The Ciphers of Muirwood (Covenant of Muirwood #2)(13)

“But she refused them?” Maia asked, amazed at what she was learning. “I never heard of any insurrection.”

“Of course you would not have heard of it. You were kept so close to your father, then watched over so carefully by Lady Shilton, Lady Deorwynn’s mother. You were always a political risk to your father. As his firstborn and lawful daughter, you could . . . in theory . . . inherit the throne. I say in theory because it has never happened before. As you know, no queen has ever ruled Comoros in her own right. There was one who tried generations ago, but it caused a civil war. Ultimately, her son ruled. This kingdom has a deep history of contention and strife, which is once again reaching a boiling point. That is why I must warn you. As much as we will try, we cannot keep your presence here a secret for long. You must pour all your energy into passing the maston test yourself. Maybe within a fortnight. When your father learns you are here, I assure you he will send soldiers to fetch you.”

Maia swallowed. “I do not want to see him,” she said darkly. “I cannot help but think that what happened to me is his fault.”

“I know, child. I know.” Her voice was soothing, comforting. “Just be wary, especially if any young men approach you and try to share a degree of . . . intimacy with you. There are several noble Families who have sent their learners here. Many of them oppose your father but are too afraid to speak out because of what happened to the last Earl of Forshee.”

“I was there when the earl spoke out,” Maia said. “What Father did to him was terrible.”

“Can I ask you something else?” Sabine said.

“Of course. You can ask me anything.”

“Thank you.” Her brow furrowed. “Did you and your husband have intimate relations?”

Maia flushed and was grateful that the sun was setting quickly, filling the gardens with shadows. “No.” She squirmed uncomfortably.

“Then there is no risk that you are with child. I say this not to upset you, Maia. But even though your marriage did not begin under the maston rites, it does not mean that it cannot someday. You will pass the maston test yourself. If he chooses to take it again, then you can be united under irrevocare sigil as your maston oaths encourage.” She put her arm around Maia’s back, hugging her. “Someday you will want to have children. They are truly a blessing from Idumea. You will have to be very careful, Maia. Very guarded with your expressions of intimacy. Your kiss would be fatal to your husband or even your children. I am sure this will cause you grief and hardship throughout your life, but there is no reason for you not to experience the joys of having a family.”

Maia’s heart ached at her grandmother’s words. Her regrets stirred within her like a hive of bees, ready to sting, and she tried to calm her feelings. She was grateful she did not have to bear the secret all alone.

“What if my husband decides to divorce me?” Maia asked, her voice thick.

“Do you think that he might? From what you have said, it sounds like he is ambitious and he married you for your station. Through you, he claims legitimate right to Comoros. I do not think he will abandon that because he feels you betrayed him.”

Maia nodded. “You are right. I wish . . . Grandmother, I wish we could have brought him with us!”

“I have been mulling on that myself,” she replied. “It was not the Medium’s will. I felt certain at the time. But it weighs heavily on me.”

“It burdens my heart,” Maia said miserably. “He was a hostage for years in Paeiz after his father lost a war there and he was ransomed at great cost. I could tell the imprisonment changed him. It made him who he is today, made him reluctant to learn the maston ways.” She winced sorrowfully. Her heart was tangled with conflicting feelings—sympathy, frustration, dread. “What will he think of me now?”

“Shhh,” Sabine said soothingly. “You have enough worries of your own without taking on his. I do not think the Dochte Mandar will hold him ransom for long. They know he has the coin to pay them. It was money he was going to spend invading Comoros. Now the Naestors will use it to invade Assinica.” Her expression was bitter as she said this last part.

“Yes, but how resentful will he be?” Maia said. “This is a heavy burden.” She remembered something Collier had told her, how when he was imprisoned in Paeiz he had hoped her father would pay his ransom in honor of the plight troth that had existed between him and Maia. “I wish I could help him,” she whispered miserably. “But I have nothing.”





All those who offer an opinion on any doubtful point should first clear their minds of every sentiment of dislike, friendship, anger, or pity.

—Richard Syon, Aldermaston of Muirwood Abbey





CHAPTER FIVE




The Aldermaston’s Kitchen



A warm light shone from the kitchen windows as Maia and Sabine approached. A figure detached from the shadows around the building, and Maia immediately recognized Suzenne wringing her hands and looking flustered.

“Oh, there you are,” Suzenne said with a look of relief. “I am so sorry I lost track of you after studies.” She looked at Maia’s companion, and her expression twisted with regret. “Forgive me, High Seer, I did not recognize you. I am very sorry I abandoned your—”