Page 8 of Tanglewood Magic (The Three Sisters 2)
“There’s no reason for us to go,” Tavyss said to Circe over his wine. “We don’t owe Paragon anything.”
Zelaria waved a finger in his direction. “How can you suggest such a thing? A queen must have a relationship with neighboring territories. We have trade routes to consider. Access to the Sanguine River. Paragonian imports. If you refuse Eleanor’s royal invitation again, it will strain diplomatic relations to the breaking point. The damage might already be done, frankly. Paragon will assume you are planning war.”
Medea frowned. “I’ll send an envoy. We’ll simply explain that domestic concerns in Darnuith are my top priority at the moment. Tavyss’s identity will remain confidential. I will stay here.”
“If you cared at all about Paragon, you would find a way to go,” Zelaria said.
Rhys cleared his throat. “I have to agree with Zelaria on this one,” he said softly. “Several plants and herbs we use for healing only grow in the volcanic soil of Paragon. Many lives are saved every year through their application. Our access to them has always depended on a civil relationship at the border.”
The enormity of what he’d learned tonight about Tavyss continued to fester at the back of Rhys’s mind. Did Circe even understand the tightrope her sister was walking? As the eldest brother to Eleanor and Brynhoff, Tavyss’s role as Medea’s consort would be considered suspicious. All the rumors about the invalidity of the Sacred Lots, that the three sisters had somehow used magic to change the outcome, would explode once Tavyss’s identity was widely known. His presence would definitely cause friction with the other kingdoms, especially if there was any fear that he’d exercise his right to the Paragonian throne.
No amount of avoidance would keep this secret forever. How many others in Darnuith already knew the truth? If Zelaria knew, likely a few. The woman had never been skilled at keeping a secret. Surely any fears could be assuaged with diplomacy. Couldn’t Medea see that avoidance and secrecy were making things worse?
Circe glanced between her sisters and then focused on Tavyss. “What if Tavyss stayed here? Medea, you and Zelaria could go, or take one of us.”
Medea didn’t meet her sister’s eyes but instead stared down at her hands.
“It’s more complicated than you’re making it out to be,” Tavyss said. “There are things you don’t know, reasons why it might not be safe for Medea to travel now. Things only the Fates can control.”
“What sorts of things?” Isis asked, her dark eyes narrowing on her sister. Rhys got the distinct impression that the witch had made a deal with the darkness at some point in her life. Night seemed to leach from her skin.
Rhys glanced back at Medea and Tavyss, who were staring at each other as if they didn’t quite know if they should answer. Medea’s mouth twitched into a smile, but Tavyss gave a sharp shake of his head. What secrets were they keeping?
Finally, they seemed to come to some agreement. Medea gestured to a servant, and the man poured a bubbly drink into each of their glasses. Rhys sniffed it. Thornberry wine. Very rare. What was this all about?
Medea stood and raised her glass. “What I’m about to tell you now is strictly confidential,” she said. “It’s very early, and we had not intended to share the news so soon.”
Everyone silenced. The entire room seemed to be holding its collective breath.
“Tavyss and I are going to have a baby.”
Beside him, Zelaria gasped.
“Congratulations!” Circe stood to reach across the table and tap her glass to Medea’s and then Tavyss’s. Her action led everyone else to do the same, including Rhys, although inside, his shoulders tensed and he ground his teeth. Not everyone would be happy about this revelation. Things would undoubtedly get more difficult for Circe and her sisters once news of the pregnancy got out.
Zelaria raised her glass. “To Medea and Tavyss and the future of the kingdom of Darnuith.”
Everyone drank.
Rhys lowered his glass, distracted by the queen. She was trembling, one hand rising to her throat.
“What’s happening?” Tavyss reached for her.
Medea collapsed into his arms, twitching violently.
ChapterFive
“Medea!” Circe knocked over her chair getting around the table to her sister. “I need to examine her.”
Tavyss lowered her to the floor. Circe drew her wand but didn’t need to use it. An acrid scent met her nose when she leaned over Medea. She brought her face close to Medea’s mouth, then straightened and sniffed her glass. She knew that scent. Fates’ fury! “Anise and something bitter… Rhys, it’s gila vine! She’s been poisoned!”
Zelaria’s eyes widened. “Impossible!”
“We have to get her to my apothecary,” Rhys yelled. “Bring the carriage!”
“What can you do? There’s no antidote,” Zelaria said, sounding distraught.
Circe cursed. How could the damned witch be so heartless? That wasn’t what Tavyss needed to hear right now.
