Page 49 of An Archer's Redemption

I barked a laugh and shook my head. “I’m pretty sure the Triad has to make that appointment on behalf of our country.”

“It will be fine. This can be temporary until they appoint a permanent one. I am sure Atikus will smooth things out on his side of the mountains.” She nodded to herself. “That is settled. Let us go, Ambassador.”

Without another word, she gripped Dittler’s reins, strode to the end of the crypt, and opened the doors leading up to the Temple.

Chapter 19

Keelan

By the time Jess and I entered the Palace, the whole of Fontaine was abuzz with news of the Queen’s return, though more rumors revolved around the handsome Melucian in the blue uniform who had escorted her through the city’s streets. At least, that’s what the footman who greeted us said beneath his breath and roguish smile.

“Your Majesty, it is good to see you returned to us safely.” Mage Ernest bowed deeply as Jess entered the Throne Room. I strode a couple of paces behind. The Mage straightened and appraised me without a hint of expression. “And Lieutenant Rea, it is a pleasure to meet you. You are quite a famous investigator.”

I was surprised anyone this far from home knew who I was. I couldn’t think of anything to say in reply, so I offered a curt nod. My Gift remained quiet, indicating no deception or falseness in the man’s welcome.

Jess glanced between us, then seemed to remember I was a stranger in the Palace. “Forgive me. Keelan, may I introduce myCourt Mage, Dane Ernest. With High Chancellor Thorn missing, Mage Ernest is sitting in to provide the Council a magical perspective.”

Before either of us could speak, Jess stepped through the chamber toward the door to the royal residence. “Come along, Keelan. I will have a servant show you to your chamber. Mage, please assemble the Council in two hours. We have matters to discuss.”

Without so much as a glance back, she barreled through the door and disappeared. I shrugged at the bemused Mage and followed in the Queen’s wake.

When the door closed behind me, Jess was waiting.

“If you let these men start talking, you will never get away. My father taught me that when I was eight, and it might have been the most valuable lesson I ever learned.” She smiled up at me, and something in my chest squeezed tight. “Now, we will put you down the hall. I cannot have you near the family chambers, but I would rather have you in our wing and out of arm’s reach of nosy nobles.”

A maid happened by and curtsied.

“Lydia, please show our guest to the Emerald Chamber. He will need a bath drawn. As you can see—and likely smell—he had quite a journey. He will also need a few outfits appropriate for court. See if the clothier can figure his size; it’s somewhere between large and enormous.” She chuckled at the maid’s stricken expression. “Oh, and have his Guard uniform cleaned.”

Lydia curtsied again, sneaking a glance at me. “Right away, Majesty.”

“Also, tell the kitchen we would like something light before Council.” She turned conspiratorially toward me. “Never meet with Council on a full stomach. You will not be able to stay awake if you do.”

Lydia looked to smother a grin and curtsied yet again as Jess turned and disappeared down the grand hallway, leaving me staring speechless at her vanishing form.

Lydia cleared her throat. “Sir, if you’ll follow me, please.”

When I turned, the woman’s eyes were roaming up and down the length of my body, her eyes alight with interest.

“Oh, right. Yes. Um . . . thank you,” I sputtered and blushed.

My head had just emerged from steaming water when a tentative knock sounded at the door to my chamber.

“M’lord, may I come in? I have your clothes,” Lydia’s muffled voice called through the thick wood.

“One moment, please.” I rose from the bath, toweled off, then tied the towel around my waist. With my height and the size of the towel, I was barely covered halfway from my knees to my nether, but it would have to do.

“Come in.”

The door crept open, and Lydia strode in, her arms loaded with several sets of clothing. Her eyes roamed my bare, muscled, poorly dried chest, then fell southward toward the rest of my nearly naked form.

“Forgive me, m’lord. I didn’t mean—”

“It’s all right.” I blushed nearly as brightly as the maid.

She bobbed a curtsey and bustled to the armoire to hang the outfits.

“There are three sets of coats, shirts, and leggings, each different colors and styles. Let me know if they don’t fit right, and I’ll have the tailor visit. I’ll be back in a moment with shoes and smallclothes.”

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