Royal Spy (Fate of Eyrinthia Book 2) by Heather Frost

Author:Heather Frost [Frost, Heather]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-05-19T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 27

Clare

Clare closed her eyes, the corner of her mouth lifting as the morning sun warmed her skin. She pulled in a slow, deep breath, and there was only a slight pinch in her side.

“Maybe you should sit down,” Bennick said, his voice laced with worry. “I’ll send for a chair.”

“No, I’m fine.” She squeezed his arm, which she was proud to say she barely leaned on. “The physician said it would be good for me to be on my feet.”

She was thoroughly grateful for the older man’s change of orders. It had been sixteen days since the disastrous Paltrow’s ball. She had been stuck in bed for almost two weeks after her injury, and though her side still ached if she over-exerted herself, the physician had allowed her to take short walks over the last couple of days. Today, he had encouraged her to join the party in the yard.

The Paltrows were hosting an annual fair to help raise funds for the orphanage in Lindon, and the grassy yard was bustling with activity. Nobles had come from all over the area to participate. There were art pieces to buy, foods to eat, and games to play. Cards, lawn balls, and even grappling for the men—and all of it supported the charity.

Lady Paltrow had informed Clare that even though the event was always well-attended, the princess’s unexpected presence was yielding a larger number of participants—and donations.

Clare was glad there was at least one positive side to the delay; King Newlan certainly hadn’t appreciated it.

After Clare had been injured, Bennick had written to Newlan, Desfan, and Serene, informing all of them about the anticipated delay so they could make any needed adjustments. Serene, Cardon, and Dirk would take their time traveling slowly between inns to avoid staying in one place too long, or reaching their next stop too soon. Even more letters were sent to host families they would no longer have the time to stay with, and several social events had to be canceled. The dedication of the king’s new road had been postponed, and even the prisoner exchange in Stills had to be pushed back.

Even though they had cut out as many unnecessary stops as possible, the tour would be nearly three weeks behind by the time Clare was allowed to travel. The physician was impressed with her healing, and the scar on her side was small, and pain only sparked if she moved too quickly. But the mark served as a painful physical reminder of her brother’s betrayal.

She had heard nothing from Eliot, not that she had expected to.

His silence still hurt.

She felt guilty, though she knew she shouldn’t; Eliot’s actions were not her fault. But it still felt like she was somehow to blame for being manipulated by him.

Getting out of her room, being outside and surrounded by merriment . . . it was a distraction she needed. Normally she tired easily while pretending to be the princess, but she was actually enjoying the reprieve of so many conversations.

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