From Darkness Won - Jill Williamson [182]
I’ve noticed that as well. Have you thought any more about my offer?
Which offer do you mean, Your Highness? Your offer of a secret meeting no longer applies. And the offer of a dance was actually my offer to you. You could not mean that scandalous offer of kisses? Surely you were only teasing.
I was not teasing. He dug his half of their coin from his pocket and tapped it against his chin. But I meant the offer that accompanied the coin I gave you.
Oh, that. Well, I must confess it—
Children, do not forget that I am here, Sir Gavin said in a singsong tone. And I hear your every word.
34
Averella’s face flamed. She could not look at Achan. Thankfully, Shung and Peripaso entered the solar, and the distraction spared her further embarrassment.
By the time she looked back to Achan, he bore no signs of Sir Gavin’s rebuke on his face. He looked so different with short hair and a beard, and had grown much in confidence since she last saw him. How she had missed his company. But now that she had returned, being Lady Averella had only erected a different kind of wall between them. Protocol.
Sir Caleb would never permit them a moment alone now, especially if Sir Gavin told him what he’d overheard. It had never occurred to Averella how little time most couples spent together alone. Mother had trusted Averella with Bran more than she probably should have. And Sir Caleb would never give that freedom to Achan.
Shung set up a chair for Peripaso at the end of the table.
“You are Peripaso, I presume?” Achan said.
Mercy. Achan behaved so formally now, so educated and commanding. Sir Caleb had taught him well.
“I am, Your Majesty,” Peripaso said. “It’s an honor to make your ’quaintance.”
“Likewise. I understand you have performed admirably, and I wish to knight you for your service to my men.”
Peripaso ducked his head. “Many thanks, Your Highness, but I’m not a fighting man.”
“Anything you desire, then. You only need ask.”
Another bow. “You are most gracious, Your Highness.”
“Can you tell us if there are tunnels that go underground from here to Armonguard? That exit inside the stronghold?”
“’Course there is, Your Majesty, sir. There’s a river that’ll get you there. One leads straight to the dungeon. You’d only need to break out of the cell, if it was locked. Other than that…”
“You have taken these tunnels recently?” Achan asked.
“Naw. Been ten years since I gone down that way.”
“So the tunnels may have caved in?” Sir Caleb asked.
“Suppose they could’ve, though it ain’t likely. I’ve been livin’ thirteen years in the Nahar Caves. Only tunnels caved in was the ones I caved myself.”
“Why would you cave in tunnels?” Achan asked.
“Keep the Ebens away from me.”
Achan raised his hand to signal that Sir Gavin was speaking to him. “Sir Gavin wishes that Captain Demry explore the tunnel’s entrance with Peripaso and submit a plan of attack.” He dropped his hand. “Inform me when your plan is ready. Meeting adjourned.”
Averella stayed in her seat as the men filed out of the chamber. She caught Achan’s eye and sensed he was lingering as well. Perhaps he would get his chance to show her the balcony. She blushed at the thought, until she glanced up and met Sir Caleb’s narrowed gaze.
“And now we have time to work through your wardrobe, Your Highness,” Sir Caleb said.
Achan rolled his eyes at Averella. “Splendid. I was just thinking how I needed a dozen new pairs of trousers.”
Captain Demry came to Achan’s chambers to report that the tunnels were there, along with a dozen boats that could sit twenty each. Achan bloodvoiced Sir Gavin with Captain Demry’s plan to enter Armonguard. The Great Whitewolf liked it enough to ask Achan to call yet another meeting where a final battle plan was hashed out.
Sir Gavin would lead their army and the Mârad out of Edom Gate and down the Gate Road. According to Duchess Amal, Veil Scout that she was, Esek’s southern army had backtracked to the fields north of Armonguard. Whether they remained at that location or headed north up the Gate Road, Sir Gavin