Chapter 20 [Mercia—Cenred's Castle]
Constance slipped out of Shadows' concealment. Her eyes surveyed the empty passage. Sarcasm's snort escaped her lips. Purpose required Haste. She waved her hands. Canary flashed in her eyes. Appearance shimmered.
Morgause savored Opportunity's offering. Schemes and Strategy brought positive outcomes. Death had claimed Kay and Uther. Arthur and Mithian were at odds with their respective courts' policies. Their loyal supporters languished in exile. Anarchy was but a slight push away for both kingdoms. She strutted down the passage. Her boots echoed against Granite underneath.
Two Cawdorian knights stepped away from the throne chamber's door.
Her smirk only widened. She pushed the door open.
Cenred wheeled around. His lip curled. He savored his latest trophy. "My Lady Morgause. Back so soon?"
"Our ends are accomplished, Cenred. There was no further need to linger there." She rubbed her hands together. "Kay is dead as well. Camelot and Nemeth are without proven heirs. The old physician sends two knights to Camelot. Of course, they will have to ride along the north road."
Anticipation glittered in his eyes. A grin spread across his face. Canary Feathers could almost be seen sprouting from his mouth. "Of course. My warriors will destroy the bridge. Perhaps you can make the Severn impassable?"
"I believe I know just the thing." Triumph elicited a nod. "And what of our guests?"
He sniffed. "Leon is chained up in the dungeon. Meleagant should receive his lieutenant any time now." He glanced at Uther's corpse. "He does not tolerate failure. I hear he wants the Princess for his own bed."
"Aye. What we want is not what we get. Is it?" She shrugged off the point. "When will your men be ready to march?"
"They prepare as we speak." He gulped from a goblet. "Perhaps you would care to rest or eat? We leave at First Light."
"I would welcome a meal." She followed him out of the chamber and toward the dining chamber.
Plots spun….