Closer to the Heart by Mercedes Lackey Page A

definitely. And with Dia in charge of your alleged wedding, you’ll have all the excuses you need to do so.” Nikolas patted Evory’s neck, as they rode alongside the wall around the Palace complex, heading for a side entrance. “Plus, some evening when you’re free, I’ll show you the
special
way to get into his place. It’s one method you are very familiar with, and much better at than I am.”
    â€œAh. Roof-runnin’. Thet makes sense.” Mags nodded.
    â€œThere’s a tree that grows very near the walls, an entire grove of truly ancient goldenoaks at the rear of the house that come right up to the back and provide shade for the east-facing bedrooms, and an access to Jorthun’s private study attached to his bedroom,” Nikolas told him. “I’ll give you the key.”
    :How long have you known about this?:
Mags asked Dallen.
    :Always. It was not my secret to share,:
Dallen replied. And then, the Companion relented a little.
:If there had ever come a time when you desperately needed help and could not get it from the Heralds, I would have told you.:
    Well . . . Mags couldn’t fault his Companion for that. What was the old saying?
Two can keep a secret if one of them is dead.
He wondered how Jorthun had managed to be the Royal spymaster for what must have been
decades
without anyone catching on to his dual identity.
    Money and rank had certainly made it possible.
    â€œJorthun was very much a rakehell in his youth,” Nikolas said, in a lazy tone that told Mags that he was speaking not only to satisfy Mags’ curiosity, but in case there was anyone within listening distance. “The only thing he was not reckless with was his father’s money. That, he had a magic touch with. Anything he invested in prospered. Which, of course, caused his father to overlook his other failings.”
    â€œWasn’t there a wife before Dia?” Amily asked. “And children?”
    â€œYes, and they were none too happy about Jorthun marrying her, even though she came with a substantial dower of her own,” Nikolas told them. “They still aren’t happy, but there is nothing they can do about it. From time to time one of them will make a complaint to the Crown that Dia is spending his money recklessly, and Jorthun’s steward will show up with the documentation that proves that the money she is spending is her own, and that is that. Jorthun has guided her to some excellent investments. By the time she is a widow, she’ll be ridiculously wealthy.” He snorted a little. “And if his ownchildren would stop throwing temper tantrums and come to their father for advice, they will be more than ridiculously wealthy.”
    â€œSense flies out th’ winder when greed flies in,” Mags said, philosophically.
    :I must admit I am glad Jorthun chose to reveal himself before I have to hare off on the King’s business again.:
Nikolas told him, as they all entered one of the side gates to the Palace complex. The Guardsman at the gate just nodded and let them through without comment; their Companions were identification enough—and no Guardsman here at the Palace was ever likely to mistake an ordinary white horse for a Companion.
    :Me too,:
Mags replied.

“I deally,” Amily said, her brown head close to Dia’s raven tresses as the two of them bent over a list of names and attributes, “we want orphans.” It was too bad that she, Dia, and Miana had to work today. Dia’s study was perhaps one of the most comfortable rooms Amily had ever been in. It was so tightly built that not even a hint of draft from the bitter, damp wind outside got in to make the candle flames waver, and the fire in the fireplace not only kept the room wonderfully warm, but also scented it.
    Dia nodded. “The fewer ties, the better.” She made a little tick against another name on their list.
    This morning, Dia had made her