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knew
the number of his delegation, which would swell the ranks of courtiers and
warriors lodging in the castle to uncomfortable limits. Yes, Castle Remarck was
large, but with hordes of well-meaning servants present, one’s movements could
be unbearably restrained.
    One morning, I awakened early and resolved to evade my
retinue. I hastily dressed in riding garb—snug, buff-colored jodhpurs, a
starched white blouse and a red jacket. I secured my hair at my nape with a
black ribbon and, after taking my boots from a wardrobe, carried them rather
than put them on and alert Maia, who as usual slept close by in my outer
chamber.
    Taking a torch, I sneaked out of my suite by a quiet
passageway few knew, then tugged on the boots to ward off the chill. While
treading quietly along a circuitous route through the least-used parts of the
castle, using hidden byways known only to me, I held a kerchief to my nose to
avoid inhaling the dust of many a long season. I had not used these paths for
years… Beryla and I had explored every nook and cranny, every hidden passage
and secret stair of the castle. Her presence was strong in these dark, still
corridors that smelled of stone and damp. My sister’s spirit walked beside me
and I was comforted by my memories.
    Our childhood adventures had our parents’ approval. Castle
Remarck was our fortress. In the event of attack from within or without, we
needed to be familiar with every hiding spot and escape route. Janus was
peaceful, but nothing is forever, nothing certain.
    I opened a secret door, descended a flight of worn stone
stairs and found myself in the guest wing.
    There I hesitated. Of course I knew how to enter Kaldir’s
bedchamber without anyone else the wiser, but intruding into his room without
invitation would be discourteous. Perhaps he treasured privacy. And what if
Kaldir was enjoying a bedmate? I would not feel offended or jealous, just
inconvenienced, but surely I would discomfit Kaldir and any guest he might be entertaining.
    I stuck my booted toes into cracks between the great stone
blocks comprising the wall and climbed into a ventilation portal. I was small
enough to creep through the tunnel, which gave access to every room in this
wing. I peeked at his guards and courtiers at every opportunity, but saw
nothing to confirm my suspicion regarding any special weapons they might
possess.
    Passing by his guards, I jumped out in the empty anteroom of
Kaldir’s chamber, then used a wall mirror and my kerchief to attend to my
appearance, whisking away a few smuts on my face. I tucked back stray wisps of
hair, then tapped on the wooden double doors of Kaldir’s bedchamber.
    “Enter,” came his voice, which was light and almost musical.
    I opened the door. “My lord?” He was awake and alone, I
noted with relief.
    He’d been writing, for Lightside papyri were scattered over
a dark wood desk, and he still held his quill poised, its nib black with ink.
“Your Majesty!” He sounded pleased. “An unexpected delight.”
    He rose and approached me. He was dressed, as always, in
flowing white, brilliant against his dark skin. Though no sensual thrills
coursed through me, I discerned the strong lineaments of his dark body beneath
the enveloping robes. I believed that he was a male with whom I could find
pleasure, and that morning I planned to make certain my belief.
    “Queen Audryn, dressed for riding.” His dark eyes twinkled
as he took my offered hands between his. His grasp was warm, friendly as he
kissed me on both cheeks. “Did you enjoy the stallion I sent three starturns
ago?”
    “Indeed I did,” I said demurely, remembering the adventure
on which that steed had taken me. “Do you wish to ride him this morn?”
    “Indeed I do. Oh, and let us not alert the servants. They
will not leave us alone for a minute.”
    “You have noticed also?”
    He pulled a face. “How could I not?” He opened a wardrobe
and peeked inside. “Where could my riding boots be?”
    I