Maig's Hand (Book Two) The Arkaelyon Chronicles by Henderson Phillip

Author:Henderson, Phillip [Henderson, Phillip]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fantasy
Publisher: Acclaimed Books
Published: 2011-04-23T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

“I’m not sure you should be so animated about this,” James said.

Danielle was changing into her riding garb behind the wicker screen in her bedchambers, and had been saying how she now believed that Cargius was more than likely telling the truth—at least in this matter—and her mother had secretly given birth to a baby girl while she was still unmarried and living in Lunwraith.

“Yeah, well, who is to say what’s true or not about that man.”

James’ cautious tone surprised her a little. She thought he’d have understood her excitement.

“Would you prefer that O’Brook’s account was closer to the truth?” she said, smiling to herself as she visualised his frown.

“Hardly. I’m just saying you need to remember that this is about finding the truth, not looking for a long lost sister, whose sudden appearance would deeply shame your mother’s name and embarrass your father’s house. And I don’t have to remind you about the consequences for Eden’s kingship if this were to get out. The poor woman would become a pawn with the potential to tear the realm apart.”

“I know the ramifications, though I think you over state the case. Besides, there’s no harm in us knowing. It needn’t be public.” She picked up her riding boots and walked over to her dresser and sat down on her stool to pull them on.

“She may not be what you hope, Dee. Sometimes it’s better not to know.”

James was sitting up in bed. He had a writing tray over his lap and looked to be penning a lengthy and troubling letter. It was the way Danielle had found him on her return from the palace cathedral; alone and preoccupied. She knew he was worried about letting her go off to Amthenium without him.

“James, this is about validating Cargius’ claims nothing more.”

“Right, and the excitement I see in your face every time you mention the possibility that you may have a sister is what exactly?”

“What? You don’t wonder about your parents, uncles, aunts, cousins?” she asked.

“Wondering is something quite different from actually looking for them?” he said, still writing.

Danielle considered him for a moment, then got up and crossed the room to the bed. She really didn’t want to argue. She was just thrilled she had him back.

James looked up, surprised, as she removed the quill from his hand and took the tray and put it on a side table. She grinned coyly and crawled onto the bed and straddled his legs.

“Are you in a grump?”

His hands found hers and he kissed them both, one after the other. “Just trying to keep busy.” His eyes grew tender and he smiled. “I’m going to miss you. A whole bloody ten days cooped-up here worrying about you.” He smiled. “Dreaming about you.”

Danielle bent down and kissed him deeply.

She broke off and laid her forehead against his. The idea of having to leave was agony for both of them. Particularly since his remaining behind was only to keep up appearances.

“Promise me, you’ll be careful?” he said, rubbing her arms.

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