The Servant's Heart (5 page)

"You never paid any attention to the girls who bat their eyes at you."

"What girls?"

"Precisely." He smiled. "I found myself wondering if perhaps we did not share the same inclination. I found myself wanting you."

"And I was terrified of you. I was certain if anyone would figure out my secret it would someone who was as devoted to weapons as you. I avoided you." And then he loomed in my doorway and gave me a beating. I hadn't really minded; it healed. "I don't know what I feel now."

"You've been through much in your life; I don't expect you to know exactly what you feel. I'm willing to take things slowly. Just tell me. Do I have a chance?"

I considered that. I knew there was something about this man that was drawing me in. He understood me in a way no one else could. He knew what I'd been through, knew what the scars were from, knew how I had been trained. Jon, for all his words, could not understand all that I was. Iolyn -- he made me feel like I wasn't alone.

I leaned up and kissed him. "Yes."

He put his hand on my face and ran his thumb over my cheek. "Good. I've always wanted to see a Veneseran bladesmith in action up close."

"You didn't get enough of them in the war?"

Iolyn's smile turned mischievous. "Not that sort of action."

I blushed. "You're an evil man."

"I know. Remind me to get you drunk again soon, will you? You say the most interesting things when you let your guard down."

I shook my head. "You are terrible."

"I know." He kissed me again. "I'll fetch you some clothes, you stay here."

"All right." I watched him leave, a strange feeling settling under my skin. I was.. hopeful. Things were going to change for me. No more lurking in the shadows.

***

Clean, dry and in a fresh change of clothes that weren't mine, in a bed in a room that was much nicer than the one I had in the servants quarters, I stared at the ceiling over my head. The hawk perched in a tree outside the window, watching. What did I want to do? Serve Jorian? In what capacity? Would Iolyn and I become more? Would I?

"You look deep in thought," Iolyn said from the door.

"I am." I sighed, and sat up, propped by my elbow.

He crossed the room and set my book down next to me, "The prince forgot to return this."

"Thank you."

"So -- your sister?"

"Analise d' Ilore, Anna."

"You said she was murdered. Who killed her?"

"The king. He defiled my sister and slit her throat."

"You said justice was done?" He sat down next to me.

"My king and his guard were killed in battle by the Wolf of Rothwell. I plan to shake his hand if I ever get the chance."

"Morraine of Devonshire. I've met him, he's.. insane."

"Am I?"

"No." He put a hand on my arm, stroking the bare skin of my forearm. "A little cracked, but not broken. Do you plan to claim your title, Duke of Ilore?"

"If I do, I'll paint a target on my back."

"You think there is anyone of the old guard left in Veneser that could do you in?"

"I doubt it."

"Then stop worrying, because if anyone tries to kill you, they'll have to go through me." He kissed me. "I'll leave you to your thoughts."

I watched him leave.

Serving Jorian, taking back my family honor -- being with Iolyn. There was a lot to be gained by staying.

The hawk outside the window cried, drawing my attention. There was something very strange about that bird. It reminded me of the prince's pet. Something more than a bird looked at me through the raptor's eyes. A mystery I would not solve by running away.

So it's settled then.

***

The prince and milady were in her chambers; he held her hand possessively and appeared to be forcing some foul smelling tea upon her. She was grimacing.

"Milady? Your highness?"

They looked up at me in the same moment, and both smiled. "Terence," the prince said. "I suppose you have an answer for me?"

"I do. I wish to stay in Jorian -- to protect Jorian."

He nodded, standing up and striding over to me. "Kneel."

I knelt down, eyes locked on his face. He slid down next to me, a smile on his lips.

The prince put his hands on my shoulders. "Do you swear loyalty to the people and crown of Jorian?"

"I swear to protect the people, and the crown, of Jorian."

"Then rise as my brother and comrade." The prince helped me to my feet. "You are a lord of this court now, Terence d' Ilore, Duke of Ilore." He lifted my blades from the table and returned them to me. I tucked them into my waistband -- I really ought to get a belt for them.

"Thank you."

Milady smiled, and while her husband was distracted, dumped her tea into a nearby vase. The flowers seemed to wilt slightly, and I chose not to mention it.

"You are most welcome, Terence." He put an arm around my shoulder and moved in for a conspiratorial whisper. "And try not to break Iolyn's heart, would you?"

"I'll do my best." So long as he didn't break mine.

***

I ducked out of my welcoming party as quickly as possible. I did not like being the center of attention. I skulked down to my old room. My few personal possessions had been moved up to my new rooms. The prince was talking about hunting down the signet ring of Ilore and having Veneser give it's blessing on my title.

It was a lot to take in.

Iolyn found me lounging on my bed. "I thought I might find you here."

"I don't like crowds all that much."

He nodded, sitting down next to me. The bed creaked and dipped. "Me neither. Battles are one thing, but parties... You're expected to be social. I am not social."

"You? I never would have guessed."

"Sharp tongued boys get beatings." Iolyn pulled me close for a kiss.

"Try it, this time I won't play along." I raised my eyebrows and smiled.

"I look forward to trying your paces."

I grabbed his shoulder and swung around to straddle his lap. "I'm a challenge. I can assure you." I ran my hands through his hair and kissed him properly. The sort of kiss that made a heart beat faster. I broke away and Iolyn gasped.

"I thought you were inexperienced."

I smiled. "You should never make presumptions."

"Full of surprises, aren't you?"

I kissed him again.

Iolyn growled and kissed me back, gripping the back of my head. He was aggressive, strong. I could be aggressive. I dug myself in, pressed myself against him as tight as I could. I hadn't been touched like this in a long time. Iolyn was warm. It felt safe being in his space.

"If you intend to take this further, Terence," Iolyn breathed. "We're going to need a larger bed."

The narrow bed beneath us creaked with menace. I grinned. "I suppose I could get us upstairs to my new room without being seen..."

"Oh? Even a behemoth like me?"

"Trust me." I kissed him again. "I'm an expert."

His eyes narrowed. "You're going to get me into trouble aren't you?"

"Oh yes."

He laughed. "We're going to give his royal highness a run for his money, then?"

"I do owe him for all of his prodding."

Iolyn thought for a moment. "You know, he's very much afraid of spiders."

I grinned. "I know where we can get a few of those."

He kissed me. "I'll get a jar." This was the start of something wonderful. I knew it.

End.

If you liked this book you might like: The King’s Dog, The Eagle’s Scheme, Faithless