The King's Traitor (The Kingfountain Series Book 3) by Jeff Wheeler Read Free Book Online Page B

hostage to join the palace. Iago and Elysabeth’s eldest, their daughter, Genevieve. She’s taken a fancy to your son,” he added with a bittersweet smile. “They have been playfellows. Severn will bring her to the palace. I was wondering if you would look after her. She may be frightened being so far away from Edonburick.”
    Kathryn’s expression changed to one of sympathy and delight. “Of course I will! Dear child, of course! I will do all that I can to help her. Thank you, Owen, for thinking of me. It would help me endure the loneliness better.”
    Owen smiled, pleased by her reaction. “Thank you. Now for the bitter tidings.” He started to pace, as he usually did while mulling through all of his problems. How best to introduce the next bit of news?
    “I don’t like your countenance,” she told him worriedly.
    “You shouldn’t,” he said with a grunt. “The king has ordered Etayne and me to leave the palace. In fact, we’ll be leaving the kingdom shortly on a mission of . . . oh, how should we put this?” He gave Etayne a pleading look.
    “Diplomacy,” she supplied with a smirk.
    “That’s as good a word as any other. I’m going to threaten the Duchess of Brythonica. Etayne was ordered to go with me.”
    Kathryn’s face blanched and then she started to tremble. “You’re leaving me alone with him ,” she said in a subdued, terrified voice.
    The look on her face made his stomach twist into knots. “Yes, I’m afraid that’s true,” he said softly.
    Kathryn walked a few steps to a table and planted her palms on the flat surface, her shoulders quivering. “Both of you must go?” she asked pleadingly.
    “The king orders it,” Owen said helplessly. “I do not think we will be gone for long. You must be strong , Kathryn. You know the king has power in his voice. You must not let him touch you, even for a moment.”
    Her eyes were squeezed shut. “You don’t know what it’s like,” she whispered thickly. “It’s all I can do to keep my wits about me when he’s near. Etayne is so much better at deception.” She opened her eyes and turned, looking pleadingly at the poisoner. “I’m not as strong as you are.”
    Etayne looked at her sadly. “You must be, Kathryn. You must stand up to him on your own.”
    Kathryn looked as if she would collapse on the floor. “The only thing that keeps me from succumbing,” she whispered, “is imagining my son with the crown on his head.” Her breath started to quicken. “I can’t do this. I can’t endure it!”
    Etayne shot Owen a worried look as he stood there helplessly and then she gave him a look that said he was being about as helpful as a brick. Etayne walked up to Kathryn and held her, gently stroking her back, the black silk fabric rustling softly.
    “You can deceive him,” Etayne said soothingly. “I know it’s against your nature. But you must do it. You must practice. When he comes to visit you, you always stiffen up and become so distant. Be courteous. I’m not asking you to flirt with him. But smile. Stop looking at him as if he’s a beast.”
    “He is a beast,” Kathryn whispered desperately. “Even though the deconeus pronounced the marriage invalid, I told the king it was valid to me . Yet he persists in lavishing gifts. He’s determined to conquer me. I can’t . . . I can’t endure much more of this.” She gave Owen a pleading look, her cheeks wet with tears. “I’m breaking apart inside. I don’t need wealth. I don’t desire to be queen anymore. I miss Atabyrion with all my heart. Can you not just find a little cottage somewhere? A place where Eyric and Andrew and I can be a family together?” She broke away from Etayne’s embrace and gestured to the opulent chamber. “I do not need any of this! I’d be happier as a fisherman’s wife in Brugia than here. Please, Owen! Can you not make us disappear?”
    Every time he met with Kathryn, it pained him more and more. “Do you think there is anywhere I could