Page 73 of King's Warrior

Rufe must go home, regardless of how little the idea appealed to him. Draylon had spoken, and Rufe needed to be there for his parents. But going home meant leaving Niam during a critical time in his rule and while his life was under threat.

Rufe would have to be careful while traveling. He and Niam had enemies, and once he passed back into Cormira, any grasping relative with a chance of inheriting Father’s lands and title would also be after his head.

He’d go alone. Dangerous, yes, but he’d move faster alone, and anyone watching from a distance might not feel threatened bya single traveler. Then again, just because the message had been sealed didn’t mean the courier hadn’t somehow opened the scroll and spread the word of its contents and Rufe’s likely departure. Trusted guards could keep Niam under watch until Rufe had gotten well away from the castle.

Mother would welcome him. Father, too. He’d stayed away because he loved his brother, and maintaining distance helped Rufe continue to do so.

But how could he leave Niam and the boys with their lives in danger? Could he possibly escort the boys to Countess Exa’s first?

He’d have to go to the one person in all of Delletina who might help.

Chapter Twenty-seven

The direct approach propelled Rufe to the dowager queen’s office. No one sat in the antechamber except a small man who reminded Rufe of Nera’s former apprentice healer, Bert. Hopefully, this man with a similar pretty face was more trustworthy.

“Good noon,” Rufe began, trying to channel his best charm—the charm his mother gave up on trying to curb. Why spend extra energy on protocols when flattery worked faster? “Would it be possible for me to see the queen mother?” In other circumstances, he’d make bets with himself on how fast he could get this man into his bed.

The man peered through thick lashes. “Do you have an appointment?”

“He doesn’t need one.” Nera stood in the doorway, a beautiful smile on her face, not the one she practiced for court, but a genuine smile that lit her eyes. “Lord Rufe. I wondered if you’d come to see me of your own volition or if I’d have to track you down.” She glared at her secretary. “Let me guess. You never sent the invitations.”

The secretary’s cheeks flushed an alarming shade of purple. “It’s unseemly, Your Majesty, to—”

Nera threw up a hand. “We’ll discuss your dereliction of duty later. For now, refreshments, please. Herixian wine, too.” She motioned Rufe into her office. “Don’t mind him. He’s relatively new as my secretary and is trying to fill a large pair of shoes with his predecessor. Please make yourself comfortable.”

“Wasn’t Bert your secretary?”

Nera laughed. “No, the boy didn’t have the temperament or discretion. He is… was my apprentice healer.”

Rufe sat in a chair richly upholstered in a blue floral pattern. The entire room exuded Nera’s comfortable tastes, with tables far less elaborate than the one Rufe noticed in Renvalle Castle. A small settee held too many pillows to sit on, and the wall tapestries and woven rug were all in good repair, a startling contrast to Renvalle Castle’s shabby condition.

Nera pushed aside pillows and sat next to Rufe on the settee. “I’m very sorry we haven’t had time for a private conversation. How are you finding Delletina?”

Rufe couldn’t stop the truth from tumbling from his mouth. “I feel out of place. I don’t belong here.”

Nera patted his knee. “I take that as a good sign. I felt exactly the same when I first arrived, and look at me now.”

“How long did it take for you to feel at home?”

Nera’s eyes sparkled with mirth. “Would you like the truth or a convincing lie?”

Rufe relaxed at her humor. He could afford a few moments of comfortable companionship before dealing with the harsh reality of his brother’s death. “The truth.”

“Many seasons to call Delletina home, but mere days to find my home with my new husband. Home isn’t a place. For me, it was a person, and I would have done anything to be with my darling Reed.” Her smile fell. “I miss him so very much.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. We shared wonderful times together and have a son and grandchildren, more than many couples accomplish. Plus, we were in love. We fought, yes, what couple doesn’t? But we would have done anything to make the other happy.” She lowered her voice. “How are you and my Niam?”

Rufe fought a sigh. “I don’t get to see him much. We’re still pretending I’m merely a dignitary.” Perhaps he was. “But I understand. He has a heavy weight on his shoulders, and I’d like to help him bear the load.”

“Oh, you dear boy. I’m so glad he found someone who cares so much for him. Who’s here forhim. And who protects my grandsons.”

Dread once more filled Rufe’s stomach. “That’s why I asked to see you.”

Nera’s brows reached for her hairline. “Oh? Is there a problem?”

As she was fluent in Cormiran, Rufe merely handed her the missive.

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