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losing his mother at such a young age.There was no question in Nyria’s mind: the boy was a born leader. He already knew how to read and write and so Alyssa’s work with him was one of enrichment. They would spend long evenings together reading poetry or creating their own stories.
    Gyl flourished in his new life and his growing relationship with Alyssa. Nyria realised that Alyssa’s dashed hopes of motherhood had been rekindled. She had slipped immediately and with ease into the role of big sister to Gyl, but recently the Queen had noticed a more maternal attitude from Alyssa towards the lad, who was now fourteen summers.
    They had certainly been two lost and damaged souls who had healed each other. Yes, the Queen was pleased with her achievements and if she could just sort out this business between Alyssa and Lorys she would be very happy indeed. Secretly she wondered if Lorys admired Alyssa for more than her able skills as a secretary. The young woman was in the prime of her life. At twenty-four summers, she was by far the most gorgeous creature who roamed the palace corridors; she turned heads wherever she went and was able to twist the pages and young squires around her finger for any little jobs she needed done. The lovely part was that she was not a vain woman. If she knew she was delicious to the eyes, then she hid the knowledge well. Petite and slim with honey-coloured hair and pale green eyes, Alyssa was surely irresistible to any red-blooded man…including her husband?
    Nyria pushed the notion away. Lorys had never given her cause to doubt his fidelity and after so manyyears of marriage they still enjoyed their lovemaking. No, she must not doubt him, particularly now, as her plan was to encourage Lorys to take on Alyssa as his own private assistant. Nyria did not really want to relinquish Alyssa’s companionship or her unrivalled clerical skills, but the King’s faithful old secretary had died suddenly and it seemed there was no one else in Tal capable of stepping into the man’s shoes with speed or competence.
    Alyssa did not hide her shock well enough. ‘Work as the King’s private secretary?’
    Nyria took a steadying breath. ‘Yes.’
    ‘Am I not pleasing you, your majesty?’
    ‘Alyssa, don’t. You know how highly I consider your help…but the King needs you more.’ Nyria touched Alyssa’s hand across the table. ‘In helping him, you help me far more than you can imagine.’
    Now Nyria could see the initial alarm snapping into petulance—or was it defiance—as Alyssa’s full lips thinned slightly. She rushed on. ‘And my plan is that you will continue with the school, perhaps look at taking on and training an assistant teacher.’
    ‘To take my place?’
    Nyria spoke calmly. ‘No. To help.’
    There was an uncomfortable silence, which Alyssa filled by nibbling nervously on her bread.
    ‘And you’ve discussed this with his majesty?’ she asked finally.
    ‘I have and he admits he would be fortunate to have your service. It will throw you into all sorts of situations, Alyssa, that you will thrive in. I know how you enjoy even the small amount of political intrigue which knocks at my door. At his side you will be amongst it all. And you would have the King’s ear; Lorys would be turning to you constantly for support.’
    Alyssa knew the Queen was genuine. She felt torn. She would be lying if she did not admit that being privy to such elevated matters as the running of the Kingdom excited her. However, the idea of working alongside a man she despised second only to the former Chief Inquisitor, Goth, made her stomach turn.
    At least Goth was dead now. How many times had she thought about killing the King in those early days? Too many. Saxon had sensed her rage and cautioned her. There was nothing to be gained by it, he had said. Why become like him, a murderer? It would not bring Tor back. And there was an even worse end than crucifixion and stoning for those who would commit such