. I came to check on you.”

Drew was beaming with newfound joy. “I’m not a foundling,” he whispered to himself.

Owen nodded. “You are not. I will tell you more later, but know this. You cannot tell the king what you know. You must stay away from him, do not let him even touch you. He has power in his words. He can make you want to tell.”

Drew stared a moment and then he pumped his head up and down. “He’s done it to me before,” he said. “In Dundrennan!”

“You’re going to stay at the palace for now. I’ll be leaving for the North soon, if all goes well. When I return, I will tell you more of the secrets surrounding your birth. It has not been easy for your mother to have you raised away from her. She loves you, boy. She loves you deeply. As if I needed to tell you that!” Kathryn’s arms were still wrapped around the boy.

The boy was positively beaming. “I want to take a coin to the fountain,” he said seriously. “I have a crown I’ve been saving. I’d like to put it in the fountain now. I’ve been meaning to use it to ask the Fountain who my parents were.” He smiled. “I feel I should give it the coin now just to show how grateful I am.”

Owen rose and mussed the boy’s hair again. “I’ll take you there myself. Now, I have some business to attend to. I think the two of you should spend some time alone together.”

Drew nodded eagerly and turned to Lady Kathryn. “I always imagined you were beautiful,” he whispered shyly. Kathryn took his hands in hers and then kissed them. “Parting with you was my greatest sorrow.”

Owen left mother and son alone.



Back in the Star Chamber, Owen picked through the heap of missives that were back on his desk after he’d scattered them days ago. After he’d sorted them in the order he wanted, he slumped into the chair and tried to summon the motivation to start reading them. He was hopelessly behind in his duties as master of the Espion, but his attention was more focused on dethroning his king than on preserving him. He tapped one of the scrolls against his lip and then opened it and started reading. The words blurred before him as he thought about young Drew’s reaction to meeting his mother. The memory warmed him and only added to his distraction.

A knock sounded at the door, and Owen gave the order to enter.

Kevan appeared with a small tray of berries. “These just arrived from Brythonica, I was told,” he said. “A gift from your betrothed?” On the tray was a note written in Sinia’s elegant flourishes.

Owen saw the tray and smiled, nodding and gesturing to the desk. Kevan popped one of the berries into his mouth and blinked in surprise. “Quite tasty. I’ve heard good reports about the berries of that land. Perhaps you can arrange a change in my assignment once you become the Duke of Brythonica?”

Owen smiled and scooped up a few berries himself. They were delicious and sweet, so very sweet they made him blink in surprise. “Are you so anxious to leave Kingfountain, Kevan?”

The Espion chuckled, his hands clasped behind his back. “I don’t know how much longer I can endure it, to be honest,” he said. “The king’s temper is getting worse, if that’s possible.”

Owen smiled and picked up another berry. Kevan looked longingly at the tray, and Owen gestured for him to help himself; he did.

“You’re a capable man,” Owen told him. “And I appreciate you. I have been known to assist others to assignments better suited to their interests.” He smiled, thinking of Clark and Justine.

“I’m not asking for an assignment in Atabyrion, if that’s what you mean. I was Clark’s mentor long ago, but I have no desire to follow him there. If I may speak freely, my lord?”

“Of course.”

“I have a feeling that the king will still replace you as head of the Espion when this is over. I’ve enjoyed serving you, Lord Owen, and I would gratefully follow you to Tatton Hall or Ploemeur or wherever else you go. I speak this truthfully.”

Owen felt a flush of pleasure at the man’s words. “I value loyalty,” he said, wondering if he should take the Espion into his confidence. He’d tested Kevan with his magic before and found him to be genuine and forthright. And he was quite capable with his diplomacy skills; he could be an asset.