Chapter 119 Chapter 119 The Nameless Puppy

I sat there with a bad view and couldn't hear anything.I sensed Verity's growing panic about the situation, and there was nothing I could do about it.That night the king didn't look very dazed, but rather tired, which I thought was a good sign.Kettricken sat beside him, looking almost pale save for a tinge of red on her cheeks.She didn't appear to be eating much, and was more serious and silent than usual.On the contrary, Emperor Zun, who was very social, was very happy. Although Duke Ram, Lady Jingning and their two sons were sitting beside him, he still did not ignore Duke Prondi and his daughters.But his gaiety clearly upset the visitor.

The Duke of Prondi was large, muscular even in his old age, his black warrior braids of white hair were evidence of old battle wounds, and he was missing a few fingers from one hand.His daughters sat just below him, their indigo eyes and high cheekbones beckoning their late mother's Neighbor Islands.Yan Nian and Jie Min had short short hair in the northern style. They quickly turned their heads to observe everyone at the table, which reminded me of an eagle perched on their wrists.These were not the mild-mannered nobles of the inland duchies that Regal was accustomed to deal with, for of the six duchies, the people of Bynes still retained the most warrior blood.

Regal's seeming indifference to their complaints could spell disaster for himself.I knew they weren't going to talk about the robbers at the dinner table, but his celebratory tone completely contradicted what they were here for, and I wondered if he knew how much he was pissing them off.Kettricken was visibly irritated, and on more than one occasion I've seen her bite her lower lip, or cast her eyes dismissively to the ground when Regal made a wisecrack.He also drank too much, and his drunkenness started to show when he started gesticulating and talking loudly; and I really, really wanted to hear his self-confessed witty remarks.

The dinner party seemed to be endless, but Jiemin soon saw me from the table, and since then, it has been difficult for me to avoid her looking at me.I gave her a friendly nod, and when our eyes met, I could tell she was wondering where I was sitting, and I didn't dare to ignore every look she gave me, and Regal didn't mind me because I didn't. Tired of daring to snub the Duke of Biensplondy's daughter, I feel as if I'm teetering on a fence.When I saw Princess Kettricken insisted on helping King Shrewd when he got up and took him to his chambers to rest, I was really grateful.Regal frowned drunkenly and contemptuously, displeased to see the banquet over so quickly without persuading Duke Prondi and his daughters to stay.They said their goodbyes uncomfortably after Shrewd left.And I also excused my headache to stay away from the giggling people at the same table, and went back to the room to try to be quiet.When I opened the door and walked into the bedroom, I felt like the last person in the castle to turn things around, a nameless son of a bitch indeed.

"I think the dinner really appeals to you," said the Fool.I sighed and didn't ask him how he got in. Anyway, asking a question that doesn't get an answer is just asking for fun.He sits by my hearth lighting a feeble fire, his silhouette reflected in the flickering flames.There was a strange stillness about him, no bells rattling, no mocking words ensuing. "Dinners are unbearable," I told him.I'm too lazy to light a candle because my headache isn't entirely imaginary.I sat down, then lay down on the bed and sighed. "I don't know what's going on at Buckkeep, and I don't know what I can do about it."

"Perhaps what you have done is enough?" the Fool probed. "I haven't done anything worth mentioning lately," I told him, "unless you count knowing when to stop talking back to Regal." "Oh, then, we're all learning the trick," he agreed wistfully, and brought his knees up to his chin, put his arms on them, and took a deep breath. "Have you any news to share with the jester? A tight-lipped jester?" "You probably know all the news I can share with you, maybe you know more about the news than me!" The darkness in the room was very calm, which relieved my headache.

"Oh," he paused gracefully, "so maybe I should ask a question? You decide whether to answer or not?" "Stop rambling, just ask if you want. You clearly know that whether I allow it or not, you will still ask." "Indeed, you're right. That's good, so I asked. Oh, I was really taken aback, and I blushed, really. Fitz Junqi, do you have little Fitz?" I slowly sat up from the bed and stared at him, only to see that he didn't flinch and didn't move at all. "What did you ask me just now?" I asked calmly. He said softly, sounding like an apology: "I must know, is Molly pregnant with your child?"

I jumped out of bed and jumped at him, grabbing him by the throat and pulling him up, fisting out and stopping.The fire lit up his face, and I was shocked to see it. "If you want to fight, just fight!" He said calmly. "There are already old wounds, and it's hard to see if I add a new one. Anyway, I can sneak around for a few days without letting others find out." I withdrew my hand.It's weird how something I almost did just now has the creeps on me now that I find out someone else has already done it to him.As soon as I let him go, he looked away, as if ashamed of his discolored and swollen face.Perhaps, his pale skin and delicate bones made me feel more terrifying, as if someone had punched and kicked a weak child.So I knelt down by the fire and looked carefully at the wound on his face.

"Haven't you seen enough?" asked the Fool bitterly. "I warn you, it won't make the injury better with a stronger light." "Sit on my closet and take off your shirt," I tell him abruptly, but he doesn't move and I ignore him.I warmed a small pot of tea-water by the fire, then lighted some candles and set them on the table, and brought out some herbs I had kept.I don't have many herbs in my room, and I wish I could have picked some from all Burrich's collection at this point, but I know if I just walk to the stables, the Fool will be gone when I get back.Fortunately, most of the herbs I keep in the room are used to treat bruises, cuts, and bruises that I often encounter as another assassin, so these should be enough.