CHAPTER TWENTY
Lord Cranston was drunker than he should be, but that seemed to have become the norm in the preceding days. It was a poor Free Company that couldn’t find wine when it needed it, and he had taken full advantage. It helped to numb some of the feelings of loss.
“My lord,” an adjutant said, “a royal official has arrived. The same messenger before, and he’s smiling in a way I really don’t like.”
“Thank you Kate, I’ll be along directly.” Lord Cranston realized too late what he’d just said. “Damn it.”
“Possibly better not to mention that name in front of the queen’s man, sir,” his adjutant said.
“I know that,” Lord Cranston said. “Go see if you can slow him down. I should at least try to look presentable.”
“Yes sir,” the man said. He put a flask on the table. “The cook said t
