Chapter 28

F og drifted through the trees in the gray light of a new Willow Hall morning. A letter from Sparrow had arrived sometime late last night. Well after Anyka had gone to bed. She opened it while she had her coffee on the balcony. The letter was short.

Dear Queen Anyka,

I would be delighted to meet with you to discuss the possibility of peace. Please let me know a time and place that work for you.

Sincerely,

Queen Sparrow

Anyka's lip curled. Now Sparrow replied? Anyka knew Sparrow had only just received the letter, since she'd been out attempting to turn the Wyvern against Malveaux, but that did nothing to appease Anyka's annoyance at the delayed response.

She looked at Galwyn, who was eating the smoked fish brought up especially for him. "She must feel rather full of herself right now, don't you think? Delighted to meet with me." Anyka snorted. "I doubt it. I'd guess she's a little afraid of me. If she's not, more the fool her."

She reached back and rapped once on the glass door.

Wyett came out. "Yes, my lady?"

"Call for Chyles. I need to send a letter."

"Right away." He went back inside.

Whatever Sparrow thought was going to happen, whatever conversation she imagined they were going to have about peace and bringing the two kingdoms together, Sparrow had better be ready to discuss turning over Lady Cynzia's grimoire. If Sparrow couldn't agree to that, it was going to be a very short meeting.

Anyka finished her coffee, tugging her robe more tightly around her as she called Galwyn to her shoulder, then went back inside to dress for the day.

Jenny had her in a deep green silk gown and matching slippers before long. Anyka's hair was swept back with onyx combs, then braided. By the time she went to the sitting room to dictate her response to Chyles, Anyka had added emerald drops, an emerald and onyx pendant, and a diamond and emerald bracelet, along with her usual daggers.

She held out her empty cup to Wyett as she walked in, Galwyn on her arm. "More coffee."

He took it to the side table to refill. Chyles sat waiting with his lap desk. He tried to stifle a yawn and failed.

Anyka helped Galwyn to his perch, then settled into her usual chair. "Dear Queen Sparrow, I was surprised to receive your response to my letter, as I had begun to believe none was coming. We may meet this evening, an hour before dinner, in the Blue Hall. Bring whomever you need."

Chyles scribbled away.

She waved her hand to indicate she was done. "Sign my name and get that delivered immediately."

Wyett brought her coffee over and set it on the side table nearest her. "I can take it myself if you'd like, my lady."

"Chyles can take it. I need you here. Is my uncle back?" She sipped the coffee. Wyett was very good at preparing it exactly how she liked it.

"Not yet, my lady."

She frowned. Hawke had yet to arrive as well. It was still early. She only made it half-way through her coffee before there was a knock on the door.

Wyett opened it and Hawke came in. He bowed low, a smile on his handsome face. "Good morning, my beautiful queen."

She laughed softly, pleased at his greeting. "Good morning. How are you?"

"I am well." He glanced at the side table.

"Go on, get yourself some coffee."

He did, bringing it with him as he sat near her. "I am working on a plan to secure the aunt."

"Oh?" Anyka sat up straighter. "Tell me."

"After observing her for a couple of days, I've noticed she and her friend often walk in the garden in the afternoon. They are only accompanied by the aunt's guard. With a small distraction, I believe I can separate the guard from them and take her. A little zyther dust and they'll both be out. I can grab her no problem."

His plan didn't impress Anyka, though she thought drugging the women was smart. It would keep them quiet. "There are patrols in the gardens. I doubt it will be as easy as you believe."

His gaze hardened. "The aunt is never alone. None of them are. The garden is the best option. And if I have to take the friend with the aunt, so be it."

She smiled at the sudden fierceness of his tone. If he felt that strongly, maybe he would succeed. "All right then. I give you my blessing. When you get her, port her to Castle Hayze immediately and set guards you trust to watch her."

His smile returned. "That's my plan. Next time they're walking in the garden, I'll be ready."

"And how will you know when they walk in the garden?"

He gave a little laugh. "I have Malveaux guards watching them and they know to report back to me the instant those two step foot outside."

She nodded in approval. "Let me know when it's done."

Ishmyel came in. He shook his head as soon as he saw her. "Nazyr is no better. In fact, I believe he's gotten worse. He looks paler than he did yesterday, and his fever has returned."

"It's not Clary's fault," Hawke snapped.

Ishmyel cut his eyes at the man. "I never said it was, did I?"

"Now, now," Anyka said, amused by the sparks between them. "We're on the same side."

Ishmyel filled a cup with coffee and drank it where he stood. "Something has to be done for Nazyr or he won't be around much longer."

"Have you spoken to Evenshade?"

"Not yet today, no."

"Then call on him and tell him to do something. You have my permission."

Ishmyel nodded. "Thank you. I will see what he can do."

"But you don't hold out much hope."

Sadness hooded his eyes. "I don't."

She didn't want Nazyr to die. She'd only just found out about him being the father of Queen Sparrow's son. Nazyr might prove to be the most useful arrow in her quiver. But for her to use him, he had to be alive. "Tell Evenshade that— No, get him here. I will tell him what's to be done myself."

Ishmyel nodded and set his empty cup on the side table. "I'll fetch him immediately."

As Ishmyel left, she spoke to Hawke again. "After I deal with Evenshade, we will go down to breakfast."

"Princess Beatryce, too?"

Anyka shook her head. "She's still sleeping." The sluggard. Anyka sighed. As it stood, her daughter might never be fit to rule Malveaux. The kingdom's best hope lay in making a solid match for Beatryce. A man who could rule through her.

True to his word, Ishmyel returned shortly with Grylan. He looked hastily dressed and ill-groomed, his shirt buttoned incorrectly, the back of his hair flat from being in bed. His gaze still bore the fog of sleep. No doubt her uncle had awakened the Vice-Minister. Another sluggard.

"Your highn—"

"Today, Grylan," she said as she got to her feet, "you will do whatever necessary to pull Minister Nazyr from the brink of death, which is where I believe he is. If he dies, so will you."

Grylan's eyes rounded, instantly alert. "My lady, saving Minister Nazyr means extracting the wayward spirit from him."

She crossed her arms. "I am heartened that you know what to do."

"The spirit cannot be saved. It will be destroyed in the process. Your lady mother…"

"I doubt that spirit is my mother, Grylan." She didn't actually. She had every reason to believe that spirit had been Leda Blackbryar at one time. Now, it was something dark and twisted and treacherous. The loss of such a thing would be no real loss at all. "Get it out of him today ."

Grylan nodded, bowing his head. "As you wish, your highness. I will see to it immediately."

"How long will it take?"

"I cannot say. Depends on the strength of the spirit. And how much Nazyr is willing to fight."

"Perhaps I should go talk to him. Encourage him?"

"No, your highness. I fear your presence will only strengthen your mo—the spirit."

She lifted her chin. "Fine. Just see that you save him." Looking at her uncle, she pointed toward the door. "I'm done with him."

She stared out the windows. The fog remained. At least on this side of Willow Hall. Her uncle returned from seeing Evenshade out. "I'm going down to breakfast."

Ishmyel glanced toward the bedrooms. "What of Princess Beatryce?"

Anyka rolled her eyes. "Let her sleep."

They went down to the dining hall, Anyka leading, Hawke and Ishmyel behind her with Trog trailing them.

Trence greeted her at the entrance to the dining hall. "Good morning, your highness."

"Good morning." Anyka's gaze was on the Summerton table. Sparrow and her usual party were all in attendance. Sparrow had a letter in her hand. Wyett was standing against the wall near the Malveaux table. He must have just delivered Anyka's response.

As Anyka made her way to the table, Sparrow seemed to be sharing the letter with those around her. Her son, along with that traitorous Grym Nightborne who protected her, the aunt, and the old wizard. Could she not make a decision on her own? Or was she just informing them of what the letter said?

Anyka took her seat. Hawke started to pour coffee for her. "No. I want tea." She sensed the presence of someone at her side, perhaps a footman who'd overheard her request. She looked up and into the eyes of Queen Sparrow.

For once, Sparrow wasn't smiling. She looked bothered. How adorable. She held the letter up. "An hour before dinner in the Blue Hall. I agree. We'll meet you there and then."

"Good," was all Anyka could get out.

Sparrow turned and went back to her table.

Hawke snorted. "Someone's upset."

Ishmyel glared at him.

But Anyka didn't care. "Let her be bothered. Nothing she can do or say or promise is going to stop what's coming."