Mist-Torn 01 - The Mist-Torn Witches Read Free Page B

you about a pending marriage. She’s heard of your reputation in these matters, and she will not consent to the betrothal until she’s spoken with you and you have read her future. All you need do is assure her that the marriage will be a happy one and that she may accept without reservations.”
    “What is the girl’s name?” Céline asked. “Just so I know who to expect.”
    “Rhiannon, eldest daughter of the Baron Driesè.”
    Something about that name was familiar…something from years past, but Céline couldn’t remember what.
    Zelinka pushed the silver coins across the table. “Can you manage this, my dear?”
    The situation was blissfully clear to Céline. The old woman worked for the prospective groom’s father—or perhaps the groom himself—and she wanted assurances that the wedding would take place, thus ensuring her own fat fee.
    But if Kochè was escorting Zelinka, it meant the situation was also somehow connected to Sub-Prince Damek, so even if she’d wanted to, Céline was in no position to refuse.
    “Yes, I can manage easily,” she answered.
    “Be sure you do,” Kochè said in a low tone, speaking for the first time. “Be sure the girl says yes.”
    Céline blinked and glanced at Amelie. What interestcould he have here? He was far from noble, so nothing that Madam Zelinka arranged could possibly be connected to him.
    “Of course she will,” the old woman said, standing up and hobbling toward the door. She hadn’t touched her tea. “Good-bye, my dear. What a pleasant visit this has been.”
    Captain Kochè opened the door for her, but he kept his eyes on Céline, moving his gaze from her waist to her breasts. Now that his hair had dried partially, it looked even greasier. She fought to hold back a shudder.
    Then, without another word, both Kochè and the old woman left as quickly as they’d come.
    Céline shook her head, wishing she knew even a little more. “What do you suppose this is all about?”
    Amelie shrugged. “At least he’s gone.” She walked over and looked down at the silver coins. “And
that
is easy money.”
    Yes, Céline had to agree. It was easy money.
    *   *   *
    Lieutenant Jaromir hid behind the tree line, peering toward the edge of the village. Though he’d grown up in the wet world of Droevinka, even he was becoming uncomfortable in the cold spring rain. His chain armor was dripping, and his tan tabard was soaked though.
    “What are they doing in there?” he asked quietly. “They didn’t even go all the way into the village.”
    He was about to say more, but when he looked at his companion, the words died on his lips. Sub-Prince Anton, his lord and closest friend, had gone pale.
    “It’s an apothecary’s shop,” Anton whispered. “They’ve gone to the seer who lives there.”
    “A seer?” Jaromir asked. “In that rat hole of a village? Are you sure?”
    “Yes, I’m sure. I’ve been inside the place.”
    Jaromir peered through the trees again at the two-story shop, having a hard time picturing his prince inside such a dwelling. Two soldiers in black tabards waited outside the front door with the horses, while Captain Kochè and the old marriage broker went inside.
    “Why would Damek send Zelinka here?” he asked.
    “I don’t know,” Anton answered. “The last I heard, my brother’s marriage was a sealed bargain.” He shivered.
    At least he was wearing a cloak, but Jaromir didn’t like the thought of him being out for so long in this rain. At the age of twenty-three, Anton was already a good leader, but he was slight of build, and his health was not strong. His brown hair only made his skin look whiter, and the circles under his eyes didn’t help.
    “You think Rhiannon’s having second thoughts about marrying your brother?” Jaromir asked.
    “I don’t know,” Anton said again.
    Jaromir wanted to sigh. The problem here wasthat they didn’t know much at all, and the situation was growing dire. He’d never been terribly