“Oh. That one.” Cook Sara’s dismissal quashed my hopes of an easy victory. “Well, not to offend, Fitz, but she can be a bit daft on occasion. Lacey, though, Lacey is solid. But she don’t say much, and don’t want to listen to what others have to say either.”
“Well”-I smiled and tipped her a wink-”that was where I heard it from. And I heard it well before we left for Neatbay.” I leaned in closer. “Ask about. I bet you’ll find Queen Kettricken’s been drinking raspberry-leaf tea for her morning sickness. You check, and see if I’m right. I’ll wager a silver bit I am.”
“A silver bit? Ohe. As if I’ve such to spare. But I’ll ask, Fitz, that I will. And shame on you for not sharing such a rich bit of gossip with me before. And all I tell you!”
“Well, here’s something for you, then. Queen Kettricken’s not the only one with child!”
“Oh? Who else?”
I smiled. “Can’t tell you just yet. But you’ll be among the first to know, from what I’ve heard.” I had no idea who might be pregnant, but it was safe to say that someone in the Keep was, or would be, in time to substantiate my rumor. I needed to keep Cook pleased with me if I were to count on her for court talk. She nodded sagely at me, and I winked.
She finished her venison leg. “Here, Dod, come take this and put it on the meat hooks over the big fire. Highest hooks, I want it cooked, not scorched. Go on with you, now. Kettle? Where’s that milk I asked you to fetch?”
I snagged bread and apples before I left for my room. Plain fare, but welcome to one as hungry as I. I went straight to my room, washed up, ate, and lay down to rest. I might have small chance at the King tonight, but I still wanted to be as alert as possible during the feast. I thought of going to Kettricken to ask her not to mourn Verity just yet. But I knew I would never get past her ladies for a quiet word with her. And what if I were wrong? No. When I could prove Verity was still alive would be soon enough to tell her.