Blood and Memory Read Free Page A

normally well-guarded face was all shock at this moment. Liryk was convinced that Krell wanted to ask the Commander if he was quite sure but had checked himself.
    Liryk confirmed it anyway. “I’ve had him laid out in the chapel. I imagine the Queen will want to view the body.”
    “Indeed. She will not be persuaded otherwise,” Krell replied, distracted. He walked around from his desk. “This is dark news, Commander. I’m sorry to hear it. He was, in spite of the reason for his expulsion, a good man for Briavel…”
    Liryk guessed that the Chancellor wanted to add that Koreldy was a good man for Valentyna as well. Instead the Chancellor held his tongue, asked him to wait. He would seek an appointment with her majesty immediately. He left Liryk alone with his bleak thoughts and fatigue.
    When Liryk was shown into her study, he could see Valentyna had not slept well. Her eyes lacked their sparkle. Dark smudges beneath made them appear hollow in the much too pale skin. He wished once again he could escape this task and hoped Krell had forewarned her of the tidings.
    She was wearing a satin robe and had obviously come in a hurry straight from her chambers, not caring about her state of dress, but then Valentyna never was one for vanity. He had known this fine young woman since she was newly born and she had always treated him as a kindly uncle—she still did, in fact. So the fact that she was in her night attire in his presence would not worry her one bit. He noticed she managed to muster a smile for him, rising above the reasons that had troubled her slumber.
    “I’m glad to have you back, Commander Liryk,” she said formally, turning from her window. She crossed the room, and after he had straightened from his bow, she fell back into her less regal manner, taking both his hands in her own. “Now, ease my worry,” she said. “Tell me it all went smoothly.”
    Liryk glanced toward the departing Krell, who was passing behind her majesty, carrying papers. The Chancellor shook his head slightly and Liryk felt the weight of his task settle like a stone in his throat. Krell was following protocol. He had left the bad news entirely for Liryk to deliver.
    Valentyna was searching his face, a confused smile on her lips now. “What is it? Krell tells me you have news that cannot wait. I presume you wish to report that Romen Koreldy was seen safely to a border. But which border? I must know,” she said, her words coming out in a rush.
    Liryk’s eyes came back to rest sadly upon her own. “May we sit, your highness?”
    “Oh, of course, how remiss of me. You’ve obviously been riding through the night to be back here so fast.” She gestured toward one of the comfortable armchairs. “Please.”
    “Thank you.” He sat, taking every last moment he could before he had to share his tidings with the lovely young Queen. So much grief around her. He wished Krell had remained but knew once again the man had done the right thing and given them privacy.
    Valentyna joined him in the opposite chair.
    “You look very pale, your highness.” He blurted out his thoughts.
    She nodded. “You know me too well. I did sleep badly. I’ve anguished over yesterday’s decision, Liryk. It was the appropriate action to take for Morgravia’s king and the dutiful thing for Briavel. But oh, it was a poor decision for me personally. I miss Koreldy more than most would realize.”
    He was shocked. He sensed the friendship had run deep but had no idea it had progressed so far and so quickly. Her carefully chosen words could not mask the true admission. Liryk leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes, risking her further confusion while he gathered up his anguished thoughts.
    “My apologies, sir. I should not burden you with my heart,” Valentyna said to fill the awkward pause, sorry that she had said as much as she had.
    She noticed the sad expression on Liryk’s face when he opened his eyes and sat forward again. He even took her hand,