Page 31 of Ties of Dust

But Cassius had a sinking feeling that he knew exactly with whom the king was speaking. He rounded a ceiling-high storage shelf with one stride, his fears proved right as a pair of men came into view.

Sir Keavling.

Intense dislike rose up in Cassius, but he forced his expression to stay neutral as he greeted the two men.

“Father.” He bowed deeply to his father, then inclined his head to the foreign advisor. “Sir Keavling.”

“Cassius! You’ve returned at last!”

King Aelius’s enthusiasm didn’t carry much warmth as he greeted his only son with a firm hand on the shoulder. Cassius didn’t doubt his father was glad to have his heir secure, of course. But his next words supported Cassius’s suspicion that he was more interested in gaining information on the attack than actually seeing Cassius.

“So you were met with treachery, Cassius.” The king’s eyes narrowed on his son’s bandages. “Did I not express my doubts about this alliance with Siqual?”

Cassius took a moment to calm his frustration before speaking. “Father, there is no reason to suspect Siqual oftreachery. Their own princess was the target of the attack that occurred within their borders.”

“Something they should never have allowed to happen,” King Aelius said. “Surely you agree, Lord Armand?”

The nobleman bowed. “I certainly do, Your Majesty. And I told the Siqualian prince so in no uncertain terms.”

“I’m glad to hear it,” said the king. “I expected no less from you.”

Lord Armand inclined his head. “I do share His Highness’s view, however, Your Majesty. I do not believe that Siqual is the aggressor in these attacks.”

The king acknowledged his words before turning to the delegation’s head guard. “Do you have anything to add?”

His tone was severe, and Cassius didn’t blame him. It had been a significant failure on the part of his guards that he’d been successfully hit by an archer.

“I am ready to make a full report to Your Majesty at your convenience,” the head guard said. “But in answer to your question, I agree with Lord Armand that we have no reason at present to suspect Siqual of involvement in either attack. Certainly none of the men involved wore any insignia or other uniform. Their appearances give little away, but if anything, they seem likely to be Torrenese.”

Cassius didn’t miss the pointed look that passed between King Aelius and Sir Keavling.

“We don’t know that they’re Torrenese,” he said quickly. “In fact, we know almost nothing.”

“A situation I trust will change after extensive investigation.” The king’s words, directed to the head guard, held a threat within them. “One might even wonder why the investigation has not already commenced.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The guard bowed promptly before withdrawing. Taking that as their cue, the two members of Cassius’s personal guard left the room as well, although they would no doubt remain on either side of the armory door. Lord Armand stayed where he was, as did Flora. Cassius could sense her trying to make herself inconspicuous as she hovered behind him. The king didn’t seem to have noticed her yet, but the more astute Sir Keavling glanced at her from time to time. It bothered Cassius that the man was so perceptive and that he had Flora in his sights. There was no chance of the king remaining oblivious now—the uncomfortable moment was undoubtedly coming when Cassius would have to explain her presence.

“I hope we will know more after an investigation,” Cassius agreed with his father. “But in the meantime we should continue preparations for the marriage alliance between myself and Princess Miriam.”

Sir Keavling cleared his throat. “Surely that would be hasty, Your Highness.”

“I don’t believe so,” Cassius said coolly. “I was present during the attack on Princess Miriam. I am convinced that the Siqualians were as shocked and dismayed by it as any of our group. There is no reason not to continue with the planned alliance.”

“No reason?” King Aelius’s brows were drawn together in a scowl. “You said yourself that we know almost nothing. Do you think I wish to go into an alliance blind? Of course we need all the information before we proceed.”

“The delay is unfortunate,” Sir Keavling said smoothly. “As you are aware, I’m in full support of the alliance, if Siqual is truly innocent in the recent crisis. But surely a matter of a few more months will make little difference, to allow His Majesty to ensure he has all the facts.”

In full support of the alliance, was he? Cassius held his gaze.And just what mischief will you achieve in those few more months?He didn’t speak the words aloud.

“I think it could make a difference,” he said instead.

The king raised an eyebrow. “Are you so eager to marry, Cassius? I hadn’t thought you motivated by personal interests in agreeing to the alliance. Am I to take it that the princess is just as beautiful as rumored, then?”

Cassius held back his impatience. “Princess Miriam’s appearance has nothing whatsoever to do with the matter. I am thinking only of the security and standing of Carrack.”

“As you should be,” his father said approvingly. “But you must see that rushing into an alliance that may disadvantage us is not to our benefit.”

---