“Elymas has been killing his replacements almost from the time he became Skyll,”  Nan Maura’s voice was hollow. “I’m seen them in dreams from which I couldn’t awaken. Sweet faces of angels frozen in death.” She paused to look at the Queen. “Laveth, if I’m not to take the child to Ron Jonna then who—” she stopped in mid-sentence, looking as though she wished to bite her tongue. She looked at Mirella and shouted, “NO!”

            “Yes,” said the Queen. All maternal softness was gone from her face. In its place was determination, compelling and hard.

            “Me?” asked Mirella.

            “You know the way, Mirella, you said so yourself, and you are young. I will arrange it this very evening if you say yes.”

            “This evening?” Nan Maura was shocked. “That’s impossible!”

            “My Queen, I am yours to command,” Mirella curtsied, then,. “Is it possible?”

            “Impossible, no. Difficult, yes.” The Queen answered truthfully. “My son is young and used to tender care, but you know the way and the snows have not yet come. New arrangements may prove to be more difficult. Nan Maura, I’m counting on your help.”

            The nurse nodded through her tears. Her mettle had vanished. Mirella knew her anger would return, undoubtedly directed at her, but for the moment she was just an old woman filled with sorrow. 

            Mirella said nothing, staring down at the bundle now laid on the bed. The prince stared up at her trustingly. He was a good baby, not given to squalling, though there’d been some trouble with colic. Soon, she’d be all he knew of a mother, and she barely remembered her own. She tried to tear her face away from the baby’s clear-eyed gaze, but couldn’t.

“Go now to the stables and tell the stablemaster to have ready a coach and four,” The Queen instructed her. “I’m make a quick appearance at the feast, but leave as soon as I can.”

            “How will you explain my leaving?” asked Mirella. Bresca would be curious, thrilled to have her out of the way, but curious. “If anyone asks, that is.”

            The Queen tilted her head and almost smiled. “I’ll tell them you were a lovesick girl and I sent you home.”

            Mirella face reddened. Had the Queen seen her innermost thoughts? No matter. Soon, after today, she’d never see Oren Hunter again.