Chapter 202

Eliason’s new room was by far the most luxurious accommodations he’d ever been provided, although it did occur to him that the queen had arranged for his chambers to be located furthest from the princess, and the empty room that would be granted to Kit’s last selection was between his room and the one Danyen was moving his clothing into. It wasn’t of a concern to Eli as he had a feeling he wouldn’t be spending much time here anyway.

The furniture was a rich mahogany, the cushions and drapery a deep, golden yellow. Every piece of furniture featured plush cushions made of the finest fabric, and the bedspread, mostly silver-gray with notes of the same yellow tone woven through, was illustrious as well. If he were fond of such finery, this room would be ideal. However, he had never been comfortable surrounded by regalia and had already decided he wouldn’t be spending the night here. He hadn’t even bothered to collect the few changes of clothing he’d eventually placed in the armoire in his Representative’s room. Perhaps he’d move them here in a day or two, once Rona settled down, if she settled down. In the meantime, he’d be keeping careful watch over his shoulder.

A knock at the open door had him spinning, thinking perhaps he’d already lost track of those who would hunt him down. He was glad to see it was only Galter, the acting Commander of the Princess’s Guard. He had a bright smile on his face, as if it hadn’t occurred to him that Eli’s current status was enough to have him killed. “Nice,” he said, looking around the room. “Not that you’ll sleep here.”

“I won’t,” Eli agreed. “But... it will make for pleasant slumbers for Gy.”

“Oh, yes. And even further away from the guards’ barracks so that the others might not hear him snoring.”

“He may as well come down tonight if he wishes,” Eli said with a shrug, done with the room already. “I have much to do.”

Galter nodded and stepped inside, closing the door behind him. “You should know the princess has requested that the duke be moved to safety as soon as possible. She seems to think he may also be in danger due to her indiscretion this evening.”

“This evening?” Eli muttered, thinking Kit hadn’t had any discretion for far too long. “I believe that is a good idea, but I doubt we can convince Remont to go.”

“Avinia said she would speak to him. She will wait until the castle has settled down some to make the journey.”

“You will send someone with her?”

“Of course.”

Eli nodded, relieved to hear Avinia wouldn’t be making the perilous trek through the dark castle to the secret tunnel that led to Remont’s room alone.

“There’s more. The princess and her ladies have decided that, once the revolution is upon us, a signal shall be given to the forces outside of the castle. And Seph has volunteered to signal them via a red flag atop the tallest tower.”

“Seph?” Eli was shocked. He’d never known Sephorina to take on such risk.

“Indeed. Again, we can be of assistance, make sure she knows the most direct route and where she can utilize the secret passages, but if she’s seen, they’ll end her on the spot.”

Eli knew he spoke the truth. “We’ll have to make sure she’s able to get away then.” The thought of Seph being cut down in her service to the princess caused a knot to form in his gut. It would be his fault because the only reason Rona had brought the viscountess to Wrenbrook in the first place was to use her against him.

“You approve of the plan then?”

With a shrug, Eli replied, “It is whatever the princess wishes at this point. We must follow her lead.”

“Do you think the duke will have such an opinion?”

Eli laughed. “Not when it comes to his leaving, but I’m sure he will concur regarding the signal. Are they ready?”

Galter’s head rocked back and forth slightly. “Eastbury has given their word they are ready at a moment’s notice. Kit’s suggestion of using resources from other provinces was utilized quickly. There are other provinces at the ready as well, but none as close or angry as those in Eastbury.”

The statement was as true as any he’d ever heard, and Eli couldn’t blame the man who would lead the forces to Wrenbrook for feeling the way he did after what Rona had done to him. “Very well. We shall play this by ear, as we have everything else. Just be ready. If Rona does punish me, or worse, Kit will not be persuaded to back down.”

“Let us pray nothing happens to you then, friend.”

“Indeed.” With another glance around, Eli decided he’d had enough of his new chamber and would begin the rounds he made through the interior and exterior of Wrenbrook almost every night after darkness fell. He headed toward the door.

“Shall I tell Gy to come try out your plush new mattress?” Galter asked, gesturing at the bed with the crown of his head.

Eli turned and took it in. “Certainly. Why not? What harm could it do?” He followed Galter out the door, leaving it slightly ajar so Gy would know he was free to sleep there if he chose. The rest of the Princess’s Guard could thank him later.