Heart of Stone Read Free Page B

We have an idea, at least, of where to go. North. Away from the other trackers headed to the coast.”
    “You never found a trésor before I came along with Tamsin and her … well, her ability. I need her,” moaned Tristan convincingly.
    He saw the look on Rémy’s face when he mentioned Tamsin’s name. Tamsin and Tristan’s mother had been friends for as long as he remembered, and her cottage wasn’t far from his childhood home. When Tristan had introduced his uncle to her, he knew a hint of a spark flickered between them.
    “Tamsin does have better medicine than the fool doctors here,” Uncle Rémy conceded.
    “Besides, she could use the company. She’s all alone in the cottage anyways,” Tristan offered.
    “I could pay her.”
    “She won’t take our money. Besides, I have a better idea.” Tristan’s eyes brightened.
    “I won’t waste time asking about your ideas, because we need to get moving. And we should go, quietly. No making last minute plans with any waitresses,” Uncle Rémy lectured.
    “I promise.” Tristan’s voice wavered, “and then I travel alone, to the next stone?”
    “Yes.”
    “I’ll make you proud,” Tristan said, trying to sound brave and strong and true.
    “You already have.” 
    Tristan smiled, a forced smile that threatened to break. Break him. He never imagined going at it alone, but now he must.
     
     
     

3.
    Queen Cozette
    Palace Royale, Éclat, Gemmes
                 
    She paused with a hairpin in hand, and looked out the second floor window to the courtyard below. She heard him before she saw him, shouting at the guards. Marcus walked with a sour look on his face, toward the Palace entrance. He was distressed, and it softened her. She couldn’t stand to see him unhappy.
                  She turned back toward the mirror in her room, clasping a heavy ruby necklace on her neck, and then pressed her red lips together in thought. She contemplated how to make her Marcus happier. He seemed exceptionally distraught lately and not just with her, although he usually was. He’d grown cross with everyone, and it didn’t go unnoticed. She heard the whisperings from the livery to her handmaidens to her friends on the Royale Court.
                  She heard him stomp up the stairs, and she had just enough time to smooth her ivory, diamond-encrusted gown before he shoved open the doors to her chamber.
    “Cozette, I am leaving for a few weeks and I need you to meet with the representatives from the Provinces while I’m away. Just hear their requests, and decide what is best. It is the job of the Royal family.” He didn’t ask her if that was all right. He didn’t explain his unexpected absence. He didn’t seem to care to fill in the gaps. He just waited for her acknowledgement of his request.
    She looked at him, blinking back tears. She knew she appeared weak. Worse, she knew she was.
    “Cozette! Do not pretend to have forgotten how to speak to me, your king.” His chin length gray hair was tucked behind his ears, a light cape draped regally across his shoulders. He looked strong. He was.
    “Of course Your Majesty. But … before you go….” she hesitated. She wanted things to be like before. Back to when he never would have considered travelling anywhere without his queen, his partner, his bride. Things change. It was her burden to bear.
    “What is it, Cozette? I haven’t time for your tears. Speak!” He was cold now, and she saw the servants withdraw behind him at the door, not wanting to upset him further. She knew it hadn’t always been like this. She still remembered.
    “I wondered if perhaps I might join you.” She asked with a small voice, the still same voice that had always been hers, just an octave - or three - quieter now.
    “Out of the question. I’m crossing the sea to meet with King Francis of Gramond. I would explain, but you don’t seem to understand the affairs I am forced to deal with.”
    She nodded,