Page 36 of King's Warrior

“How long have they been gone?”

“A few hours. King Draylon went in search of his brother.”

Rufe didn’t ask, but was Draylon hoping to convince Avestan to overthrow their father? “Please give the word that Delletinian soldiers approach, and they’re not to be harmed.”

The commander inclined her head to a subordinate, who saluted and strode off after a brief conversation. “Did you bring a banner?” she asked Casseign.

Niam and Rufe sat on their mules on a ridge overlooking Renvalle Castle, underneath the black and white banner of Delletina. Rufe fought the urge to get down and pace, since that would have aggravated his leg. What was taking so long? He wasn’t the kind to sit around and wait; he wanted to charge in and ensure Draylon's safety.

Would Avestan agree to any schemes to overthrow Soland? What would Soland do? Though Renvallian soldiers gathered before the castle gates, so far, none approached. The sun reached its zenith and sank toward the horizon.

Finally, a murmur went up among the assembled soldiers. Fear gripped Rufe’s heart as a black flag rose over the castle. A black flag? Rufe’s breath caught in his throat. That meant a member of the royal family had died. With no other thought but to reach Draylon, Rufe urged his mule down the ridge, riding hard forthe castle gates. Hoofbeats behind him said others followed. He turned enough to catch sight of Niam and Cass.

Rufe reined in his mount when a lone figure marched up the hillside from the tree cover.

Yarif!

Rufe rode toward Yarif instead, jumping from his mule—with a painful gasp—and wrapping the man in his arms before recalling Yarif’s damaged back and letting go. “Yarif! Is Draylon all right?”

Niam’s familiar hands gripped Rufe’s shoulders, steadying him.

Yarif gave a tired smile. “He’s fine, as is Avestan. I can’t say the same for Emperor Soland.” The warning in his eyes and the bloodstains on Yarif's tunic stopped Rufe’s questions. “Dray will return shortly.”

Vihaan arrived on foot a few moments later, saluting with his arm over his chest. He eyed Niam briefly, but his lengthy study of Captain Casseign bordered on rude.

Rufe was ready to charge into Renvalle Castle and demand Draylon’s release when a horse barreled from the gates and up the hill, an imposing figure on his back. Draylon!

Bypassing questions, Draylon dismounted and wrapped Yarif in a gentle embrace. “It’s over.”

“Really?” Yarif mumbled into Draylon’s chest. “What about the children?”

Vihaan bowed. “Once things settle, May will send someone to retrieve them from Countess Exa, Your Majesty. Formidable woman, May. She might work in the kitchens, but I’d gladly go into battle with her.”

Worry lines eased from Yarif’s features. “If they’re with the countess, she’s taken good care of the twins, though they might not want to return.”

“Why not?” Vihaan lifted a bemused brow.

“Exa raises horses and dogs. The twins love both.”

Questions could wait for later. Right now, Rufe would cling to Draylon’s words:It’s over.

Rufe wanted a bed. An honest to goddess bed, with clean sheets, a soft mattress… and a certain, red-haired king. He hoped he’d be assigned a room with a hidden passage to wherever Niam was. But he needed to focus on the here and now, as the new Emperor Avestan met Niam.Please let this meeting go well.

Avestan sat at the head of a long table, with Yarif, Draylon, Niam, two trusted advisors, and a bandaged Rufe. Draylon’s handpicked guards stood against the walls.

Niam eyed Avestan from across the vast expanse of oak, yet still managed to cast interested glances at Rufe while trying to appear not to. If he was as tired as Rufe, he wouldn’t be at his best in hiding.

Vihaan, and commanders from the other kingdoms of the empire, filled out the room.

Avestan stood. Others started to, but he held up a staying hand. “Remain seated. Many of you came a long way and are undoubtedlytired. I’ll make this brief. Earlier today, my father suffered from an ailment of the heart. I’m grateful that my brother and I were both there at the end. In keeping with local tradition, his body is to be burned. We will hold his funeral in Cormir as soon as arrangements are complete.”

He didn’t mention his coronation when he’d officially gain the title of emperor.

Avestan continued, “Now, you may have heard rumors of my father plotting with others to invade Delletina. As many of you joined together to prevent war, it’s only fair that you be told the details. Draylon?”

Draylon regarded his brother with an arched brow. Avestan nodded, and Draylon began, “The situation we’re here to discuss is to be kept in the deepest confidence, though you know most of it. Emperor Soland Aravaid conspired with Commander Illa Trandores to lure King Lleval into a trap, then kidnapped King Consort Yarif to try to force conflict between Cormir and Delletina, to take Delletina with her newfound gold mines, into the empire. They planned to kill the king consort to fulfill their aims and possibly conspired with Craice.”

Grumbles arose. Avestan’s eyes misted, but he held his head high. Concern for Draylon. Or had Yarif wormed his way into yet another royal heart?

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