Page 74 of An Archer's Redemption

“I wondered when we’d have this conversation. With the loss of Bril, War makes sense. What were you thinking?”

“There are others who can do a fine job at War. I need aHigh ChancellorI trust completely. Unless you know someone more qualified, someone who earned my family’s trust over the years, I would like you to fill this chair.”

Ethan’s eyes popped wide.

He looked away and stared at some distant point in the corner of the chamber. After several moments, he still remained silent.

“Well?”

“Jess—Your Majesty—I have very little experience in diplomacy or dealing with nobles. You need someone polished in the art of kissing backsides. I’d be more likely to incite a revolt than quell one if I had to listen to those howling jackals all day.”

I leaned forward and placed a hand on his arm. “I can deal with the nobles. I need someone to watch my back, to question everythingand everyone, to be my eyes and ears throughout the Kingdom. I need someone I can count on when everyone else turns away. You are the only one I trust completely.” My voice faltered. “With my father and brother gone—Spirits, with mymothergone, too—there is no one left.”

Ethan opened his mouth to speak, then closed it.

His hand reached up and tugged at his collar.

“If my Queen commands—”

“No,” I interrupted sternly, then softened. “Uncle Ethan, this isJessasking, not your Queen. You have given your life to this nation. I will not command you to serve more than you already have.”

He stared into my eyes, then lowered his head and whispered. “I would do anything for you, Jess. Of course I will protect you and your throne in whatever way you need me.”

I schooled my expression, straightened my back, and extended my hand toward him. “Thank you, High Chancellor.”

Ever the dutiful soldier, Ethan dropped from his chair to one knee, bowed his head, and kissed the proffered signet.

“Thankyou, Your Majesty.”

A few days later, as I was setting my crown onto its velvet cushion beside the throne, ready to change out of my formal audience attire before dinner with Kendall, a page’s head poked between the cracked double doors.

“Your Majesty, the High Sheriff is asking to speak with you.”

Ethan and I shared a look.

Sheriff Cribbs had not returned to the Palace since accepting his office.

“Send him in,” I said, adjusting the crown on its pillow, then turning to stand before my throne. Ethan stepped to the bottom stair on my right and faced the doors.

A harried-looking High Sheriff scurried across the long chamber and bowed before his Queen, his unruly curls as winsome as ever.

He eyed the crown. “Majesty, thank you for seeing me. I will not take long, as I am sure your day was long.”

I waved a hand as I had seen my father do a thousand times. “Sheriff, our duty never rests. What brings you to the Palace?”

Cribbs locked eyes with Ethan for a moment, then looked toward me. I raised a brow at the interaction but said nothing.

“Majesty, there was a murder in the eastern quarter last night. The victim was a shopkeeper who sells pottery near the Temple. No one of prominence.”

When Cribbs didn’t continue, Ethan spoke. “And? Murders are rare, but they do happen, even in the capital.”

“Yes, Chancellor, that is true, but two things concern me. First, the man was killed behind his shop in a densely populated area of town where he could only have been alone for a few moments. And . . . his body was mutilated.”

“What do you mean? How so?” Ethan asked.

“It looks as though some wild animal attacked him. Massive rends across his chest and stomach appear to have been made by claws of some kind, and his face—it is barely recognizable.”

I covered my mouth with a hand.

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