Shadows Return - Lynn Flewelling [16]
“Use the red one when you arrive at Gedre, to signal that you arrived safely,” the prince explained. “The blue is for Bôkthersa. The last is for Klia. She’s to break it on the morning she sets out to return. The messages will come to me directly.”
“I trust your sister will have no objection to the princess cutting short her visit there?” asked Phoria.
Seregil’s expression betrayed nothing but mild surprise. “I’m certain she won’t, Majesty. She understands the gravity of the situation.”
Phoria rose. “I’m sure I don’t need to stress the importance of your task. Korathan, I’ll leave the rest to you. Farewell, my lords, and may your voyage be a swift one.”
Alec stood at stiff attention as she took her leave, then let out a shaky breath.
Korathan grinned at him. “You look like you’ve just escaped the block, Lord Alec.”
“I think maybe we just did.” Seregil strolled over and hitched himself up on the edge of the dais. “So, how long did it take you to talk her out of having us executed?”
“Oh, not quite so bad as all that. There was talk of exiling you, though.”
This was too much for Alec. “For what? What did we ever do to her?”
“She knows of your role exposing her indiscretion in the Leran affair and the ‘misplaced’ gold shipment she and Vicegerent Barieus were embroiled in.”
“Completely by accident!” Seregil reminded him. “We didn’t know anything about it when we started, and we’ve never said anything about it since.”
“True, but you know how she is. She was embarrassed, politically and personally, and not likely to forgive you for that. But that’s not all. There’s also your close friendship with Klia. And now Klia is fast friends with your sister, the khirnari of a powerful clan.”
“Ah, so that’s why she was even colder to me than usual,” Seregil said with a wry smirk. “Now my whole clan is conspiring against her, too? This little jaunt is really a loyalty test all around.”
“But Klia has served Phoria well in Aurënen,” Alec pointed out. “The agreements she got securing stores and trade, and wizards to fight for her—surely that’s been to Skala’s benefit?”
“Of course it has, but Phoria would bite off her own tongue rather than admit it.”
“Why?”
“Because the plan was our mother’s, not hers, and Klia was the one to support it.”
“So Phoria’s still putting her trust in swords over magic,” added Seregil.
“Always, and Skalan swords in particular.”
“And Phoria can’t see past her own jealousy,” Alec muttered.
Korathan gave him a warning look. “Remember where you are and whom you’re speaking of! She’s the queen, and my sister.”
Alec made him a hasty bow. “I beg your pardon, Highness.”
“So, what’s the plan?” asked Seregil, shooting Alec a warning look of his own.
“Your ship, the Lark, is berthed at the Lantern Street quay. You sail with the tide at first light.”
“The queen seems in a hurry to get us out of town.”
“More anxious to settle the matter, I think.” Korathan took a thick packet sealed with the Royal Signet from his coat and gave it to Seregil. “Here are letters of passage to the khirnaris of Gedre and Bôkthersa, and Phoria’s orders to Klia. Come back swiftly, and you may just buy yourself some favor.”
Seregil hopped down and made Korathan an exaggerated bow. “Your royal errand boys hear and obey, Highness.”
“Seregil—”
“Don’t worry, I understand how important this is. There’s just one thing I’d like to ask you before we go. As a friend?”
Korathan softened noticeably at that. “Go on.”
“Will you give me your word that Phoria means no harm to her sister?”
Korathan thought a moment, then put his hand to his heart. “I give you my word that I believe her when she says so.”
“Hmm. Very well. I’ll bring Klia home safely, and trust you to keep her that way once she’s here.”
“One of these days, that mouth of yours is going to get you into serious trouble.”
“Has before. Will again, I expect. Take care, Highness. I’m glad it’s you standing beside the throne.”
They took their leave,