Read Online Dark Haven by Gail Z. Martin - Free Book Online

to buy and barter grain from Dhasson and Principality. There still might be. And now, with war coming—”
    “Is that certain?”
    Tris sighed and nodded. “There’s no getting around it, I’m afraid. Sweet Chenne, I wish there were. Father never trusted Lord Curane. He always thought Curane was too friendly with Trevath.” Trevath, Margolan’s neighbor to the south, had a long and bitter history of border disputes and attempts to meddle in Margolan’s affairs. That it shared the kingdom of Nargi’s 54

    affection for the Crone, one of the Lady’s dark Aspects, made Trevath even more suspect.
    “You think he’s getting support from Trevath? Would Trevath be that bold?”
    “Don’t forget—Jared was father’s son with Eldra, and Eldra was from Trevath. Arranged marriage to keep the peace.” Tris made a face.
    “You can see how well that worked. So while we don’t have any evidence that Trevath supported Jared’s coup, he might have been able to create an alliance that benefited Trevath through Eldra’s family.
    “The generals are suspicious,” Tris said. “That’s their job. We already know Jared tried to ally with Nargi. The only thing Nargi and Trevath hate more than each other is Mar‐golan. We can’t afford to have them team up against us. And it would be like Trevath to take advantage by backing Curane.” He looked into the fire. “What we know for sure is that some of Jared’s top generals—the ones who ordered the village massacres—are being harbored by Curane. The.
    Sisterhood believes he’s giving shelter to dark mages. And then there’s Jared’s bastard to worry about.” “Damn.”
    Jared had been notorious for his promiscuity. Many of the nobles’ daughters had been among his willing paramours. But Lord Curane had seen a way to profit from Jared’s lusts, and had willingly supplied his own granddaughter, a girl barely of marriageable age, for Jared’s pleasures.
    Even before Tris had battled Jared for the throne, rumor had it that Curane had whisked his granddaughter—pregnant with Jared’s child—into hiding. The girl and her newborn son were said to be in Curane’s holdings. That alone was reason enough for war.
    “Although I don’t mind being confessor to the king,” Carroway said with a sly grin, “it really isn’t why I came. You’re hard to catch, and your royal wedding planner has a few questions.” Now that he was back in his role as court minstrel, Carroway had lost no opportunity to dress in the sumptuous style that had always been his signature. With Carroway’s blue‐black long hair and long lashes over light blue eyes, the minstrel was handsome almost to the point of beauty. Since 55

    Tris was now betrothed, Carroway remained one of the court’s most eligible bachelors.
    Tris finished his cup of tea, wishing fervently that he had had another dose of the headache potion.
    “Before Soterius comes to get me for the trials, tell me about plans for the wedding. I could use some good news.”
    “I found a minstrel troupe that just spent a year in Isencroft, so I’ve got them busy teaching our bards and musicians everything they can about the latest music and the most fashionable dances there. One of them can cook, too, so I’ve gotten him to teach the kitchen staff to make some dishes Kiara might like. Found a merchant with the last caravan who knows what the styles have been there, and promised to design costumes for the entertainers in the Isencroft tradition. As for the food—”
    “We can’t justify feasting in the palace when the villagers are hungry. The last thing we need is a revolt. Please, keep the wedding as simple as you can.”
    Carroway looked at him in mock exasperation. “I finally get to plan a royal wedding, and I’ve got to watch the budget,” he sighed. “But you’re right: On the other hand, you’re going to have a house full of royalty—we don’t dare look like we’re struggling to pay the musicians.”
    “I have no