Page 122 of King's Warrior

Willem entered, taking a seat on Niam’s other side. Willem, who’d served Niam as secretary for several seasons. Young, friendly, ambitious… and treacherous. Amazing the information Cass gleaned while questioning the suspected nobles.

Niam addressed the assembly. “Good evening, lords and ladies who I’ve chosen as advisors because of your wisdom and respect among the people. You’re here because you didn’t fall prey to Lord Whreyn’s machinations. We are still identifying the members of the nobility who were part of the plot. The process will take time. However, this kingdom will continue.

“First, I wish to introduce my consort, Rufe Ferund Fjell, heir to the Duke of Haston, in Cormira.” Niam’s heart swelled with pride, simply gazing at the gorgeous man he could now acknowledge openly. “He also holds the official title of an emissary of Cormira and commander of the Cormiran forces, positions he will soon relinquish.”

Introducing Rufe was the highlight of the meeting. Other tasks wouldn’t be so enjoyable.

Rufe nodded toward Draylon, who likely understood little Delletinian but had sat through enough meetings to know the basics. “We’re also blessed with the presence of Draylon Aravaid, King of Renvalle and brother to emperor Avestan Aravaid.”

A few gentle murmurs rose from around the room, but Niam caught no derogatory comments.

“It is King Draylon who assisted with troops to repel the Craician attack. When he returns home, he’ll leave some of his soldiers to help us rebuild our forces.” So many loyal soldiers lost, and likely still some disloyal ones to be rooted out. Rebuilding would take work. With Rufe by his side, Niam was ready. When he deemed the kingdom safe again, he’d send for Quillan and Uri.

“Now, for the more unpleasant business. Someone knew my movements, and where I’d be, and reported to Whreyn. No matter what route we took on my journey to Renvalle and back, we met Whreyn’s men, which tells me the spy had to be close. I’m not sure why this person would want to harm me or my family, but they tried. The hardest traitors to stomach are the ones we trust, aren’t they? The ones we’ve taken as confidants, value as friends.

“With the efficiency he served me, he also served Whreyn.” Niam breathed deeply and exhaled in a long rush. He turned to Willem, who’d served him so well, more hurt than angry. First Zanial, now Willem. “Why, Willem? Were you dissatisfied with your position? With me?”

All color drained from Willem’s cheeks. He threw his chair back, darting for the door.

Draylon caught him with an arm around the waist and hauled him back to his chair. “Sit!” he ordered, positioning himself behind the chair like the soldier he used to be. He might not understand all the conversation swirling around him, but he knew running meant admission of guilt.

“Answer my question,” Niam prodded, keeping his voice emotionless. Until Willem ran, Niam had held out hope that he’d been wrong somehow. His heart broke for the slender young man he’d cared about.

Willem shook, gasping for breath, sweeping his gaze rapidly back and forth. He’d find no help here. “After Zanial fled, Whreyn needed another spy. He had me beaten and threatened my father. Set fire to our lands. Father said there was no harm in letting those at court know where you were. Wasn’t it my job to keep track of you, anyway?”

Niam’s heart stuttered. Willem was a traitor regardless of his reasons, and he was unwilling to own his own actions. Niam opened his mouth to order Willem to be taken to a cell when Willem lowered his head.

“I know now what I did was wrong. I nearly brought harm to your family. But I put a condition on what they asked of me.” Willem grew silent.

The man sitting next to Willem jostled his chair. “What condition? Land? Titles? Gold? A higher position in court?”

“No.” Willem raised his head, shimmering gaze meeting Niam’s. “No harm could come to Quillan and Uri.”

Niam’s heart stuttered. “You bargained for my sons’ lives?”

Willem lowered his gaze again. “Yes, Your Majesty. They’re innocent boys.”

Niam growled. “But you didn’t care what happened to me or my mother.”

“They said you wouldn’t be killed, merely banished.” The words came out plaintive.

“Why did you go along with such a plan?” Fury twisted inside Niam, but he wasn’t sure of the cause. Because Willem didn’t come to him? Whreyn’s treachery? His own inability to see the scope of Whreyn’s plans? Niam fisted his hands before he hit something.

Willem shouted, “Because if I didn’t, Whreyn threatened to kill you all! He would’ve killed me, too, for knowing about his plans!”

Ice froze in Niam’s veins. “You didn’t care to gain power?”

“We had enough. We didn’t need more. Now my father is dead, Your Majesty. Killed last night on your orders. What we had is forfeit. I know I have no right to any favors, but I would ask a life for a life.”

Willem’s father was killed when he’d been coerced. How many others of the guilty had been threatened into following Whreyn? Guilt ate at Niam. He should’ve investigated Willem’s predicament further.

“Your life?” Niam wouldn’t win any respect for playing favorites, but Willem hadn’t betrayed him willingly. Not like Zanial.

“No, Your Majesty. I accept my fate. But in exchange for your sons’ lives, will you spare my younger brothers? They’re nearly of an age with Quillan and Uri, too young to know what my father spoke about to visitors at our home.”

Children. The judgment of the nobles extended to their children. Niam met Rufe’s eyes.

Rufe kept his voice steady, speaking in remarkably good Delletinian. “There’s not a Cormiran, Glendoran, or Herixian soldierwho would violate their oaths to king and kingdom by harming an innocent child. Many atrocities were committed by Emperor Soland’s orders. To do so under Emperor Avestan means the perpetrators also face death.”

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