Chapter 96

  Present Day

  They stripped the bed of its dirty linen and Valirian carried it before him, whilst Sylvin held the tray of uneaten food. They returned the way Sylvin had entered, rather than risking travelling through the castle where Valirian’s face was well known. The guards paused Sylvin as he passed, and he watched Valirian stroll away as the guards picked through the plates on the tray.

  “He did not eat much,” the guard commented.

  “Not hungry,” Sylvin replied with a shrug.

  “I wouldn’t be either. His days are numbered,” the guard chuckled darkly. “Word is that the Princess is due to cross the channel at any time now, and when she comes, he will be burned to a crisp by the King’s dragons, just like every other traitor to the crown.”

  “Hmm,” Sylvin was impatient. Valirian had left his sight. “I am late,” he prompted them to release him. “I’ll get in trouble for taking too long.”