The Queen's Secret by Jessica Day George

Author:Jessica Day George
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

FLORIAN

Florian did not like the turmoil in Beloved Anthea’s mind. He did not like the stiff way she sat in the saddle, or the muddiness of her thoughts.

That man, the man with the cane, had said something to her. Something about That Woman Her Mother, the one who smelled of dying roses. Florian had not been paying attention, for which he blamed himself. The Boy Called Tim had been a cheerful young companion, with nosings of the Way, and so Florian did not see a threat in the Boy Called Tim’s home.

But the old man with the cane had been a threat. He had said things to Beloved Anthea that disturbed her. She had left without checking that he and the mares drank enough water, had not given them food, which was most unlike her. She would not talk all the way back home, and though Florian left her to her silence, he did not like it.

They returned to find Last Farm in an uproar. Alarmed, Florian called to Constantine to ask what he should do, should he take Beloved Anthea and the mares far from here?

No, came Constantine’s answer. The men were elated and had found a cure for this coughing sickness that plagued them. The Thornley was released from his exile, and moved among them again, and the lights and candles were not a sign of danger, but of their hard work making more medicine despite the lateness of the hour.

She Who Was Jilly came toward them, all laughter and smiles, but Beloved Anthea did not reply. She got down from Florian’s back, and then Florian did not know what to do.

Beloved Anthea gave his reins to She Who Was Jilly.

You must take care of them, Beloved Anthea told She Who Was Jilly, and walked away from Florian and the mares.

What are you doing? She Who Was Jilly demanded, and it was echoed by Florian’s thoughts.

I have to write a letter to the queen, Beloved Anthea said. She did not look back.

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