Forest Kingdom Trilogy 2 - Blood and Honor

wouldn't start anything. Not in front of the
    Court. There'd be too many witnesses if he lost. From everything you've told me, Prince Viktor's fire magic is very impressive. If Dominic was confident enough of his magic to fight a duel with me he'd have done it by now, or even years ago, when the two of us first quarrelled over Elizabeth. He didn't. Mind you, Viktor didn't either, which suggests that back then he wasn't sure. My using fire was a calculated bluff, and it seems to have paid off. You're right, though - I am pushing it. I don't have any other choice.
    I've got to come on as strong and confident as I can, or there'll be challengers and assassins crawling out of the woodwork. In the meantime, I need you to back me up. Keep your hand near that axe of yours, and glare at anyone who gets too close.'
    'Yes, your highness.'
    Gawaine said nothing more, but Jordan got the impression he was pleased. Jordan felt a little more relaxed, now that he was finally getting a feel for the part he was playing. His problem was that he'd been basing his characterisation on second-hand views and a brief meeting with a man who was clearly very ill.
    By playing the role as he felt it should be played, he was doing much better. So far. What happened next would depend on what the Regent had to say when he finally deigned to show up. Jordan felt very definitely that he needed more advice on that. Where the hell were Roderik and DeGrange? Even Argent's unsmiling face would have been something of a relief. The main doors swung open and Jordan looked round eagerly, but it was only the Lady Heather. He quickly hid his disappointment as the herald announced her, and smiled broadly at Heather. She gave him a smile that would have melted the heart of a lesser man, and hurried over to join him. He kissed her outstretched hand, and she fluttered her eyelashes at him.
    'Don't overdo it,' muttered Gawaine.
    'Don't fuss,' said Heather, not taking her eyes off Jordan. She took his arm and looked around her. 'Roderik thought you might need a little help and support. He can't be here himself; he's staying with Viktor to keep him company. Viktor insisted. 1 le doesn't like being left on his own. The poor dear hates being ill. I see Lewis and that creepy Dominic are here. Have you met (hem yet?'
    'We've had a few words,' said Jordan, casually. 'I think I've (jot them both nicely rattled, and just a little bit off balance.'
    'So I should hope, actor.'
    Jordan took her hand in his and squeezed it hard. 'I'm Viktor, I leather. In public, I'm always Viktor. Got it?'
    'You're hurting me!'
    'Got it?'
    'Yes, yes, I've got it. Now let go of my hand before the fingers start dropping off.' Jordan let go, and Heather shot him a puzzled U,h\re as she massaged her aching hand. 'You didn't have to be so rough about it, darling. A simple reminder would have been enough.'
    'Just remember that a slip-up at the wrong moment could get us all killed.' Jordan glared at the closed main doors. 'Have you seen DeGrange anywhere? Or Argent?'
    'No. Have you said anything to Elizabeth yet? How did she lake it? Did she suspect anything?'
    'I had a few words with her, and put her in her place. She didn't take to that at all.'
    'Good,' said Heather firmly. 'She can be a rotten cow, that one. I've never known such airs and graces.
    And you should hear how she treats her servants. No, as soon as Viktor is safely on the throne, the Lady Elizabeth is going to have a very nasty and very fatal accident.'
    Jordan looked at her sharply, but said nothing for the moment. He was still trying to make up his mind about Heather. She talked like a lovesick teenager, but her eyes were the hardest .md most determined he'd ever seen. There was a sugar-coated niihlessness to her that appalled him. She certainly didn't make his job any easier. On the one hand he had to appear to be in love with her, while on the other there was no getting away from the fact that she made his flesh crawl.
    'Look at the Monk,' said Heather, clinging tightly to his arm. 'Isn't he the creepiest thing you've ever seen? Honestly, darling, I don't think Lewis should be allowed to have him. He's obviously Unreal. The only reason the Steward hasn't had a go at him is because Lewis has taken him under his personal protection.' She turned imperially to Gawaine. 'Get me a drink, Gawaine, there's a dear. My throat is absolutely parched.'
    Gawaine looked at Jordan, who nodded and held out his own empty glass for a refill. The