Page 107 of King's Warrior

Exa spoke up. “You don’t know me well and have no reason to trust me, but the boys do. Let me take them across the border near here into Herix, where I have kin. From there we can travel through Glendor to my home in Renvalle. They’ll be safe there.”

Rufe studied the lady who’d proven herself ferocious from across the evening fire. “Lady Exa, you’re a friend of Yarif’s. Would it be possible for you to go to him? The castle would be the safest place.”

Lady Exa gave a half-smile. “Yes, safe from soldiers, but have you met Yarif’s brother and sister? Holy terrors. Still, an excellent suggestion. King Niam, is this agreeable?” Exa flinched. “I’m sorry, Your…” She shuddered this time. Speaking titles wasn’t a good idea when there could be enemies lurking. “I’m sorry. I’m tired, and the manners my mother drilled into me are taking control.” Exa tried again. “Niam, are you agreeable to this arrangement?”

Niam glanced at Rufe. “What are your thoughts?”

Rufe shifted his gaze from Niam to Exa and back again. “She’s cared for them so far and guarded Yarif’s siblings when necessary. She’s already shown she’s every bit the fighter as any of our soldiers. Maybe better, since I’m sure our enemies underestimate her.” The thought of the boys being out of Rufe’s reach induced terrors.

“All the time,” Exa said, “until I stick a knife in them.”

Most would think Exa’s invalid husband should sleep with one eye open, but Yarif had vouched for her fierce protective instincts. He didn’t need to sleep with his eyes open because his loving wife sat at his bedside on bad nights.

Niam let out a long sigh. “Yes. Though I’m reluctant to let them leave my sight, I want them safe above all.”

“Then we agree.” Exa gave Niam a sad smile. “I’ll leave at first light and guard them with my life. Give me your best soldiers to escort us. For now, I’ll see the boys tucked in and get some sleep.”She rose, brushing dirt from her trousers, and strode away from the campfire.

“She’s one hell of a woman,” Vihaan muttered.

“That she is,” Draylon replied. “According to Yarif, her father allowed her to bond with a much older man, hoping to gain control over his lands. He didn’t count on his daughter’s intense loyalty to her mate or how her shrewd business sense increased their wealth. It’s a pity she and the count can’t have children of their own. She’d make an amazing mother. That is why she occasionally mothers everyone else’s children, and Yarif.”

Draylon, Casseign, and Vihaan joined some of the remaining soldiers in keeping watch, allowing Rufe and Niam to sleep. They lay facing each other in the dark, bundled under blankets and their cloaks. Thank the goddess for a mild night and a warm fire.

“I’m sorry,” Niam said.

“What for?”

“When you agreed to be my consort, I know you didn’t sign on for this—the infighting, the intrigue, the betrayals.”

Rufe snorted. “You’ve obviously never stayed in a barracks with soldiers from five different kingdoms.” Some arguments grew brutal over the simplest things, like the preferred breakfast food or the best tavern for ale. “I signed on for every part of you.”

“You didn’t want to tie yourself to anyone.”

Rufe smoothed the backs of his fingers over Niam’s cheek. “I’m not tied. I’m with you because I want to be, and once I make up my mind, the gods themselves can’t change it. Just ask my mother.”

“But…”

Rufe silenced Niam the best way he knew how—with a kiss. “There’s enough doubt to go around right now without inventing more. Know this, Niam Fjell. I’m exactly where I want to be and not going anywhere. You’re stuck with me, so you might as well get used to having me dogging your heels.”

Niam chuckled. “Who am I to argue? Get some rest. We’ll need our strength tomorrow.”

Rufe lay awake, staring at the stars until Niam’s breathing evened out. If he had his way, he’d send Niam with Exa. Rufe had never had anyone to worry over before. Never had anyone to love before, and he did now.

Which scared him senseless.

Being a family man didn’t come easy. Should Rufe push his way into the farewell hug fest, saying goodbye to his new stepsons—who didn’t yet know they were his stepsons—or should he hang back, allowing the boys some time with their father?

Exa appeared at Rufe’s side, giving him a pretty serious shove for someone so dainty-looking. “They’re your family now. Show them you care and will miss them. You’ve made an impression. Especially with Uri, who spent all afternoon yesterday wrapped around you like an invasive ivy vine and asked for you first thing this morning."

“He did?”

Exa nodded, pointed chin nearly reaching her chest. “Some children see their parent’s new partner as competition for their time. Uri and Quillan see you as someone else to dote on them, even if you haven’t told them about your formal bond with their father. I agree with that choice, by the way. With so much else to deal with, best wait until later. Now go dote.” She gave Rufe another shove.

He approached with caution until Uri grabbed his hand and pulled him into the mix.

“You stay safe and mind Lady Exa,” Niam said to Quillan, smiling at Rufe. “We’ll be waiting to bring you home.”

Rufe got into the spirit. “There are other children where you’ll be going, twins, King Consort Yarif’s younger brother and sister. You can practice your Renvallian with them.” He almost added,beware of the girl,but didn’t. They’d learn soon enough why Adrina DiRici would likely sit on a throne of her own one day.

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