Kushiel's Avatar - Jacqueline Carey [319]
"Prince Imriel nó Montrève de la Courcel, the Comtesse Phèdre nó Delaunay de Montrève, Messire Joscelin Verreuil," the majordomo announced.
There was a half-second of silence in the Salon of Eisheth's Harp.
"Elua's Balls, lass, get over here and let me see you!" roared the unmistakable voice of the Royal Admiral Quintilius Rousse as he rose from the couch, opening his arms. "What are you waiting for, an engraved invitation?"
I crossed the distance in a daze to find myself engulfed in a bone-cracking embrace. "My lord Admiral," I stammered when he let me go. "What brings you here?"
Rousse grinned at me. If there was grey in his ruddy hair, he was as hale and hearty as ever, blue eyes bright in his scarred, weathered face. "Oh, I hear we're to fetch that sight-ridden Tsingano lad of yours as soon as Lord Drustan arrives. Sound all right to you?"
I blinked at him, then stared at Ysandre, belatedly curtsying. "Your majesty."
Ysandre raised her fair brows. "Surely you didn't think I'd let you set off unaided on this quest, Phèdre. We have a vested interest in the well-being of Hyacinthe, Anasztaizia's son. It has been arranged over the course of the winter. Lord Rousse has a flagship awaiting at Pointe des Soeurs in Azzalle. Whatsoever you require for this journey, you may arrange with Lord Rousse, who has an open writ with the Secretary of the Privy Purse. I trust you will be ready to depart by the time Drustan arrives?"
"Yes." I swallowed against the tears that threatened to close mythroat. It had meant a good deal more than I reckoned, losing Ysandre's friendship, and I would give a great deal to have it back. "Yes, your majesty. We will be ready."
"Good." Ysandre's gaze rested on Imriel. "I suppose you will insist upon going, young cousin?"
"Your majesty." Imriel bowed, expressionless. "If you forbid it, I will stay."
"And what resentments will that breed?" Ysandre smiled wryly, watching Quintilius Rousse gather Joscelin in a pounding embrace. "No, young cousin, I will not forbid it, much as I would like to do so. I have learned somewhat of when to stand in the way, and when to stand aside. Messire Verreuil," she called to Joscelin, who freed himself to approach her, bowing. "In the future, I would appreciate it if you did not accompany Prince Imriel in public unarmed. I was promised, I believe, a Cassiline Brother to attend him? The Queen's Champion?"
"Your majesty." Joscelin bowed again and straightened, grinning. "I will not appear before you unarmed again."
"Good." Ysandre glanced around at the gape-mouthed courtiers. "Is there anyone here who has somewhat to say? No? Well and good. My lord Rousse, I grant you leave to make your arrangements. I expect a full accounting of your plans."
And with that, we were dismissed.
We spent the better part of the day in discussion with Quintilius Rousse, who returned with us to the house. Eugenie nearly tied herself into a knot attempting to stage a fit reception for the Royal Admiral— her kitchens were in complete disarray from last night's revelry. I daresay Rousse never noticed, quaffing wine and eating the savories set in front of him with a good will.
"So you've got the Name of God locked in your pretty head, eh lass?" he asked shrewdly. "Well, it may be and it may not, but either way, I'll take you wherever you want to go. I promised that a long time ago. The question is, what happens when we get there?"
I shrugged. "We try to summon Rahab."
"And if he comes?"
"I speak the Name of God and banish him." I gripped my hands together; they were cold. "My lord Rousse, in ten years, I've learned no more. I cannot tell you what will happen if he comes, nor if the banishment succeeds. Of a surety, it will be dangerous. How much so, I do not know."
"The Lord of the Deep," Quintilius Rousse mused. "I thought itwas something, to see the Master of the Straits and live. This will be something, Phèdre nó Delaunay, such as no sailor ever dreamed, whether we survive it or no." He reached