TWENTY-THREE
When Xylander reached the city, he debated whether to visit an inn to make himself look respectable again before he visited the castle. But without even a change of clothes, he doubted he could do much. Besides, Guinevere would not care what state he was in, as long as he brought good news.
He lingered in the inn long enough to buy a stoppered jug of wine to preserve the heart, before heading up to the castle.
Guinevere sat in the throne room, alone on the dais, while a knight dispensed justice in the King's name. When his eyes met hers, she beckoned to the knight, who declared the day's audience at an end.
Guinevere headed out of the throne room, and Xylander followed, all the way to the private apartments where she'd stayed before she married the King.
"Where have yo
