Destiny by Fiona McIntosh Page B

headed here. Now quickly! Put this veil on and we leave.’
    Sarel made to open her jewel box by the bed.
    ‘Leave it! I have all we need. Come.’ She led the girl through two doors in her mother’s chamber to a short landing leading towards the stairs used by the servants.Hela opened one of the many storage cupboards on the landing used to replenish stocks of Sylven’s favourite perfume, soaps, bath oils and linens, which Hela alone held the key to. From inside she pulled two dull brown cloth bags.
    ‘This is all we take,’ she said. ‘Here, Sarel, carry one.’
    She ignored the question which she could see coming to the Queen’s lips and turned her back on her, taking her hand. Hela left no room for discussion or, indeed, argument. They moved swiftly—just short of running —down the stairs until they had reached the groundfloor, which led into a private courtyard.
    ‘Hela, the yard and the walls around it are guarded,’ Sarel voiced her thoughts aloud. But of course Hela would already know this.
    ‘I have taken care of it,’ Hela whispered. ‘The man on duty tonight is a friend. He is sweet on me, you could say,’ she added conspiratorially. ‘Mind me, Sarel. Say nothing, no matter what I say or you hear. Do you understand?’ It was said firmly, as mother to child. She was satisfied to see the young Queen nod behind her veils. ‘Come.’
    True enough, as they stepped outside, a guard immediately confronted them and then relaxed when he heard Hela’s voice.
    ‘Are we safe?’ she asked.
    ‘There’s some trouble in the square, or so I hear. I know nothing more but if you follow the old road, it should be clear,’ he said, grinning wolfishly at the veiled face of Hela. ‘Who knocked her up, then?’ he added, turning to Sarel.
    His blood would have frozen in his veins if he couldhave seen the chilled expression his new Queen wore beneath her veils. Sarel felt Hela’s hand tighten on her arm with reassurance as the maid answered him, a casual tone to her voice belying the tension she surely felt.
    ‘Stupid girl! She’s three months gone and showing—no idea who the father is. I fear she is simple in her head and so lies with anyone,’ she answered, playfully knocking Sarel’s shoulder with her own. ‘But her mother is a good friend of my mother’s and I feel obliged to do the right thing and get her home before anyone of rank finds out. You know how they are?’ Hela winked at him which he caught even behind those dark veils of hers.
    He turned again to Sarel. ‘You wouldn’t give me a quick one, would you?’ he asked, tugging at his breeches, ‘…as it doesn’t seem to matter much to you.’
    This time, it was Hela’s turn to freeze. If only he knew to whom he spoke.
    ‘Garth—leave it will you,’ she said, forcing her voice to remain light and playful. ‘I need to get going with her before it goes completely black out there.’
    ‘You owe me one, Hela. You can pay me in kind on your return.’
    ‘I’ll happily pay, Garth. I’ve always enjoyed you.’
    She kissed him lightly on the cheek; a promise of real payment yet to come. Then she grabbed Sarel’s arm and pulled her to follow. Sarel was seething.
    ‘Garth, is it? I’ll have him hung when this is over!’ she hissed.
    ‘Ssh!’ Hela cautioned. ‘It’s because of him we’re safe. He changed three guards over so he could be the one on watch at this gate today. He has no rank, no money, so won their places by fighting them. He knows no fear—he’s too young. All that matters to him is the feel of a woman’s body against his own.’
    Sarel did not respond. She felt a bit foolish for reacting so pompously as she realised just what sort of chance Hela was taking: bribing guards with her body, smuggling her Queen from the palace and no doubt prepared to lay down her own life to protect Sarel’s. She remained silent. Once they had left the palace behind, walking briskly, Hela stopped and looked around. She made a soft