Page 173 of Into the Heartless Wood
Rheinallt didn’t desert Baines that morning. He’d been sent by his parents to spy on Tarian, to learn if there was any truth to the threat of the wood. He left to meet his army, to lead them into battle and come to Tarian’s aid. Turns out it wasn’t an inn Rheinallt was set to inherit—it was a kingdom.
“Will Tarian be no more, then?” I ask without preamble.
“Elynion had no heir,” Rheinallt answers apologetically. “I will not lie to you about my parents’ intent. It makes it easier—”
“That you didn’t actually have to assassinate him.”
He grimaces.
“Tarian will be absorbed into Gwaed, then?”
Rheinallt nods.
“And the Tarian nobility?”
“I will do what I can for them, if they swear oaths of loyalty to the Gwaed crown.”
He doesn’t have to spell out what will happen to them if they do not swear.
Rheinallt glances out the window, tension in the set of his shoulders. “I’m sorry you won’t stay. I would have you on my council.”
“I’ve only come for my sister, Rheinallt.”
He grins. “I know, idiot. Just wantedyouto know the offer still stands, if you ever change your mind. And know you always have a friend in the crown.”
“I’ve had enough of kings and crowns,” I say softly.
He sobers. I know he’s thinking of Luned and so many others. Gone forever.
“How’s Baines?” I ask.
“Recovering, thank God. I couldn’t be deprived of both my friends at once.”
“Will he—”
“Walk again?” Rheinallt shrugs. “The doctors don’t think so, but he’s stubborn enough for anything.”
I smile. “He is that.”
“Here.” Rheinallt hands me a roll of paper. “The deeds to your father’s house, as promised. It cannot be ceded to the crown. It belongs to you and your family, as long as it may endure.”
“Thank you.” My throat tightens. I know there’s more.
“Your father’s body was found.” Rheinallt’s eyes flick to mine. He doesn’t elaborate; I don’t want him to. “We can bury him here, if you wish. Or—”
“He wouldn’t want that.” I swallow down the acrid taste of bile. “We’ll take him home.”
Rheinallt nods. “I’ll arrange it.”
“Thank you,” I repeat. The words are heavy on my tongue. I ache for my father. My mother, too. But at least—
“Bring her in!” calls Rheinallt to the door.
Awela barrels into the room, taller and tanner than I remember her. “WEN!” she shouts, and leaps at me, nearly knocking me off balance.
I scoop her into my arms and cradle her against my neck, trying and failing not to weep before my friend who will be king.
“The oddest thing,” Rheinallt says. “We found her and her nurse in a little hut just outside the palace walls. The nurse swore a tree had hidden them.”
