Solace Arisen Read Online Free Page B

Martise held her smile while she listened to their rushed footsteps on the stair, and then she sank onto a couch. Dear Marslan could never return to Acadia, not after his son was accused of killing Chane. She could go to Sarapost, but what would become of Chane’s little twins? They had no father now, and Jesquin must leave. King Lerouge had no time or patience for them. What was she to do? Go to Marslan or accept the only form of motherhood left to her?
    Oh, how had all this happened? Yet again, Lady Martise wondered if she could have prevented it. Gregory told her that Marslan’s son was in love with Hera Solace. She had thought to tell Gregory to warn the captain about Chane, but she decided it wasn’t her place. Anyway, if Hera Solace had turned down Chane, why would she have the captain? The dinner with Teodor seemed to confirm Hera Solace’s steadfastness to her vows. The captain had been out on the porch with her and came in looking dashed. But then, when the captain fell on the field to Chane, Hera Solace was much affected. There was something between them. Poor dears. What a struggle it must have been, and now this.
    Lady Martise sighed. At least Gregory and Jesquin would be happy.

    The superior’s chamber, Solace
    The knock on the door would be the monks come with Nan. Arvana refolded the letter from Lady Martise to the superior and extended it across the wide desk to her.
    “Do you want me to tell him?” Madra Cassandra asked as she took the letter.
    Arvana shook her head. Though she dreaded telling him, felt certain of his disappointment, she felt just as certain he would understand. It had been an accident.
    “Then I’ll give you a few minutes with him.” The superior rose from the desk and shuffled toward her private rooms. “Enter,” she called before leaving.
    Four monks escorted Nan into the superior’s chamber. He limped, worse than usual.
    “Your feet?”
    He said nothing, just stopped and glanced around the chamber, as if looking for someone or something, then not finding it, scowled, and rolled his gaze to the ceiling, the floor, to anyplace but her.
    Arvana didn’t think her heart could sink any lower than after she’d read the letter from Lady Martise, until she saw his utter coldness at seeing her. Did he already know, already blame her for everything he had lost?
    “You may go,” Arvana said to the brothers. “We shall be fine alone.”
    Nan stood straight and severe. “They said the superior wanted to see me.”
    “She does. She’ll return shortly.”
    He pushed up his glasses. An ugly blue bruise covered the outside of his hand. Finally deigning to look at her, he caught her wondering stare. He turned his back to her and went to the window. Good. It would be easier not having to tell him to his face, not having those blue eyes that could be so inexplicably beautiful turn cold and pass judgment. “The superior just received word from Lady Martise. It explains the redcoats. They found your Valor in Service medal on the path. It’s how they connected you with the prince’s death. It’s my fault. I must have dropped it. I’m sorry, Nan. I know the generalship means everything to you. There’s a ten thousand crown reward—”
    “My medal? So that’s the explanation for that .” He clasped his hands behind his back. “I suppose I can excuse that. You didn’t intentionally leave it behind.”
    “Oh, Nan.” Relief washed over Arvana. He did understand. She rose, began to go to him, but he slowly turned around and the look on his face was everything except forgiving.
    “Now, tell me why Lerouge put his knife in my back in the first place.”
    “Nan?”
    “A man died and I’ve lost everything for no reason other than jealousy. If I’d known you were his lover, I would’ve gladly made it clear he was free to have you. Gladly. Prince Lerouge. You might have mentioned it. The damned prince of Acadia...” He trailed off in disgust.
    “Nan.”
    “What was I? Collateral