I can't believe it. Without this boy, what would have happened to me?
Even though a small part of her realized he was also part of the conspiracy, Rona chose to ignore it.
"You don't need to do this, My Lady," Solomon said softly. "This is what you deserve."
He knew she knew everything. It was too obvious. But she chose submission.
"This is a reward for you, My Lady," Solomon added, his words ambiguous. Rona understood: a reward for giving him everything.
But she didn't care. Her cheeks flushed. She took Solomon's hand, placed it on her chest, and looked at him with utter dependence.
"Can I take this as you accepting my proposal?"
Solomon stiffened slightly. He looked at her tear-streaked, broken face and didn't answer.
He walked to the side, picked up the bowl of porridge, and brought it back.
"Eat something, My Lady. Your maid says you haven't eaten in a long time."
Rona nodded obediently. She took the spoon and ate in small sips, her eyes never leaving his face.
Solomon knelt on one knee before her. He lifted her foot, gently treating the scrapes she got from running barefoot.
"My Lady," Solomon said while tending to her foot. "I need you to do me a favor."
Rona put down the empty bowl immediately. "Please, Lord Solomon. Anything."
Solomon took a moment, his fingers gently massaging her foot. Rona grew anxious at the silence, even though she enjoyed his touch. "Whatever it is, I will do it."
Solomon pulled out a blank parchment, a quill, and a small inkpot. "I need you to write a letter to Lady Roslin."
Rona took them, confused. "To Lady Roslin?"
"Yes." Solomon nodded. "So much has happened in Deepden. Lady Roslin will want to know the details. It is best if you tell her personally."
"Tell her everything that happened recently, and your claim to Deepden."
He paused, choosing his words carefully.
"For example, how your husband and father-in-law died fighting wildlings."
"How some nobles and officers in the city plotted treason, inciting riots to force you to marry them and steal Deepden's lands. Fortunately, you called for help in time, and I brought troops to quell it."
"And how I gave you food to survive the winter, and half of my spoils."
Solomon squeezed her foot slightly. He smiled gently, but the pressure on her wound made her wince.
He didn't intend to hide everything. Half-truths were the best lies.
"I understand, Lord Solomon." Rona dipped the quill. "I will write whatever you say."
She began to write, her elegant script filling the parchment.
Once sent, this letter would make them co-conspirators. It bound her fate to his.
Rona wrote carefully, pausing to check his expression. Solomon waited patiently.
Finally, she handed him the letter like a child seeking praise. "Is this acceptable, my Lord?"
Solomon read it. It was perfect. It was entirely from her perspective—her husband leaving for a "great deed," her father-in-law rushing out in panic, neither saying why.
Solomon didn't ask her to lie about that. Too much detail would be suspicious.
He looked at the part about the castle riot. Rona described the threats vividly. Lady Roslin, a female ruler herself, would easily empathize.
Then came the part about Solomon camping outside, refusing to enter until she begged for help, and then giving her food and gold.
"Excellent, My Lady." Solomon flicked her toes playfully. "Send it."
"I will also write to Lady Roslin," Solomon said, taking the quill. "We will send them one after the other."
"You too?" Rona asked.
"Yes. As her appointed commander, I must report."
"Respected Lady Roslin," he murmured as he wrote.
"Thanks to your trust, Little Solomon has fulfilled his mission. I led three hundred farmers to break the siege of Deepden and drive the wildlings from your lands."
"Lady Rona called for help. To uphold the laws of your land, I assisted her in quelling the internal strife. Please send someone quickly to maintain order."
"Considering Deepden's plight, I have decided to gift half my spoils to Lady Rona."
"As for any loot taken from your lands, I will return it all to you. Not a copper will I keep."
"This is to show my loyalty to your house. Even if Lady Rona offered it, I would never encroach on House Deddings' property."
"Furthermore, I know my origins are humble and my lands poor. I cannot support the refugees I gathered. I beg you to allow the people I moved during the war to settle on a corner of your vast lands."
"They will become your loyal serfs, your people, your property."
"I only ask that you do not drive away the widows and orphans of those who died following me. Send them to my lands. I swore to care for them."
"My family rose from nothing thanks to your ancestors. We have nothing to repay you with but loyalty. If you call, every man who can hold a sword will come, until the Long Night ends."
"Solomon."
Solomon stood up.
"Rest well, My Lady. My soldiers are here. You are safe."
Rona grabbed his hand reluctantly. "My Lord, can you not leave the castle?" She blushed.
Solomon smiled but didn't answer.
"Will you come back to see me?" she asked courageously. "Please."
"Of course, My Lady." Solomon knelt and kissed her hand. "I will protect you until my death."