Page 73 of Veil of Winter

“Father,” she said.

“Daughter.” He stepped toward her and said, “I hope you are sorry now for your sins and are ready to do your duty to your kingdom and your people.”

She stood stiffly, staring back at him and letting her voice sound emotionless, which would have greatly pleased Aunt Winifred. “I will not pretend that my marrying Rodrigo and going along with King Claude’s schemes has anything to do with duty to my people or their best interests.” She could say what shewished, since Claude was busy conferring with the captain of the guard not too far away.

“Rebellious daughter, willful and disobedient,” he said quietly. “Where did you get such a—”

“King Leandre!” King Claude started toward them, his arms outstretched. “I did not see you come in.”

“Thank you, King Claude, for bringing back my wayward daughter. She has caused much grief and trouble, but she is home now and, I pray, is ready to do her duty.” He glared at her.

“I believe you will find her amenable to our terms and our agreement. She knows that there are consequences to meddling in important affairs that have already been settled by men in authority.” He wore an arch smile that, along with his words, made Elyce’s skin crawl.

The servants were lined up behind her father at a good distance in the enormous Great Hall. She searched for Jacob but did not see him. Would Ysa be able to find him? Or had her father discovered that Jacob had helped her acquire the sleeping potion and escape from Montciel Castle?

“Time for you to rest, my dear,” her father said with a flat smile and clenched teeth. He took her by her arm and led her to her room. “In three days, you will be wed.”

“Is Rodrigo here?”

“Not yet. But he will be.”

“Will you allow me to speak with him when he comes?”

“What do you wish to speak to Count Rodrigo about?”

“Is it wrong to want to see my future husband?”

Her father eyed her with half-closed eyes. “Very well. If he wishes to see you . . .”

“Thank you, Father. And I am sorry I caused you grief and worry.” If indeed he had been grieved or worried.

Her father left, and as he drew the door closed, she saw the key in his hand. A moment later, she heard it scraping in the lock.

Her room looked very much as it had always looked, very tidy and clean. But where was Ysa?

She went to the small door that led to Ysa’s alcove sleeping room and knocked. They had separated her from Ysa when they arrived at the castle, which was to be expected. But would they send Ysa away from here, back to her parents’ little cottage in the mountains?

Why hadn’t she thought of that? Of course they would send her away, after she had been the one to help Elyce in her “rebellious” plan.

The room began to spin, and she lay across her bed. She forced herself to breathe more slowly until her vision cleared. She had to think wisely and calmly.

If Ysa did not return, and if she could not find Jacob, she would simply have to find another servant who would help her.

A noise made Elyce sit up in bed. She must have fallen asleep thinking about what she would do next, imagining every possible scenario. Her door opened and Ysa came in carrying a tray.

“Ysa! I’m so glad they didn’t send you away. Are you well?” Elyce studied Ysa’s face. She looked paler than usual as she set down the tray of food.

“I am.”

“I was afraid they would not let you attend me anymore. What happened?”

“Nothing happened. All is well.” Ysa attempted a smile, but it died quickly.

“But someone spoke to you, did they not?”

“Hilda, the head house servant.” Ysa sat on the edge of Elyce’s bed and took a bread roll and shoved it in her mouth.

“Ysa? Something is wrong. I can tell.” Elyce slid across the bed to sit beside her. But Elyce was hungry, too, and she also took a bite of a roll, all the while staring into Ysa’s downturned face.