Page 114 of A Kingdom Restored

In spite of his words, he couldn’t help a wistful glance back at the island sanctuary as they sped through the air away from it. The merpeople who’d made it there were in the shallows no longer—Heath and the dragons had sent them back as soon as they ascertained that the threat to the triple kingdoms was over. But there was no keeping the island a secret anymore. All the merpeople would soon know of it.

And that was how it ought to be, Heath reminded himself as the island faded from view. Still, he couldn’t help a pang at the knowledge that it would never again be the secluded haven where he and Merletta had stolen a connection that was never supposed to be formed.

Heath was so weary, he almost dozed off a few times during the flight. On each occasion, the wind whipping against his face recalled him to reality. There were plenty more confrontations to come before he could let himself rest.

It was astonishing given all that had passed, but it wasn’t much after noon when the trio set down in the courtyard outside the castle in Bryford. Heath had at last allowed his farsight to reach for his family, so he had some warning of what to expect.

Thanking Reka, he mounted the steps immediately, taking them two at a time. In light of Elddreki’s desire, Heath sent a servant to inform the elderly Princess Jocelyn of her visitor. He asked for no directions himself, his farsight telling him exactly where he’d find the action.

When he reached the long dining hall which the king sometimes used as a meeting room, the guards at the door made no attempt to bar his entry. It seemed his presence was desired, if not exactly expected.

Heath hurried into the room, casting a glance down the long table. Most of his immediate family were present, in addition to several of his cousins. The king and crown prince were also there, postures tense. They all had chairs pulled out behind them, as though they’d started the meeting seated, but every one of them was now on their feet. Heath was struck with a sudden memory, of a meeting in this very room where the king announced to the young power-wielders that they were to be required to swear their loyalty to the crown at a public ceremony on reaching twenty-one years of age.

It was surreal to remember it. At the time, Heath had thought his loyalty was unerringly and forever to Valoria. Now…he felt differently. Not that he was disloyal to his kingdom, of course, or that he would ever intentionally bring harm to Valoria. But there were other priorities which ruled him equally now. The matter was more complex.

From the hall, he’d been able to hear raised voices, but a temporary hush fell over the group as he strode along the table toward them. For a moment no one moved, every eye on him. Then he reached his sister, and she threw one arm around him.

“Heath! You’re all right. We were worried when no one could find you this morning.”

He pulled back, smiling at her. “Yes, I’m fine. And the dragons have relinquished their vendetta against the mermaids.”

“So Merletta is all right?” Laura demanded. She glanced behind him. “Where is she?”

“She’s safe,” Heath assured her. He kept his voice carefully even as he added, “She’s gone home, of course. To her own city.”

“Lord Heath.” The king’s voice was at its iciest, and Heath turned to face him. “Perhaps you can explain what the rest of your family are apparently unwilling to—how a prisoner escaped from my dungeon this morning with no trace whatsoever.”

“Yes, I can explain that,” Heath said evenly. “I helped Merletta break him out.”

The king made a noise of outrage, although it didn’t quite cover Lachlan’s groan.

“I realize there will be a consequence for my actions,” Heath said. “But I didn’t make the decision lightly, and I’m willing to face whatever you think reasonable.”

“That man was in the dungeons for a reason!” King Matlock exploded, taking Heath aback with the strength of his anger. “He needs to face justice!”

“Well, he’s faced as much justice as anyone can impose,” Heath assured him. “He’s dead.”

The king paused, and Lachlan’s eyes flew to Heath’s. “Are you sure?”

Heath nodded grimly. “Very sure.” The murky view he’d gotten while watching Merletta’s progress had been quite enough detail. “The dragons took offense at the crimes he’d committed in the underwater world, for reasons I won’t go into, and one of them killed him with its flame.”

Everyone looked a little stunned, but after a moment King Matlock’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. “So you claim.”

“He’s telling the truth,” Heath’s father cut in, looking irritated at the implication.

Before the king could express any skepticism about his father’s honesty and therefore inflame the already tense situation, Heath spoke again.

“Elddreki and Rekavidur are currently in the courtyard. They can tell you about it if it would make it more credible. Plus,” he added, suddenly remembering, “one of the Record Master’s accomplices is still in Arinton. You can, and really should, make sure he faces the consequences of his crimes. I can help you identify him—the signature of merpeople’s magic is quite distinctive.”

The king considered him. “Even if the prisoner is now dead, it does not excuse your actions in breaking him out of my dungeon—attacking my guard in the process, I might add.”

“Was someone injured?” Heath asked, concerned. “I tried to be very careful.”

King Matlock paused, looking a little resentful. “No one was injured,” he admitted. “But that does not change the fact that you committed a serious crime.”

“I know,” said Heath, tapping his fist on the table. “As I said, I will take whatever consequence you deem—”

“Oh, this is ridiculous,” Brody interjected. “We only kept quiet because we weren’t sure if they were clear. I was involved in the breakout as well, so if you’re going to punish Heath, you’d better make it two.”

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