Page 77 of King's Warrior

“Most of them have made camp farther back in the trees.”

Terror gripped Rufe in a tight fist. “What kind of unrest?” Couriers couldn’t have made much better time than he had. What had happened when he left?

“Grumblings from some nobles who think they can do a better job leading than Niam or who are against any negotiations with the empire.”

“Niam has his reasons.” It wasn’t Rufe’s place to tell of Niam’s concerns about his country. Vihaan had traveled the same roads as Rufe and witnessed the same abandoned homes. “Are there plans to invade Delletina? Niam—King Niam will fight us?” Had the situation worsened after Rufe’s departure?

“No. We’re to help the king if needed. Perhaps it’s nothing. Better to be ready. A quality I admire about Avestan.”

“He might also be listening to his brother. If conflict spills across the border, it will land in Renvalle and involve Draylon.” Old fears for Draylon resurfaced. No, Rufe had no call to fear. Draylon could take care of himself, and if not, Yarif would keep him safe.

“True. Perhaps it’s nothing.”

A nothing that might make Rufe lose sleep at night.

Vihaan dipped a chunk of bread into his stew, then brought the bite to his mouth. He chewed, swallowed, and said, “So, you’ll finally be returning home. I’m very sorry about the death of your brother, though I never had the pleasure of meeting him.”

“Thank you.” Rufe kept to himself that Ronwith would have looked down his nose at Vihaan, who he’d consider a “meresoldier.” “I’d hoped to meet with Draylon before going to the capital.” Though he still couldn’t fathom a reason for going to Cormir before returning home.

“I’m afraid my orders are to take you directly to the emperor.” Vihaan regarded Rufe with quiet intensity. “While I know you’re old friends, while others are about, I suggest you call him King Draylon.”

Heat flooded Rufe’s face. “You’re quite right. I forget myself.”

Vihaan’s soft smile took the sting from the words. “Just when we’re among others. I know the friendship the two of you share.”

Rufe relaxed. “He’s been like a brother to me.” More so than Ronwith, at least since adulthood.

“Eat, rest. We leave at dawn for Cormir. I’ve selected horses for you to choose from for the journey.”

“I’ll ride Princess if she’s up for more adventures.”

Vihaan cocked an eyebrow. “A mule.”

“You know mules are far more valuable than horses in the mountains, and she’s of excellent pedigree.” Rufe wouldn’t mention the sentimental reasons for his attachment, though mules were more surefooted and had more stamina than the average horse.

Vihaan grinned. “Watch it. You’re turning into a Delletinian.”

Which made the prospect of seeing the emperor even more daunting.

Chapter Twenty-nine

Niam stared blankly at yet another document presented by his secretary. Some days, his office might as well be a prison cell. “Thank you, Willem. That is all for now.”

Willem bowed, taking the document away. “Very good, Your Majesty.”

Willem’s deference teased a smile from Niam. “You may call me Niam in private.”

A blush stained Willem’s fair cheeks. “My parents lectured me endlessly that I should call you King Niam or Your Majesty.”

Niam’s smile grew wider. “And yet you occasionally didn’t in the past.”

The pink of Willem’s cheeks flared to purple, but the same mischievous grin from bygone seasons tugged at his wide mouth. “I never was an obedient child.”

Niam snorted. “You’re hardly an obedient adult.”

“I take that as a compliment, Your Majesty, as you haven’t sacked me yet.” Willem grabbed a goblet and decanter from a side table and poured a glass of wine for him.

No, Niam hadn’t. And he wouldn’t. Especially not when Willem anticipated Niam’s needs. He took the goblet from Willem’s hand.

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