The Queen's Poisoner

He nodded. “Liona put some goose grease on it. It doesn’t sting that much.”

She knelt in front of him so that their eyes were level. As he stood before her, she reached out and smoothed the hair on his forehead. “You saved me this afternoon, Owen Kiskaddon. Despite all our plans, things happen that surprise us.” She paused, giving him such a serious and tender look that he flushed. She placed her hand on his shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “Thank you, Owen. I’m so grateful.”

He swallowed, feeling his ears burn pink. “You’re helping me. I had to help you.”

She then took his hands in hers and kissed them before letting them go. “Bless you for it. Thank you. Now come with me.”

“It’s early still. Part of the castle is still awake.”

“I know. We’re not going to the tower. We’re going to Elysabeth’s room.”

Owen stared at her in shock. “You mean . . . we’re going to tell her?” he asked excitedly.

Ankarette gave him a knowing nod. “When I met her in the kitchen, I studied her closely. I believe she is trustworthy. Now we’ll prove if I’m right. Better to know sooner than later. Come with me.”

She rose and held out her hand, which he gratefully took. He was used to walking the secret corridors alone, but going with her added a secret pleasure. “What will you tell her?” he asked in a whisper, knowing that voices could carry.

“You’ll see,” she replied softly, squeezing his hand.

“She talks a lot, Ankarette. She talks so much. She’s chatty. Are you sure?”

“Yes, she’s loquacious. That’s the proper word. But I like that about her. When I saw what she did after Dunsdworth’s boy started flogging you—how she attacked him like a cat—that earned her my respect. You want someone like her on your side. And how you tricked him out of his pants? Oh, Owen, you’ve made an enemy for life. I hope you realize that. But he and his family have been my enemies for years. I will tell you of it tonight . . . with her to hear the story.”

When they reached the secret door leading to Evie’s room, they paused. Ankarette secretly slid open the spyhole and gazed into the room. Candlelight streamed into the corridor from the interior of the room, and the light exposed Ankarette’s luminous eyes and the skin of her cheeks. She looked so hauntingly pretty at that moment, and Owen felt lucky to know her.

“She’s still awake, good,” Ankarette whispered. She slid the spyhole shut and then crouched by Owen so she could whisper into his ear. Her breath tickled him. She had the scent of roses about her still. “You go in first and tell her that you’d like her to meet a secret friend. Someone who has been trying to help you. Tell her you are about to entrust her with your greatest secret. I’ll listen and see what she says. Can you remember that?”

“Yes,” Owen whispered. He was so excited to finally tell Evie the truth that he nearly barged into the room.

Ankarette released the hidden latch and Owen pushed the door open and slipped inside the room. He left the hidden door ajar.

“How did you get in here?” Evie gasped. She was kneeling on her bed in her nightgown, brushing her dark hair. She scooted off the bed, her eyes gleaming with surprise. “Is that a secret door? Have you come in here before? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Ssshhh!” Owen insisted, holding up his hands to try and stop the flow of questions. He put his finger to his own lips to show her she needed to be quiet. She was almost bouncing with excitement, her eyes glittering.

“Tell me!” she said, her hands flapping.

“I want to. Ssshh! Someone will hear us. I want to tell you my greatest secret. But first I need to know I can trust you not to tell.”

She looked at him with exasperation. “Of course you can trust me! I haven’t told anyone about the cistern. Do you think Grandpapa would like to know that? There are some things you just don’t tell adults. What is it? I’m about to burst!” She gripped his arms and shook him just a little.

“Quiet!” he said urgently. “I want you to meet someone. A friend. Someone who is trying to help me escape.”

“Why do you need to escape?” she asked.

“Because I don’t want to get pushed off a waterfall like my older brother!” Owen said, getting frustrated. “Look, will you keep this a secret? If I can’t tell you—”

“Of course I will!” she said indignantly. “I would never betray you, Owen Kiskaddon. Never.” She put her finger on her brow, thinking hard. “You can . . . you can cut off all my hair if I do!”