Page 77 of The King is Dead
Melek nodded as if we hadn’t already discussed this, then turned with a pointed look at the guard behind him, then back to me.
“They know that you have my permission to be free. But it may take time for word to get around. Turo,” I said as casually as I could, “Please give him your seal. I’ll make certain you receive another no later than dinner.”
Turo’s eyes bulged, and he snapped his head to me, his expression incredulous. “You can’t be—”
“Give him your seal,” I said tightly. “No one in the Palace would question that you carry my orders with honor and integrity. How long has it been since you’ve even had to produce it?” I asked, tilting my head and eyeing him pointedly.
The royal seal was only given to those closest me, those I trusted to make judgments as I would. Turo was one of only a handful who carried one because anyone producing a seal would be treated as if they carried my personal authority, and given access to anything they requested. It was a power that could be abusedmightilywhen in the wrong hand, so I awarded them sparingly and only when I needed to allow a person to act forme and trusted them to do so without prior discussion.
Turo’s face visibly paled and the muscles at the back of his jaw flexed, but with his lips pursed, he reached inside his shirt, drawing out a medallion on a leather lace, pulling it over his head, but then freezing with it in his palm, his knuckles white around it and eyes locked on mine.
“Yilan,” he breathed.
“Turo, this is not the drama that you believe it to be,” I said, wishing my voice sounded stronger. “I don’t want to risk Melek being stumbled upon and run-through before a well-meaning Shadekin knows he’s free at my choice.”
He stared at me like I was a creature he’d never seen. I returned his gaze as evenly and calmly as I could, praying he wouldn’t defy me in the presence of others.
And to my relief, after a few moments, he extended his hand towards Melek, the leather tie dangling below his fingers.
There was a moment when Melek reached for the prize, and Turo didn’t release it. Melek’s eyes rose from the seal to Turo’s face and he went still, his body tensing. I couldfeelhim prepare for battle, and almost swore.
But then Turo leaned in and hissed, “If you abuse her trust I will personally see that you are dispatched by whatever means necessary.”
Ignoring the threat, Melek took the seal, casually lifting the lace around his neck, then unbuttoning his jacket, revealing his collarbones and the vast planes of his pecs as he tucked it inside.
Diadre cleared her throat but didn’t comment as Melek began buttoning his jacket back up.
“I need some directions,” he said bluntly, speaking to me as if we were alone. “Who would you prefer that I ask to escort me—”
“I would be more than happy to make myself available as an… escort,” Turo said through his teeth.
I was about to protest when Melek nodded. “Thank you,” he said, as if the offer were generous and not laced in mortal threat. “Please… take me to my son.” Then he looked over his shoulder and sighed. “And you’re welcome to bring your guards. I would do the same in your shoes,” he added.
Turo blinked and I had to swallow a smile. Not waiting for Turo to recover, I called the guard who’d been startled by Melek’s appearance, and beckoned Lane who’d been standing back watching all of this.
“Please escort General Handras to the cottage where his son is. With Istral and Harris. Are you familiar with it?”
Lane nodded dumbly, then looked up at Melek. “Please, follow me… Sir,” he said uncertainly.
“Thank you,” Melek repeated, ignoring Turo’s glare as he followed in Lane’s wake.
His eyes cut to me before he passed and I felt the bond tighten—like he’d pulled me closer—before he stepped past, following Lane, and ignoring Turo at his elbow, and two others at his side and back.
I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
But as they disappeared down one of the adjoining hallways—Melek cutting me one more burning look before he passed behind the walls—Diadre spluttered and laughed.
‘Holy shit, Yilan!’
‘I know.’
‘Turo’s met his match.’
I sighed.‘Turo has met hisvanquisher,’I sent sadly.‘I only wish he didn’t have to do so publicly. They would appreciate each other if they weren’t rivals.’
Diadre snorted.‘I don’t want to see Turo hurt either,’she admitted.‘But… my heart is full for you, Yilan. That’s a lot of man. But he obviously cares for you.’
I frowned and looked at her. “You wouldn’t even know if I hadn’t told y—”
