The puppy clambered up so that her front paws were resting on Brynn’s shoulder, her haunches cradled by Brynn’s arms.She sniffed at the air, head thrown back to enjoy the smells she hadn’t caught from the ground.
Brynn followed the trio of young men back up from the beach to the series of dwellings and outbuildings Ovrek had constructed for himself.Servants, messengers, and visitors trailed past them as they walked.Some people did bow to Tolvir, but most either didn’t notice him or didn’t care.
Lena trailed after Brynn as Tolvir and his friends took them to what appeared to be a respectably sized house.It was not as grand as Olfirth’s hall, but it was worthy of a great lady.
Tolvir shouted and a woman with greyed hair under her veil answered the door.He exchanged low words with the woman, several names passing back and forth.
The woman cast a look to Brynn, then back to Tolvir.
“What is she saying?”Brynn asked.
“She’s saying it was discussed last night, and my mother Sifma didn’t want you to help,” Tolvir grated.
Brynn turned to Lena.She wanted to make sure she understood.“Queen Sifma doesn’t want me trying to help Ovrek’s concubine?”
“Yes,” Lena confirmed.
“I don’t wish to offend the queen.”Whatever the queen’s reasons, Brynn didn’t want to go against Sifma’s wishes.She didn’t want to make unnecessary enemies.
“Wait.”Tolvir gestured for Brynn to stop.He spoke several hurried phrases to the elderly servant and the woman let off a sharp exhale before shutting the door.
“Are we being turned away?”Brynn asked.
“She’s asking Gistrid.”Tolvir stepped from one foot to the other, not quite meeting Brynn’s eye.
This situation was a little odd, but Brynn didn’t see how to remove herself from it without causing trouble.
A few moments later, the woman with the greyed hair returned, looking grim.She beckoned to Brynn, waving her inside.
Brynn moved forward as Tolvir stepped aside.She cast him a questioning look.
“No men inside but my father.”Tolvir offered a slight bow.“We will wait here.”
That made sense.
Brynn stepped into the house to find a single room lined with furs, the scent of sweet oils permeating the air.Two other thrall girls worked around the fire, one preparing what appeared to be a midday meal and another stood guard at the brazier, watching the flames.Several other handmaidens moved to and fro, and three more attended a lounging figure near the back.
The woman Brynn assumed to be Ovrek’s concubine leaned against a pile of furs and pillows.She was young, younger than Brynn, though older than Esa.
Straightaway, Brynn’s chest clenched.
Gistrid lay listless with a faint yellow tint to her skin.Away from the sight of men, her hair lay uncovered over her pillows.Her eyes were half shut, and the smell of sickness infused the room.
Her body was alight withka,the signs of a body fighting hard to survive.Was this the woman Ovrek hoped would give him another son?
“Lady Gistrid?”Brynn asked the question gently.
The woman’s eyes flicked up at her name.
Brynn bowed, showing respect.Whether she carried the title of queen or not, this woman was consort to a king.
Gistrid said something in slurred Valdari.
Lena answered.Several of the other handmaidens spoke amongst each other.
Even from beside the door, Brynn suspected how this would go.“What ails her?”
“She has been bleeding,” Lena explained.“She’s been drowsy and weak.”
