Page 78 of King's Warrior

“May I speak freely, Your Majesty?”

“Willem, when has saying no ever stopped you?” Niam asked, one eyebrow raised, a half-smile softening the criticism of the words.

Willem feigned an innocent expression. “It is polite to ask, so I’m told.”

“Say what’s on your mind.”

“I believe Lord Rufe's leaving has distracted you.”

What? Niam glared. If Willem saw…

Willem held up his hands as though defending himself from a blow. “Few people are as attuned to you as I am, and if anyone else suspected anything, then I can logic-twist them into believing whatever I choose.”

Niam calmed, taking a sip of wine. “Yes, I miss him. Is that wrong?”

“Your M—”

Niam glowered.

“Niam, then. You stepped into your father’s shoes at an early age and made extraordinary decisions for the good of all, aligning yourself in a political marriage for the greater good. You’ve been all anyone could ask for in a ruler.”

“What are you trying to say? It’s not like you to mince words.”

“It isn’t, is it? Anyway, what I’m trying to say is it’s about damn time you made yourself happy. So many throw themselvesat you for power or money, yet Lord Rufe didn’t seem to want either. I hated to see him go.”

“You don’t care that he’s a foreigner?”

Willem scoffed. “I’ve never heard a more ridiculous notion that we’re somehow different because we make our homes in a different area. But no, I don’t see him as a foreigner. He’s a good man, regardless of what kingdom he calls home, what station in life, etcetera. Those are rare these days.”

“Yes, they are.” Niam lifted his goblet so the afternoon sunlight streaming through the window sparkled in the drink.

“And if you ever needed him…” Willem lifted an eyebrow.

“Yes?”

“You could do far worse than having your own personal warrior by your side.”

Yes, Niam could. “But he’s gone now, and he’s not coming back.” No matter how much Niam longed for Rufe’s return.

“Oh, I’m not so sure, Sire,” Willem replied with a wink.

The day dragged by, and Niam constantly wished for Rufe’s company. Where was he now? Renvalle? Did he think of Niam? How ridiculous! Rufe had other, more important matters to see to.

Willem never reappeared, allowing Niam to wallow in misery alone until the dinner hour. Best put in an appearance. Guilt ateat him for not seeing his mother and sons since breakfast. Hearing their merry chatter would definitely lift his mood.

Casseign wasn’t one of the guards waiting outside the door. “Where is your captain?” he asked.

“The commander sent for him, Your Majesty.”

The commander. Someone else Niam must deal with who couldn’t be trusted.

Niam met only a few servants on his way to the great hall. Many nobles must already be seated. The hall seemed especially full tonight, not simply castle residents in attendance, but visitors too.

Niam settled at the table with his mother and Eoghan. His sons’ chairs remained conspicuously empty.

“Where are the boys?” he asked.

“Oh, I’m sure they’ll be along any minute,” Eoghan replied.

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