Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 95196 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 476(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95196 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 476(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
“Someone is fully recovered and ready to see her mama,” I said from the entryway.
“Skye!” Mirren exploded from her seat and flew over, snatching the toy and hugging it close. “She’s alive?” Features scrunched up in concentration, the little girl studied the doll from every angle.
Tense, I waited for the verdict.
“She is, she is!” Mirren exclaimed, only to deflate. “She’ll probably get sick again and die.”
Yikes. Tough crowd. “She just needs fresh air. After breakfast, we’ll take her to the guard tower. While she strengthens her immune system, we can study—I mean drink in the layout of our land, as any good queen and princess should.”
Mirren thought for a moment, then heaved a sigh. “Verra well. For Skye.”
I smiled at Gavina. “Come with us. I’ll take full blame for the deviation in Mirren’s schedule.” My attention caught on a platter of muffins. Not pancakes, but a fabulous second choice. Don’t mind if I do. I moseyed over and snagged one. My eyes closed as I bit into it. Red berry and honey. My new favorite.
“But. The guard tower?” the other woman said, scandalized. She popped to her feet. “Why would you go there? Guards are on duty. You can drink in the land’s layout from a map.”
“It won’t hurt to see what’s being done about our safety while Callen’s away.” Not a lie.
Gavina’s jaw dropped. “She’s teasing, obviously,” the other woman informed everyone and no one. Scrambling my way, she whispered fiercely, “If you do this, you’ll be questioning your husband’s care of you. A great insult. He’ll be forced to punish you.”
Um, if his punishment was anything like the last one, bring it on. If not, well, let him try. I would finally stop indulging in those foolish moments of attraction and admiration.
On the other hand, I had no desire to embarrass Callen. “As queen, I take my duty to help my husband protect the people seriously. I’ll be showing him great honor by admiring what he’s done with the tower guard.”
The other woman chewed on her bottom lip and nodded, as if she wanted to believe me. “Since I’m not his cherished mate or beloved child, I willna risk his wrath. Better I rest in my room until your return. If you’ll excuse me.” She hurried off before I could protest, vanishing beyond the door.
I sighed. I hadn’t meant to frighten or stress her. She was the first person to show the hated Isobel any kindness, and I would like her forever for it. Now, though, I wondered what kinds of punishments Gavina had endured over the years to instill this fear.
No. Focus! After I visited the wall and checked out the path I’d use to escape the castle grounds, I would complete the rest of my To-Do list. No more distractions. I’d have my chat with Mackenzie, try to interrogate Buzz and Ponytail again, and search for the credit card Callen promised to leave for me. Unless Malachi sent items I could easily sell.
That’s right. The gifts. I’d take a gander at them before hunting a traceable card.
“What’s taking so long?” Mirren asked behind me. “I’m pretty sure I heard the death rattle when Skye breathed. She needs fresh air now.”
The death rattle? Where had the child even heard that phrase? Maybe I could nip this particular brush with death in the bud. “Are you her doctor, young lady? I don’t think so. I am and I say her breathing is fine.” Determined, I offered Mirren my hand. “But by all means, let’s go.”
Chapter
Eighteen
Staying Within Parameters: When Love Is a Literal Battlefield
From A Beginner’s Guide to Berserker Bliss
Author Unknown
Iallowed Mirren to lead me out of the dining room. Purpose gave my steps some pep. Hardly bothered me at all when Buzz and Ponytail showed up to trail us. If they protested our destination, so what?
We made it to a ballroom on the bottom floor when I spotted several maids gathered near Mackenzie, who held a smart device and read aloud a story revolving around the collapse of a mountain. Like, the whole thing had come down? Normally I would’ve marched over there to learn what happened. Must be big, for all of them to crowd together, duties forgotten.
We continued past the back door and through a well-kept garden outside the maze. A soft, warm breeze scented with heather swirled leaves as we maneuvered around bushes. Black birds took flight, and sheep baaed in the distance.
We approached the thirty-foot stone wall. Two burly men with swords waited in front of a wooden door.
“We’re goin’ up,” Mirren announced without preamble. “You gotta move, ’cause I said so.”
I don’t know what I expected to happen. Unquestioned acceptance wasn’t it, yet that’s what we got. The pair stepped aside, and the door automatically parted. Well, well. I might be the teacher, but I’d just gotten schooled. In the world of berserkers, be confident of your place and exert your authority without wavering.