Chapter 282

'ANOTHER ATTACK, MY LADY,' ALDEERN murmured as they hurried from the hastily arranged meeting with the heads of the Houses that now occupied the castle.

Face calm, Elena asked quietly through still lips, 'Where?'

'Just beyond Gartoll.'

'Dead?'

'No. Badly injured. They're bringing the victim to you.'

'When?'

'Within the hour.'

Damn. Elena paused and turned her head, regarding those that crowded the area. Many eyes met hers, expressions varying from reverence to disdain.

Too many, she thought in frustration. It'll be all over the castle by nightfall.

'Still nothing?' she asked and turned to Aldeern willing the man to say yes.

With sympathetic eyes he gave a slight shake of the head. 'No, my lady.'

'Dammit.'

The meeting had reassured no one. Those of House Draskel were vocal in their concerns for Alek. More like their concerns for occupying the throne, Elena thought with a grimace. House Lhr'yne echoed their words at every given opportunity. House Vaethon, and those standing i