Page 30 of King's Warrior

Rufe sat in the window seat, leg propped up, wearing a dressing gown. The door opened behind him. “Couldn’t someone at least give me proper clothes?” he groused.

Niam entered and closed the door behind him. “Loose clothing is better for your leg and gives easier access to Mother’s healing.” His heart pounded. Rufe wouldn’t take the news of Niam’s imminent departure well. Not providing proper clothes today might keep him in his room.

Rufe spun, taking in Niam’s clothing: tight-fitting trousers, tunic, and riding boots. Not the attire of a noble, but the travel dress of a warrior. He pinned Niam with a hard gaze, growling. “You’re planning on leaving me here, aren’t you?” His anger softened to sorrow.

Oh, no. This would be harder than Niam thought. He’d do anything to erase the hurt from Rufe’s eyes.

Niam pulled a chair close to the window seat. The day was unusually warm for this time of year, and he’d have to leave soon while the weather favored traveling. First, he needed to explain. “I don’t know who else will back Draylon against the emperor, but he can’t head into the unknown alone.”

“I’ve long believed his father would kill him if he thought to gain from it,” Rufe said, bitterness in his tone.

“And you know him better than most.” Niam’s own father had been kind and loving, if firm with his only son, and he’d died young. Why did a bitter old man who’d kill his own child get to live so long?

“Sadly, I do.” Rufe glanced away,staring out the window.

An ache filled Niam’s chest. “You and Draylon are lovers.” He held his breath in anticipation of the answer. It wasn’t any of his business. Still, he had to know.

Rufe didn’t meet Niam’s gaze. “We’ve shared our bodies, but we were never truly lovers. Friends, yes. Lovers, no.”

The aching grip on Niam’s heart eased, but not by much. “Because of the difference in your stations?”

“No. Because we’re incompatible as a couple.”

Niam wasn’t sure if he wanted an answer, but had to know the truth, anyway. “But you love him.”

Rufe faced Niam, the truth of his words showing in his eyes. “Of course. But it’s as a friend and a brother. Anything more ended when he took Yarif as his consort, for reasons of honor, but now because he loves Yarif.”

“And you?”

Rufe huffed out a breath. “Niam, I cannot love you, nor you me.” Strange how he averted his gaze again when speaking the words. “You know my circumstances, plus I’m a foreigner. Your people would never accept me. Now, stop distracting me. You’re following Draylon and aren’t taking me with you.”

Time enough to dwell on Rufe’s lie later. “Guards will escort you and Mother back to Delletina.”

“And I get no say.” The muscles of Rufe’s jaw flexed.

Maybe he’d listen to reason. “You are in no condition to travel or to fight.”I can’t stand to lose you.

Fire danced in Rufe’s eyes when he connected his glare to Niam’s. “Don’t you think I should be the one making such a decision?”

Niam sank from his chair to the floor, taking Rufe’s hand. Please, let him listen. “I won’t have you in danger.”

Rufe snorted. “I’m a Cormiran in Delletina. Every moment I stay here puts me and you in danger.”

“You’d leave me?” Did Rufe long to return to his old life?

“I’ve had a sword in my hand since childhood, and want to be where I am most useful. I’m fairly useless at courtly intrigue.”

“Then let my mother help you. Get to know my sons.” They would adore Rufe.

“I’ve never needed anyone’s help.”

“Everyone needs help sometimes, even a proud warrior like you. Didn’t Draylon recently need help to rescue his consort? And didn’t Yarif need to be rescued?”

Rufe must’ve found something on the ceiling highly interesting, based on his intent upward glower. “That’s different.”

“No, it’s not.” Niam turned Rufe’s hand over and placed a kiss on the palm. “You allowing help helps me, as I won’t have to worry so much about you when I’m gone.”

Rufe's eyebrows arched in surprise. “You… worry about me?”

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