Forest Kingdom Trilogy 2 - Blood and Honor

still scowling, and rubbing his hands slowly together, as though they were bothered by a vague ache. 'Everything's getting out of hand, and I'm helpless to do anything about it. Ah well, just means we'll have to work harder, that's all. Roderik, they tell me Dominic's been busy at
    Court. Him and his tame bitch, Elizabeth. He's making too many friends. We can't allow that. You, actor!'
    'Yes, your highness?'
    'Do you think you're up to appearing as me at Court?'
    'I'm ready, your highness. What do you want me to do?'
    'Sway some of those fools at Court over to our side. Be calm and charming and persuasive. Promise them anything, for now. Roderik, dig up all the dirt you can on Dominic, and see that it reaches the right ears. If you can't find anything nasty enough, invent something. We haven't time to be fussy. Lewis has magic on his side, with Ironheart and the Monk. Dominic has Elizabeth's cunning, which is no less effective for all its deviousness. And both Lewis and Dominic have a great many guards and men-at-arms under their command. I have one company of guards, a little sorcery, and damn all support at Court. All of which means we have to work twice as hard, and twice as dirty, just to stay in the race.' He cocked a sardonic eye at Jordan. 'You look surprised, actor. My body may be ill, but I assure you that my mind is still sound. Gawaine!'
    'Yes, Sire.'
    'Talk to the unattached guards and men-at-arms. Sound out how many might be willing to fight for us, and how many more might be swayed by promises of loot or patronage. When you've done that, start thinking of ways to get at my dear brothers. I've no doubt their protection is as good as mine, if not better, but there's always the chance they've left some small opening we can take advantage of. I won't feel secure until Lewis and Dominic are dead and safely buried in their graves.'
    'You'd kill your own brothers?' said Jordan slowly.
    Viktor looked at him tiredly. 'My God, you're actually shocked. Listen, fool; either Lewis or Dominic is almost certainly responsible for the death of our father. He and I may have had our disagreements, but I was still fond of the old man, and I will avenge his murder. No matter what the cost. Besides, Dominic is barking mad, and always has been. And Lewis ... I think I'd prefer it if he was mad. It might make some of his excesses easier to stomach. I've no love for my brothers, actor. I know them too well. The world will be a better place for their passing.' Viktor suddenly stopped and smiled crookedly. 'And anyway, they stand between me and the throne. I've waited a long time for this chance,
    and I won't be stopped now, not by anything or anyone. I will sit upon the throne of Redhart if I have to see all the corridors of this Castle awash in blood to do it!' He broke off suddenly, racked by a long coughing fit. Heather spoke to him softly and comfortingly, and dabbed the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief. Viktor finally got himself under control again and sank back in his chair, his eyes closed.
    When he spoke again, his voice was quiet and very tired. 'Roderik, Gawaine; get me the crown and the seal. I've had enough excuses, I want results. Get them; I don't care how. Spend as much as you need to, kill as many as you have to. Heather, I'm tired. Get me out of here. I'm tired . . .'
    'Of course, darling. You lean on Gawaine and me, and we'll get you back to your new quarters.'
    Between them, she and Gawaine got Viktor to his feet again, and Heather pulled the cowl forward so that it hid his features. They left the room in silence, and the door closed quietly behind them. Jordan looked at Roderik.
    'So that's Prince Viktor.'
    'Yes. What did you think of him?'
    'He's certainly . . . determined. Is he really being poisoned?'
    'No,' said DeGrange flatly. 'The food comes from Argent's personal supplies. He's even tasted it himself, in Viktor's presence. The Prince is flinching at shadows.'
    'And now, if you'll excuse us for a moment,' said Roderik, 'Brion and I need to discuss Viktor's instructions, so we'll leave you to settle into your new quarters. We won't be gone long, and the guards will stay outside your door to see that you're not disturbed. If you need anything, there's a bellpull by the fireplace. Someone will come when you call.'
    'Fine by me,' said Jordan. 'I think I'll do a little exploring. I've never seen a room with so many doors. If I'm not back in an hour, send a pack of hounds in to look for