Page 47 of Ties of Dust

“I see your new bodyguard is on duty again, Your Highness.” The man’s voice sounded faintly amused. “She has remarkable stamina, it seems. Does she never have time off duty?”

“What’s that?” The king frowned at Cassius. “You mean to say she’s shadowing you again today? Cassius, you cannot trust her. I know you don’t think her capable of—”

“Capability has nothing to do with it,” Cassius said impatiently. “She’s not a spy, Father, she’s a guard. And she’s not always on duty, that’s absurd. She wasn’t on duty overnight.”

“Wasn’t she?”

The remark from Sir Keavling was said so politely, Cassius was sure his father wouldn’t have picked up the insinuation. But he did, and it enraged him. He wouldn’t be surprised to learn that Sir Keavling had been asking questions of the servants.

He longed to confront the nobleman as to why he was so interested in Flora, but focusing on the issue was the opposite of what he wanted. He stood.

“You will notify me as soon as there’s any update regarding the investigation?”

“Naturally,” his father said, not looking up.

Irritated, Cassius strode from the study, moving blindly down the corridor in a familiar route. He was most of the way to the training yard when he realized the problem. He came to a halt, turning to face the two guards keeping pace with him.

One of whom was Flora. A young woman. He could hardly take her to the training yard. And yet he couldn’t go without her. It was all very frustrating.

“Is all well, Your Highness?” the other guard asked.

“Of course,” said Cassius. “I’m in the mood for a bout or two at the training yard. Your services won’t be needed there. You’re both dismissed.”

While the guard acknowledged the order and turned away, Flora stared at Cassius in silent consternation. At a pointed look from him, she started to walk away as well.

“Oh, Flora.” Cassius spoke as if the thought had just occurred to him. “Some instructions were received for you from the Siqualian king.”

The other guard checked his steps for only a moment before realizing that the words weren’t addressed to him and continuing on his way. Once he was out of hearing range, Flora spoke.

“I thought you’d forgotten. You’re a convincing actor, Your Highness.”

He grunted, but he was prevented from replying by the appearance of a pair of servants around the nearest corner. It would look strange if they stood there talking.

“Come on,” he said quietly, beginning to walk again.

Flora kept pace, her voice low as well. “I assume the talk of instructions from Siqual was just an excuse?”

“Actually, my father did receive a letter from the Siqualian king,” Cassius said. “Princess Miriam sends you her regards.”

“Poor Mim.” Flora smiled ruefully. “She’ll be worrying, and probably blaming herself.” She glanced up at him. “Was that all?”

“Well…” Cassius hesitated. He wasn’t eager to tell her the other message relating to her. But she had the right to know. “There was more. The king expressed his willingness for your change in role to become permanent.”

Flora cast a quick look up at him, and he caught a moment of distress before she shuttered her features.

“I see,” she said quietly. “It seems my time serving as Princess Miriam’s bodyguard has come to an end.”

“I’m sorry,” Cassius said.

“Don’t be.” Flora shook her head. “I knew my time was limited once the betrothal was proposed. It’s not as though I have any reason to keep working in the castle in Sindon once Mim is gone, and it was always unlikely that I’d be allowed to continue guarding her once she—but wait!” Her eyes lit up. “That was before we knew anything of Carrack. Now I’ve met you, and you’ve seen me in action. It will be your decision, I suppose, once Miriam is your wife. Will you let me guard her once she lives here?”

Cassius’s heart jolted uncomfortably at the hopefullook in her eyes. He hated to disappoint her, but the answer rose unyielding to his lips.

“No.”

She looked hurt, and there was unfortunately no way to soften his response.

“I wouldn’t support that, I’m sorry.”

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