Simeon exhaled. “Very well. Alyssa, we will continue this discussion after, privately.” He led the way out of the room.
Lady Olivia accepted Captain Bryce’s arm before Peverill could cross the room, and they followed Simeon. A slight smile hovered over her mouth. Alyssa allowed Aaron to escort her. His arm was rigid under her fingers and cords in his neck stood out prominently as they left the room. A shocked Councillor Peverill and Jennery followed on behind.
The pavilion was full of seated dignitaries; councillors from the Grove, Lord William from Marchwood and Lord Marcus from East Watch were also present, seated together with their wives and talking intently. Garrick stood at the back amongst the household staff, a heavy frown on his face. Reid ceremoniously led Simeon to the front of the stage and faced the audience.
“Quiet, please,” he called out. “We are about to begin the service for the confirmation of Lord Simeon of Greenswatch.” He bowed to Simeon before stepping away.
Alyssa scowled as a tall dark-haired man joined Simeon. She turned around to the man seated behind her. “Councillor, who is that?”
“Councillor Meritas, he brings great momentum to our council.” He smiled benevolently before he sat back.
Alyssa watched in confusion, numbly listening to the travesty of a service. Her eyes filled with tears as Simeon vowed to keep the rule of the council and swore fealty of Greenswatch not to the King and Lady, but to the council. She bit her lip and clenched her fists, concentrating on keeping her seat; she wanted to launch herself at Simeon and shake some sense into him. How had it come to such a pass? How could Greenswatch be brought to its knees so effortlessly?
“So be it, in the name of the council,” Meritas finally proclaimed. “I give you Lord Simeon of Greenswatch. The council looks forward to a strong and prosperous union.”
Alyssa stood, unable to keep her seat any longer, and confronted her brother. “Congratulations, Lord Simeon, Councillor Meritas.” She held herself rigidly; if she relaxed, she wouldn’t be able to control her growing despair. Her jaw ached with the effort. “But haven’t you forgotten something?” she bit out.
Simeon stiffened. “Not now, Alyssa.”
“If not now, then when?” Her voice cut through the silence. She turned to the room, pale and stern. “Isn’t there something missing? Was the Lady’s blessing for Greenswatch invoked and accepted? If so, I fear I missed it in all the councillor’s smooth words.”
Lord William rose from his seat. “Lady Alyssa is correct. I was surprised at the lack myself, and at this location.” He glanced up at the canvas awnings. “I fear that your Watch is exposed, Lord Simeon, and that puts the rest of us at risk in turn.”
Simeon drew himself up, his cheeks flushed as he addressed the Marchwood lord. “I think that Lady Alyssa is overwrought with recent events, and certainly behind the times – as it seems is Lord William. The council’s voice is ascendant here in Greenswatch.” He drew in a slow breath. “Councillor Meritas will be pleased to explain it to you.”
“Oh, that will not be necessary. I understand completely,” Lord William said before retaking his seat, nodding at Lady Alyssa.
Councillor Meritas stood forward, frowning at the lord. “Ladies and gentlemen, please.” He waved towards the exit. “Lord Simeon invites you to accept the hospitality of Greenswatch, and to join him in celebration of his confirmation.”
A murmur rose as the audience slowly filed out. Jennery fell in beside Lord William. “Lord William, Lady Imelda,” he said. “You risk much, my lord; best keep your men close. Remember what happened to Lord Hugh.”
“Lady protect us in these trying times,” Lord William intoned, placing his hand over his heart. “As the Lady wishes so that it will be, but leaving that child to face those usurpers on her own – I just couldn’t do it.” William inspected Jennery. “What unit are you? I don’t recognise the uniform.”
“Lieutenant Jennery of the King’s Guard, seconded for the duration to Captain Haven of the Lady’s Guard, sir,” Jennery said. “I am escorting Lady Alyssa to Old Vespers later today with Captain Bryce of Stoneford. Maybe we should travel together, at least until we reach the East Road,” he suggested as Garrick approached them.
“Liaise with Roberts, he’s the captain of my guards.” He indicated a bluff man standing behind them.
“I’ll leave you in the safe hands of Garrick here,” Jennery said as he and Roberts sized each other up as they entered the grand hall. The musicians were playing a lively dance.
“Your lord just painted a huge target on his back,” Jennery murmured to Roberts as Lord William, Lady Imelda and Garrick traversed the hall, garnering much attention. Lady Imelda patted her husband’s arm and moved off to join Lady Olivia seated at a table by the wall. Captain Bryce was standing behind her.
Roberts looked resigned. “Nothing new there, he was a great friend of Lord Hugh. He’s been itching to say something ever since the news reached us. And then not to be invited to the Leaving.” Roberts spread his hands. “It was bound to happen. I brought an extra unit with us to make sure we make it home; they are camped north of the Grove.”
“Good. Unfortunately, you may need them.” Jennery scanned the room. Neither Alyssa nor Simeon were present, and nor was that smarmy councillor that Alyssa had taken such exception to. “Excuse me a moment.” Jennery skirted the dance floor.
“Bryce, did you see where Lady Alyssa went?” he asked as he reached Lady Olivia’s table. Olivia looked up in concern.
Bryce tilted his head towards the far exit. “She went through there with Lord Simeon.”
Jennery observed Simeon’s seneschal stop someone leaving and turn them back into the hall. He caught Roberts’ attention and signalled. Roberts drifted to the other end.
Lord William approached, his blue eyes alert. “What is the matter?”
Jennery grimaced. “I’m not sure, but the doors are all guarded, and no one is being allowed to leave.”
Lord William pinched his
