Royal Assassin

The King lifted a hand to shakily rub his face and eyes. “I gave those things,” he said, and the words were firm, but the strength was fading from his voice. “Once given, a man’s word is no longer his to call back. Am I right about this, FitzChivalry? Do you agree that once a man has given his word, he may not take it back?” The old test was in that question.

“As ever I have, my King, I agree with you. Once a man has given his word, he may not call it back. He must abide by what he has promised.”

“Good, then. That’s settled. It’s all settled.” He proffered the pin to me. I took it from him, relief so immense it was like vertigo. He leaned back into his pillows. I had another dizzying moment. I knew those pillows, this bed. I had lain there, and looked with the Fool down on the sack of Siltbay. I had burned my fingers in that fireplace . . .

The King heaved a heavy sigh. There was exhaustion in it. In another moment he would be asleep.

“Forbid him to come and disturb you again, unless you summon him,” Regal commanded.

King Shrewd pried his eyes open one more time. “Fitz. Come here, boy.”

Like a dog, I came closer to him. I knelt by his bed. He lifted a thinned hand, patted me awkwardly. “You and I, boy. We have an understanding, don’t we?” A genuine question. I nodded. “Good lad. Good. I’ve kept my word. You see that you keep yours, now. But,” — he glanced at Regal, and that pained me, — “it were better if you came to see me in the afternoons. I am stronger in the afternoons.” He was slipping away again.

“Shall I come back this afternoon, sire?” I asked quickly.

He lifted a hand and waved it in a vaguely denying gesture. “Tomorrow. Or the next day.” His eyes closed and he sighed out as heavily as if he would never breathe in again.

“As you wish, my lord,” I concurred. I bowed deeply, formally. As I straightened I carefully returned the pin to my jerkin lapel. I let them all spend a moment or two watching me do that. Then: “If you will excuse me, my prince?” I requested formally.

“Get out of here,” Regal growled.

I bowed less formally to him, turned carefully, and left.

His guards’ eyes watched me go. I was outside the room before I recalled that I had never brought up the subject of me marrying Molly. Now it seemed unlikely I would have an opportunity to for some time. I knew that afternoons would now find Regal or Wallace or some spy of theirs always at King Shrewd’s side. I had no wish to broach that topic before anyone save my King.

Fitz?

I’d like to be alone for a while just now, my prince. If you do not mind?

He vanished from my mind like a bursting soap bubble. Slowly I made my way down the stairs.

15 Secrets