Page 91 of Ties of Dust

“That…” He seemed to be struggling to gather his thoughts, his eyes still fixed on Cassius. “That Carrackian troops are mustering near the border, preparing to attack Torrens. Supposedly they will receive support in the effort from one of the kingdoms of the continent.”

Cassius growled under his breath. Sir Keavling had been very busy. “None of that is going to happen.”

“No,” Flora agreed. “Because we’re going to fix it.” She eyed her family members. “And you’re going to help us.”

Chapter

Twenty

Cassius watched the other prince’s face as he frowned at Flora. Then he abruptly turned and strode for the door. They heard him speaking quietly to a servant in the corridor.

“He’s always friendly like that,” Flora informed Cassius.

“You will speak of your brother with respect,” the queen said sharply.

“I was just trying to be humorous, Mother.” Flora sounded weary.

“Humor has no place in the conduct of a princess,” the queen declared. “What will your disrespectful ways make our visitor think of our kingdom?”

Cassius eyed her with disfavor. Life in the castle in Dernan really did sound unendurable. Especially for someone as vibrant as Flora.

“I will refrain from expressing my impression of your kingdom, Your Majesty,” he said with chilling politeness. “But I have no hesitation in telling you that my impression of your daughter is that she is the most capable, selfless,honorable, and appealing woman I have ever met, with beauty to match her pure heart.”

Flora beamed at him, which was all the affirmation he needed for his declaration. He didn’t even pay attention to the queen’s response. The prince had just re-entered the room, his bearing still cautious.

“I don’t understand, Floriana,” he said. “Tell me how you came to be a…what did you call it? A bodyguard?”

“Through my magical abilities,” she told him. “But don’t worry about your precious pride. Neither of the royal families I served knew my identity.”

No one looked very reassured, but they gave no reply. A servant opened the door, and a middle-aged man walked in, looking confused.

“You summoned me, Your Highness?” He addressed the prince.

“Why do you look familiar?” Cassius asked, frowning at the newcomer.

“Yes, I summoned you.” The prince of Dernan cast a quick glance between Cassius and the new arrival. “I wish to know if you recognize this—”

“Your Highness?” The man looked Cassius over, his eyes widening. He bowed swiftly to Cassius, then looked back at the other royals. “Your Majesties, this is Crown Prince Cassius of Carrack.”

“You served as ambassador for Dernan in my father’s court.” Cassius’s memory finally came to his aid. “A few years ago.”

The man bowed. “I am honored that you remember me, Your Highness.”

“You weren’t there very long, were you?” Cassius mused. “My father discouraged the existence of theposition once he realized you wouldn’t negotiate the export of any chameleon steel.”

The man’s expression was rueful.

“I’m glad you mentioned that,” Flora said. “It brings us nicely around to the reason we’re here.”

“Never mind that, Floriana.” Her brother metaphorically brushed her aside, his eyes eager as he moved toward Cassius. “Your Highness, please accept my apologies for the manner of your welcome. We did not expect you, or you would have been more appropriately received. Please, allow us to accommodate you in a suite befitting your station.”

“Indeed.” The queen joined her son. “We will host a dinner in your honor this evening, Your Highness, and—”

“We don’t have time for all that, Mother,” Flora interjected. “We’re here for our own reasons, and—”

“You have exposed yourself and your kingdom quite enough, Floriana,” the king said crisply. “Your rooms are ready for you, and you will benefit from a period of quiet reflection while His Highness settles in.”

Flora moved to Cassius’s side, slipping her hand through his arm as if seeking reassurance.

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