Page 93 of King's Warrior

“Exa? Countess Exa?”

“Yes. Although officially Delletina doesn’t trade with Renvalle, she’s sold many of her prize horses and mules to nobles over the border, as well as hunting dogs, and learned the area. Instead of her usual entourage, she took soldiers with her. She’ll discover the boys’ location because nobody gossips like a noble, then arrange to free them or let us know where they are.” Draylon lowered his voice. “Exa attended temple schools with Yarif but left consort training for the military once it became clear she preferred to be herown woman. She married on her terms, not her father’s or anyone else’s. If it can’t be one of us, no one is better suited for this mission than Lady Exa. Think of your mother with more knives and less reserve about using them.”

Rufe trusted Exa, but not the boys’ captors. He scrubbed his tired face with his hand and lay back in his chair. “How are Yarif, Emile, and Adrina?” Mother would be appalled that he only just now asked about Draylon's family.

“They’re well, though Yarif is understandably worried for his aunt and cousins.”

“I’m surprised he hasn’t mounted up and charged across the border by now.”

A wry smile twisted the edge of Draylon’s mouth. “He made it as far as the village due north of here before I intercepted him.”

How very like Yarif, from all Rufe had learned of him. “And now?”

“Now, he’s willing to wait and handle matters officially.” Draylon worried his bottom lip with his teeth, dropping into the next chair and pulling a flask from his pocket. He poured amber liquid into two glasses.

“May’s special recipe?” The Renvalle head cook regularly brewed spirits strong enough to down a platoon.

“Yes.”

“Cheers.” Rufe clicked his glass to Draylon’s.

“There’s one more thing.”

Rufe paused, glass halfway to his lips. “What’s that?” He took a sip of the potent drink, feeling the alcohol burn down his throat.

“To further seal an alliance with the empire and thwart Whreyn’s plans, Niam must marry a Cormiran noble.”

Rufe sprayed May’s creation all over Draylon. “What?” Not only would Niam marry another, but one of Rufe’s own countrymen. “But…” Words wouldn’t come. He couldn’t even spare a thought to be embarrassed about spewing his drink on a king.

Draylon merely arched a brow. “I meant you, you graceless oaf.”

Chapter Thirty-six

Rufe felt somewhat human again after a few hours’ sleep and waited impatiently until sunup to search out Niam’s room. Two soldiers guarding the door? Good thing he was still their superior officer. They both snapped to attention.

“Good morning, Commander Rufe,” they blurted in unison.

“At ease. I’m here to see King Niam.”

“King Draylon said no one was to disturb him, sir,” said the elder of the two, who still couldn’t have passed thirty summers.

Rufe lifted one eyebrow, crossing his arms over his chest, and added a scowl for good measure. Nothing needed to be said.

The soldiers stepped aside. “Yes, sir.”

Rufe eased the door open and entered the antechamber. The door to the bedroom stood open. He peeked inside. Niam sat at a desk, back turned, sipping tea.

Rufe launched himself across the floor, yanking Niam up and into a hug.

Niam didn’t have time to reach for the dagger near his hand. He “Eeeped” instead, and, recognizing his attacker, went pliable in Rufe’s arms. “Rufe! I wondered if I’d ever see you again.”

Never had anything felt so good as having Niam in his arms once more. Rufe drank him in.

“Whreyn,” Niam said, voice choked. “The missing and dead soldiers. He killed many loyal to me and bought the rest. Has threatened them unless I do what he says. He’s taken Quillan and Uri.”

“What does he want?” Draylon mentioned some demands, but Rufe had been too tired last night to understand everything said. Besides, he’d rather hear details from Niam.

“For me to marry his niece, denounce my sons’ claim to the throne, and name any son she and I may have as my heir.”

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