Chapter 108

“I will ring for service from my room,” he said to Tristan and disappeared, leaving Tristan alone with the child.

“So, how old are you really, Ollie?” he asked, sitting beside him at a careful distance.

“Twelve.”

“And who really sent you?”

The child fidgeted. “Bill Mosely, but please don’t tell that I told you that, please.”

“Word of honour,” Tristan said, and drew a cross over his heart. “Well, at least that’s that sorted.” Tristan smiled at him but inside his heart was thumping and his head racing. Bill Mosely, here?

“Are you really a lord?” Ollie said, glancing up at Tristan.

“I am. Actually, I’m an earl,” Tristan said with a small smile.

“Do you know the king?”

“I have met him on occasion, but I don’t think I could claim him as a friend.”

“Do you live in a palace like this?”

Tristan scratched his head. “I do rather. Where do you live?”

“I live on a farm. It’s just a little way from here on the way to Hinton. Do you like men then?”