The Bloodsworn by Erin Lindsey Page B

delicate furrow appeared between Sirin Grey’s eyebrows. “I should think it unlikely that His Majesty would still be contagious after all this time. I must say, my lords, this seems like an overabundance of caution.”
    â€œWhen it comes to the health and well-being of His Majesty’s closest advisors,” Highmount said, “there is no such thing.”
    â€œI quite agree, Chancellor,” Rona said. “If Lady Sirin or anyone else were to succumb after being permitted to break the quarantine, you would never hear the end of it.”
    â€œWell,” Liam said, beaming until his face hurt, “that settles it. I’m sorry, my lady, but I’m sure Erik will be touched that you stopped by to wish him well.”
    â€œAnd who will inform him? One of the servants, presumably, since I’m sure you would not dare take the risk of exposing yourself to illness.” Pale blue eyes met Liam’s, locking him in an icy embrace. “Oh, but wait—the servants don’t see His Majesty either, do they? Meals, laundry, everything passes through the royal guardsmen. Why, the servants’ quarters must be positively abuzz!”
    A month ago, Liam might not have recognised the threat. But he’d survived the crucible of Onnani politics, learned the rituals of courtly duels. He knew a challenge when he heard one, and Sirin Grey had just called them out. Not a gauntlet thrown, but a silk glove gliding silently to the floor.
    I’ve got eyes and ears among the servants.
The message was clear: She knew the prince and the chancellor were up tosomething, and she was making it her business to find out what.
    â€œI’ll take my leave, my lords,” Sirin said, rising. “Please be sure to keep my family apprised of His Majesty’s condition. We do worry for him so.” She was halfway out the door when she paused and turned back. “Oh, and do give my regards to Lady Alix, Your Highness.” She smiled. “When next you see her.” The door clicked shut.
    Liam said something decidedly unrefined.
    â€œ
Really
, Your Highness,” Highmount spluttered.
    â€œI wouldn’t have chosen quite the same language,” Rona said, “but I certainly share the sentiment. We have a serious problem.”
    â€œNot an unexpected one,” Highmount said, “nor am I surprised that it should be Lady Sirin who positions herself as our adversary. She obviously feels compelled to prove her loyalty to the king in the wake of her brother’s treachery. On top of which, she has no love for me, given my role in Prince Tomald’s execution. I feared she might be tempted to scrutinise our situation, though I had hoped we would not begin trading blows
quite
so soon.”
    Liam swallowed a sudden dryness in his throat. “What do we do now?”
    â€œNothing at all.”
    â€œAre you sure that’s wise?” Rona asked. “She’s made it clear she’s getting information from the servants.”
    â€œThe servants know very little that could worry us, at least for now. In fact”—Highmount made a steeple of his fingers—“I rather think this could be turned to our advantage. Servants delight in nothing so much as rumour and scandal. No doubt they have already devised a number of wild theories. We can encourage that by planting a few seeds of our own.”
    Liam had a feeling he was about to ask a stupid question, but . . . “Why would we do that?”
    â€œHave you ever seen a garden overgrown with weeds, Your Highness? It is terribly difficult to spot the flowers.”
    Liam’s brow smoothed. “That,” he said, “is bloody
brilliant
.”
    â€œI am gratified you think so, though I daresay some of the most likely rumours will not please you.”
    â€œWhat do you . . . ?” And then he understood.
    Alix.
    She was behind those doors too, allegedly, with Erik. Alone,