Mom gave Russal a raised brow which seemed tosubdue his exuberance then nodded at Dad before heading to theirchambers.
Kambry and Russal followed them with curiousgazes. Russal tried to swing their arms, but Kambry held hersstiffly by her side. He gave into her seriousness in action only, agrin still present on his face.
The door closed behind them, and Dad steppedinside the parlor, a room done in creams and browns, with swatchesof red and umber accenting pillows and drapes. Autumn seemed todefine the room, though summer streamed in through the windows.
Mom huffed and sat down on a brown- andcream-striped chair. “As much as it was disconcerting to see thatdisplay in the hallway, it was an improvement over last night.”
“There’s not a scratch on him, darling,”added Dad in mock disbelief.
So everyone knew that Russal angered her lastnight. No wonder Burty said they had improved morale.
Russal’s grin flattened out. He leaned in andwhispered, “This won’t be worse than the Laurentses, will it? Awoman’s parents have never taken me to task before, and you’re mywife.”
“We only have to worry if Mom takes me intothe kitchen.”
Russal snorted, and Mom’s straight backsoftened.
“What did you do to make my daughterunhappy?” One evening in Lady Laurents’ presence and Mom waschanneling directness.
Russal took a seat on a divan and pulledKambry down beside him. “I assumed I could tell the queen she wasto remain behind while I checked on the state of the kingdom and myguards. She did not take it well. I’ve apologized and am working myway back into her graces.”
A tension Kambry hadn’t realized she wasfeeling dissolved. He hadn’t said a word about Covey. She wonderedif he had told Lord Laurents. It didn’t matter, Lady Laurents wouldinform him. What would her parents think if they’d known he had away of entering the royal chambers? Kambry looked at Russal. Had healready taken steps to keep Covey out of their residence in thefuture?
Russal gave her a quick look. Curiosityflickered in his eyes, but he returned his attention to herparents. “We’re more interested in how you two are. You had anunsettling adventure in the maze.”
“About that,” Mom said, giving Russal a sternglare. “Where were the guards?”
Kambry stiffened. She’d forgotten aboutGordy.
Russal took her hand and rubbed it betweenhis own. “Someone ambushed the guard assigned to you.”
How could she tell Dad it was Gordy?
“I hope the guard is recovered,” Dad said. Hestepped behind Mom’s chair and lay his hands on her shoulders. “Itwas disconcerting to battle on our own, but now we understand whyno one came to our aid until Gardener Konnelby showed up.”
Mom patted his hand on her shoulder. “Heswung that shovel like a madman. I’m amazed the fellow could standthe blow.”
Dad laughed. “Konnelby was rattled, aswell.”
“I must reward him,” said Russal. “I rarelyexpect my hedge trimmers to protect the queen’s parents.”
Kambry swatted his arm. “He’s a mastergardener and designed the new maze, hardly a hedge trimmer.”
“Hardly a swordsman, either.” Russal laughedand leaned his chin on his finger. “Perhaps I’ll gift him with agolden shovel. It will be useful and symbolic.”
“Perhaps I’ll just carry a shovel around withme,” Dad said. He drew his shoulders up and back. “We’ve allowedyou to derail the conversation, but I would like to know that allis well between you two.”
Kambry chewed her lip. She didn’t have it inher to assert that they had resolved their issue.
Russal was equally silent. His fingerscaressed hers, his thigh warm even through her dress. “We visitedGordy this morning,” Kambry said.
Perplexed, Dad looked back and forth betweenKambry and Russal. “You rose early to visit your guard. I realizehe is high ranking and trained Kambry, but this is a day ofcelebration. Shouldn’t you be making the rounds with yoursubjects?”
“Speaking of guards,” Kambry said. “Where isJustinia? I assigned her squad to the both of you.”
“Kambry,” Russal said, his voice soft. “Arethey any different from you? The do Kon and Gordy are friends.”
Dad stepped away from Mom. His broad figureno longer a concerned father. “Kambry.”
She gazed at Dad and took a settling breath.“Gordy was injured. His daughters are caring for him. It will beweeks, perhaps months before he recovers.”
Mom was by his side at once. “Brode, go seehim.”
“I will.” He cupped her hand where shepressed it on his arm. “You’ll come with me?”
“Of course.”
Russal looked at Kambry, and she eyed him,trying not to be smug. “I’ll write the address,” he said.
“I will, Russal.” She spied a writing deskwith inkwell and headed toward it. “I don’t think Dad can read yourwriting.”
Russal feigned offense. “It’s not thatbad.”
“Not for those familiar with it,” she saidover her shoulder as she pulled out a drawer and searched forparchment.
“You weren’t familiar with it, and you couldread it.”
“I’m a scribe. I can read anything.” Shewrote the address and dusted the ink.
Mom sighed. “I think they’ve worked out thedetails, dear. Let’s get our things and go see your friend.”
Kambry turned, the sheet in her hand. “You’releaving us?”
“You’re not children.” Dad headed to theirroom, and Mom followed. “We’ll see you later, perhaps for dinner ifwe’re back by then.”
They returned after a moment. Kambry andRussal had yet to stir. “Still here?” Mom asked and went to a tableand picked up her gloves and a hat. She pulled the parchment fromKambry’s fingers.
Dad headed to the door, stopping and turningto look at Russal. “You, come with me. We’ll talk briefly.”
Russal gave Kambry a resigned look, and shechuckled and waved him on.
“You’re lucky it’s a long way to thekitchen,” he said in to her ear as he passed her and followed Dadto the door.
Mom stopped at her side long enough to kissher cheek and continue to the door.
Maybe they both had something to say toRussal. Kambry sat down and gazed about the room, trying not toremember the bandage wrapped around Gordy’s head. They’d given Dadlittle warning.
A floorboard creaked behind her, and sheglanced over her shoulder
