A Nymph Without Mercy
XXVI

Garrick knew it had been coming. He had used far too much foxglove forany result other than death to eventually have followed.

But hearing the words of confirmation left him almost numb, and he foundhimself preoccupied with what Mairi might need of him.

Bonnie appeared close to hysterics and he ushered her in firmly. “I amcertain this whole messy business was frightening to you. You will therefore goto your husband and you will cry. But you should have considered your futurerole before Cyrus suggested this plan! And you will not ruin it by giving us anymore undue attention. It will only leadto further suspicions than any of us can afford.”

The girl nodded fervently and she took a few steadying breaths. “Ofcourse, m’lord.”

He did not correct her. It would take time for her to become accustomedto her new position as Cyrus’s wife in public, her manners of servitudeingrained from long years of labour and deference.

Her husband would have to be patient with her as she faced the nobleswho would undoubtedly scorn her. At least in the beginning. She would have toprove her quality and ability to learn, taking her authority instead of bowingand begging for the respect that was necessary for her new station.

But she was not hisresponsibility.

“Tell Cyrus that I will require a private audience. There are a fewmatters that still have need of his attention.”

She nodded but seemed too exhausted to form any further enquiries sowith a quickly bobbed curtsey she closed the door, seemingly to replace comfort inthe arms of her husband.

Much as it was his duty to soothe his own wife should the news proveoverly taxing.

She had witnessed his violent profession before and had accepted it farmore readily than he ever would have imagined.

But this was different. For the affront had been personal and so had theconsequence, and no matter how he felt it was justified, it was reasonable topresume she would be upset by its necessity.

He did not know what to expect when he turned to study his Mairi.

She was sitting amongst the bedclothes, her dress hastily donned and noteven laced in the back. Her posture was rather huddled with her chin restingupon her knees as she stared at him almost blankly.

He took a tentative step forward.

“Mairi?”

She blinked. “You think me so pure and innocent. Does that mean I amterribly wicked if I am glad? Does that mean I am tainted somehow because ofhim that I should be so?”

Garrick strode quickly to her side, tugging at her arms until she wasgathered into his embrace, still slightly stiff but softening the more hecoaxed and soothed. “Never. Never could you be, not because of me and notbecause of him. If there had been another way to keep this world safe from himyou would have begged me to accept such an alternative. But there was none, andyou know that good shall come from his demise.”

She shuddered and released a hiccupping sob that sent an ache throughhis heart.

Too many times he had dried her tears in these past days.

Too many times had she felt fear and loneliness.

No more.

They would leave this day, of that he knew.

He finished dressing quickly. His did not don his armour but insteadleft it in its neat pile. He could not appear as if he sought to flee, nomatter how much he wished to do precisely that.

Mairi stared at him with wide eyes. It would be simpler to leave herbehind, but as she watched him with that hollowed expression he knew he couldnot allow her to remain here alone. So he eased her off of the bed and tendedto the laces of her gown, plying her with soft kisses as he did so, hopefullytangible reminders that all would soon be well.

She nearly collapsed against him, so strong was her gratitude when heplaced his cloak about her shoulders and led her through to the outdoors.

“Are we leaving now? You have left your armour behind...”

He grimaced, hating to disappoint her. “Nay, Mairi, not quite yet. Wemust first see to Callum and about your new things. Then I must know forcertain that there is a home waiting for us to christen.”

She smiled sadly and held firm to his hand, and he gave it a gentlesqueeze of encouragement.

She should not fight any wisps of happiness she could replace. Not becauseof this.

The air was cool but the sun rose steadily. Flags that usually held the crestof the reigning house had been replaced with black banners. Peasantry had begunto gather for the continuation of the games only to have servants sent into thethrongs to announce of the king’s passing.

Most stared in disbelief, but Garrick noted with some satisfaction thatnone appeared horrified by the prospect.

It was a rare thing for a sovereign to be beloved by his people.

This one had not even made the attempt.

Garrick passed a grumbling lad, one who evidently had been lookingforward to another rousing day of jousts and swordplay, only to be disappointedat the abrupt halt to the games.

“Which way to the smithy?”

The boy pointed down a lane, and as they approached Garrick grewencouraged by the black smoke that billowed from the forge. There was a plainbut well kempt house beside it, and as they stood before it Garrick couldplainly hear hacking coughs from within.

He frowned and turned to his wife.

“You shall remain here. I do not know what types of sickness affect onesuch as you but will not risk it.”

She shook her head. “If there is risk of infection then I will not have you risking it either. I would rather usbe free for a lifetime than to try to force our departure and you perish in theendeavour.”

He made to argue, to remind her that it was his duty to see to her protection when a man came out of thestable, cursing as soot quite thoroughly covered his person. “Damn that foolboy! What’s he been doin’ while I’ve been abed?”

He stopped suddenly as he noticed Garrick and Mairi in the yard, and hewiped his hands carefully on his leather apron. “M’lord, m’lady. Can I helpya?”

Garrick tucked Mairi slightly behind him, unwilling to have her near theman should he still exhibit symptoms. “Are you better then?”

The man shrugged. “Well enough. The work still needs doin’ and I’mstrong enough to raise my hammer. The wife’s got it now though but she’d ratherme see to my tasks than wait on her. Says I make her nervous with all myfussin’.”

He was a gruff and burly man, evidently used to hard work and long days.He looked slightly shrunken from his sick days, but Garrick felt confident thathe was well enough to see to Callum’s shoe without much issue.

“My horse is at the king’s stable and his shoe is loose. We have beenunable to depart as we intended as none could fix it.”

He did attempt to keep the accusation from his voice but he was notcertain he was successful. The tug Mairi gave at his sleeve confirmed that hestill posited some blame.

The smithy rubbed his neck and looked genuinely contrite. “I’m terriblesorry, m’lord. The lad’s only just begun and I’ll start teachin’ him rightquick so this will not happen again should you pass this way.”

Garrick held his tongue from providing his vehement denial that he wouldever willingly return to this dratted kingdom.

He swiftly fetched his tools and followed a few paces behind them. Garricksupposed he was being courteous, but knowing a man wielding a hammer was only afew steps behind left him distinctly uncomfortable.

He kept many of his senses focused on any sounds of hurried approach butthey returned to the stable without incident, his worry for naught.

Garrick wanted to go to Cyrus immediately and receive word on theavailability of the house. He had purposefully kept from enquiring or listeningto gossip regarding his parents over the years, and he supposed it wasplausible that his father still lived and could claim ownership.

A matter easily rectified, but even now he felt a twinge of conscienceat the thought.

He wanted a different life.

He wanted something quiet and happy with his little nymph at his side,not one bathed in blood and secrecy.

Callum however was not pleased by the burly man grabbing hold of his legand he reared with a frightened and indignant neigh of displeasure.

Garrick approached slowly. “There now, Callum, that is quite enough ofthat. You have had a smithy look after you before and nothing dreadfuloccurred.”

The stable boy came forward cautiously with an apple core in his handand he offered it to Garrick sheepishly. “Would this help?”

Callum eyed it warily but his stomach overruled his trepidation for heallowed the blacksmith to manipulate his foreleg while he munched on the treat.

“Ungrateful lout.”

He merely blinked placidly at Garrick’s insult.

“Aye, ‘twas wise not to use him. One good ride and the shoe would havecome clean off. And would be a pity for such a beaut’ like him to go lame fromsomething so simple.”

Garrick rubbed Callum’s neck soothingly as the smithy worked, and soonhis shoe was fastened properly with promise of more oats and a good brushingbefore they departed.

For whether he took her to his shabby little cottage or to his ancestralhome, they would not spend another night in this kingdom.

The castle was sombre, despite the enmity that Garrick suspected many ofthe servants felt toward their employer. A few of the nobles did indeed appearmorose at the turn of events, and as Garrick led Mairi to the throne room hecaught many whispers of their shock and dismay that he should have perished.

It took a good deal of self-control for Garrick not to glare at them fortheir absurdity.

The man was not worth mourning, no matter what they thought.

He did manage to glean that the king was violently ill before his death,and although there were brief mentions of it possibly being unnatural—mostly bywide eyed ladies who seemed to enjoy the prospect—it was supposed that thesuckling pig had some kind of taint, apparently not uncommon in these parts.

Cyrus looked harried, surrounded by older men that Garrick supposed werecounsellors of some sort. The fact that they let Drostan onto the throne at allbelied any wisdom they might have relayed.

He appeared visibly relieved at Garrick’s approach, and he wanted tocuff him.

“Lord Garrick! I believe you are here to settle your account. My unclenever did receive opportunity to provide you with your full payment.”

Garrick’s lip curled. “Indeed.”

He was not seated on the throne but instead utilised a rather plainchair lower on the dais. Garrick briefly wondered if it was for appearances orif he truly was wary of taking the throne that by all rights should have beenhis long before.

Not that it truly mattered to him. Cyrus might prove a more faithfulhusband than the previous king, but Garrick had no illusions that he wouldprove capable of justice in all things. A place of authority rarely pleased allparties, and it was only a matter of time before either the peasantry ornobility voiced their upset at his regulations.

Garrick would be satisfied watching from afar.

But now Cyrus rose and pushed through the clerics and noblemen whosought his attention, striding forward and ushering them through to a smallantechamber.

“They are demanding I see to the funeral arrangements!”

Garrick crossed his arms. “Would you prefer he remain in his bedchamberuntil he rots?”

Cyrus glared, but with a lone eyebrow raised in question he seemed todeflate. “I did not think it would be like this. I have known all my life thatI would rule but I thought it would be by right, not because of a lie.”

To his surprise it was Mairi who interjected. “There is no lie; not inthis. You may grieve the man your uncle should have been and work to make yourkingdom a better place, your wife by your side. Surely it is not wrong todethrone tyranny.”

Cyrus hung his head, and Garrick could easily see the guilt taking holdof him. “Remember this feeling and may it make you a better ruler. There isnothing pleasant about death, no matter how justified it might be. But dwellingupon the past will only corrupt your future—and that is something that wouldtruly make this entire grisly business a waste.”

He nodded, and clearly required more comfort than Garrick was willing togive—or allow his Mairi to provide. He had spoken true that they had an accountto settle, and now would be their only opportunity. “What do you know of Endelmoor?”

His brow furrowed for a moment before he answered slowly, “The largeestate at the end of our boundaries? It has been in probate for some time.”

Garrick closed his eyes, relief flooding through him. It was a testamentto Cyrus’s education that he would have even known of the house, but all hecould think of was that this meant that his father had perished, and hopefullyhis mother with him.

“Was no other heir found?”

He had often wondered if they had more children after the blight ontheir marriage had departed when he fled their cruel ways. Did he have abrother or sister somewhere, forced to endure his same punishment for the sakeof inheritance and bloodline?

Cyrus shook his head. “It was a small family. I believe my grandfatherwas the one who appointed Johan to look after it upon the lord’s passing, butwithout proof that the legitimate heir was deceased...”

He glanced at Garrick then, and his eyes widened in surprise. “Was ityou?”

He ignored him. “I will accept the property as payment for this littleendeavour as well as forgive the amount your uncle owed me. Are you inagreement?”

Cyrus took a step back. “I can hardly pronounce a change in ownershipthat even my grandfather, a man widely respected, refused to! Especially not onthe same day my uncle...” He took a deep breath and regained his composure.“You do not think it would be suspicious? That a man known for his propensity formurder should ride away with the deed to an ancient estate on the same day asthe death of the king?”

Garrick rolled his eyes. “Your uncle announced that I was due payment,much as you have done. Before anydeath came to this household. I hardly think it a matter of grave concern lestI would not be demanding it!”

Mairi took his arm, reminding him of her presence as she whispered, “Garrick,there is little need to shout.”

He pursed his lips and huffed. “That is my payment. If it would sootheyour already rumpled conscience then know that I have a legal claim to the estate.You will replace no other man begging for his inheritance once you have placedyour seal upon the title.”

Cyrus blanched. “Does that mean you have... dispensed with the trueowner?”

Garrick’s patience was growing thin.

“Perhaps. In either regard, you are safe from further scrutiny. Think ofthis as your first official act—righting a grave wrong from years long past.”

He was quiet for a long moment, and to Garrick’s annoyance his gazesettled on Mairi. “Do you believe that I should allow you to return there? Isyour husband an honourable man who will do well by those tenants that stillinhabit the land?”

Garrick’s eyes narrowed. He had proved himself honourable by fulfillinghis word. The king was dead and their wives were safe from furtherharassment—surely that was sufficient.

But as he saw Mairi rise to her full height—as inconsequential as itmight be—and looked Cyrus in the eye, he saw the regal beauty that no one woulddare question. “My Garrick is of the finest quality. He believes in justice andfairness and if he asserts that his claim is genuine for this land, then youwould be in error to keep him from it.”

Garrick smirked over her shoulder and he watched with satisfaction asCyrus seemed to appreciate the unintended undercurrent of her words. She hadmeant that Cyrus himself would be dishonourable to keep the rightful heir fromhis ancestral lands, but he could clearly observe that the man well assumedthat Garrick had little qualms of dispensing with obstacles, no matter theirstation.

And Garrick would certainly not correct him.

“I will draft a letter then for you to provide the caretaker, assuringhim of your right to the property.” He glanced down at his smallest finger, agolden ring adorning the digit that had not been there before. “It seemsstrange that this was the first thing they gave to me upon news of his death.How quickly a kingdom embraces a new ruler upon the death of its previousmaster.” The signet ring was smooth and worn with age, although it fit well onCyrus’s finger, evidence of his birthright. “Do you think they shall be so swift to forget me?”

Garrick wrapped his arm about Mairi knowing their interlude was comingto a close.

“Kings are either remembered for their cruelty or their benevolence. Youmust decide which legacy you would rather leave behind.”

True to his word, Cyrus penned a short letter to Johan, a cleric whoapparently had been charged with overseeing the property until an heir could bepresented at court. And with a press of the signet upon the puddle of crimsonwax, Garrick was appointed with what had long since been denied him.

Cyrus handed him the paper, rolled neatly and fastened with yet anotherseal to prevent tampering. “I know you are anxious to depart but I wondered ifI might entreat you on one more matter. It shall be the last, I swear it.”

Garrick sighed heavily and eyed the door. His pocket nearly burned withhis restored inheritance and he did indeed desire to be free of this oppressivecastle. But Mairi was looking at Cyrus expectantly, almost as if she wished toput him further at ease.

“What is it you want?”

Cyrus fiddled with the stack of parchment, eyeing the door that led tothe throne room with obvious apprehension. “Will you remain until I haveannounced Bonnie as my wife? While many witnessed her... shaming, Drostanensured that he made her appear as a mistress and not my wife. I cannot allowher to remain a servant any longer, and I shall not deny her place by my side. Ifthings become dangerous, I do not know that there are guards who are loyal tomy new position.”

Garrick cocked his head. “And you think me loyal?”

Cyrus grimaced and gestured to his wife by his side. “I think you havean understanding of great love.”

Mairi rested her head against his chest, nestled as she was beside him.He glanced down at her, wishing to know her opinion. His first impulse was todeny the request as he had no desire to fend off the entirety of an unrulyguard, dismayed at learning their queen had been naught but a serving maid forthe whole of her existence.

“What say you, little nymph? Should you like to see the show?”

She nibbled her lip. “Will you be hurt?”

He chuckled lowly and gently tugged her lip free from her teeth. “Youstill doubt my skills. Perhaps a demonstration would not be remiss.”

He returned his attention to Cyrus, and nodded. “But you do it now. Iwish to be far from here by nightfall.”

The new king was visibly relieved. “Thank you.”

They returned to the throne room, the clerics and nobles from earlierevidently having argued in their absence if their red faces and stunted breathswere any reliable indication. “Your grace, the matter of your uncle’s funeralis of most pressing import!”

Cyrus ascended the steps of the dais, hesitating before the chair thathe had previously called his own. He glanced down at Garrick and Mairi for amoment before gathering his courage and climbed the rest of the stairs to themain throne.

No one uttered a word as he sat down.

“If someone would be so kind as to fetch Bonnie, I would be verypleased.” A lad bolted from the room, eager to enter the new master’s goodgraces. “Drostan’s funeral is of course of great import. But as my own dearfather’s funeral was long ago as well as that of my grandfather, I would begyou to leave me to my grief and make plans befitting the kind of man and kinghe was.”

They all blinked stupidly for a moment, looking between them as theytried to discern his sincerity. “Of course, your grace. We would be happy tosee to the arrangements.”

Cyrus relaxed slightly. “Excellent.”

The door opened quietly and the lad reappeared, this time with Bonnie intow. Garrick did not think she looked much improved from when he had seen herearlier that morning but at the very least she had put on a dress with lessholes in it and combed what little hair she still possessed.

Cyrus rose and beckoned her forward, his hand extended in greeting.“Come here, my love.”

Garrick watched with amusement as many aristocratic mouths dropped openat her approach, the very same girl that had been announced a whore amongsttheir ranks, now shuffling forward to her place by her husband. But despite hisappreciation for disrupting the ridiculous conventions that would have partedthem, he still kept careful guard to ensure none would make any violentattempts to disturb the union.

He held no great affection for the couple, but he was beginning to seethe world in slightly warmer terms. Their marriage had been foolhardy andpossibly even absurd for the good of the realm, but there was no mistaking theadoration that shone in both their eyes as their hands met and he presented herto the court.

“This is my wife, Bonnie, who is now to be Queen of Calidore. Are thereany objections?”

Garrick had never heard his voice sound so hard. When he had firstbroached the subject of his uncle’s murder, he had spoken calmly andunemotionally. But this...

This was a challenge.

And from the way they bowed their heads and whispered their fealty, thehapless beings that they were, Garrick knew that none would accept it.

One man in particular stepped forward, dressed in a long grey robe thatbespoke of his high rank. “You are the true born heir to the throne, yourgrace. May your marriage be prosperous and you be blessed with many sons.”

They left then, the image of Cyrus and Bonnie hand in hand before theirnew subject vivid in both their minds.

They purged their room of any remnants of belongings and bade a littleserving girl to bring them a basket of foodstuffs before returning to thestables and preparing Callum for the journey yet to come.

For Garrick was bringing his little nymph home.