Page 79 of The King is Dead
But I smiled at them, winking at the one when he was so taken aback, he stumbled on a rock alongside the path.
Turo shot me a dark glare, but continued muttering his message before sending the boy off.
I almost bared my teeth.
I could take the man hand-to-hand, of that I was certain. I also knew that if I were to do so, it would devastate Yilan. He didn’t know how lucky he was that I adored my mate more than I adored the idea of kicking his ass.
A small voice in the back of my head whispered that I could imagine how I would feel if my mortal enemy appeared and was immediately ushered to the inner sanctum by a ruler of the opposite sex. Even if she weren’t my betrothed… I could understandhis apprehension.
Grumbling under my breath, I resolved to have compassion on the man.
As long as the fucker didn’t lay another finger on Yilan against her will.
Turning my mind from those tensions, I let myself enjoy the green, lush landscape of the grounds here.
It took nearly half an hour to get to the cottage where these men told me I would find Gall.
There were a few whispered conversations and pointed looks as we broke through the trees and into a clearing that surrounded a sweet cottage that I was sure would cause a crick in Gall’s neck with low ceilings. I doubted I’d be able to get through the door without ducking and twisting.
But one of the guards ran ahead and disappeared inside. A few moments later, while we were still crossing the meadow outside the cottage, the door opened again and a handsome, mature woman strode out.
Given the lithe, elegant forms of the Fetch, I was surprised by her rather stout stature and shoulders almost as broad as Turo’s. But she smiled when she saw me, which was a surprise. And though she returned Turo’s greeting, it was me she hurried to meet, offering a hand to shake, as a man would, and saying my name with a familiarity that told me it wasn’t the first time she’d spoken it.
Of course. Gall had spoken of me.
“It’s wonderful to meet you, Melek,” she said, her voice warm, but brisk. “My name is Harris. I’m Princess Istral’s caregiver and companion. And I’ve had opportunity to spend a great deal of time with Gall.”
She reminded me of the human nurses in Valgorath. The kind of women who offered capable, tender care, but would slap your ear if you didn’t listen.
“Yilan told me. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Harris. How is he?” I asked quickly.
“He is very well… mostly.”
My senses prickled. “Does he know I’m here?”
She winced and took my elbow, drawing me slightly away from the others.
“Melek… Gall is thriving. Physically,” she said quietly once we were far enough away from the others that her murmured words wouldn’t be heard.
“Only physically?”
Her lips pressed thin. “It is clear that something causes him agitation. Fear, I think. Some anger. He struggles at times and grows tense. Broody.”
I sighed. “Unfortunately, he believes I lied to him, and that’s caused some tension—”
She shook her head. “He has mentioned that, and it weighs on him. But he will forgive you, I’m certain,” she said, waving off that concern. “I am more concerned that something prior to his arrival here is causing him some… anxiety.”
Killing your birth father will do that.
I nodded, but didn’t elaborate. If Gall hadn’t told her, I wouldn’t share his secrets. “Has he been aggressive?” I asked grimly, knowing Yilan had said he was here with two women who wouldn’t have the strength to slow him, let alone hold him back if he became violent.
Harris shook her head. “No. And I don’t believe he would—not with us. However… I worry that if he seesyouwithout warning, he may not react well. He’s been quite tense since the Queen told him you were here. I’ve encouraged him to speak with you when he gets the chance, but so far he’s been quite firm that he doesn’t want to,” she added apologetically.
Ah.I took a deep breath, scratching where my beard was beginning to come in because I hadn’t shaved in days.
There was no question that I’d speak with Gall. But I wouldn’t allow the confrontation to put anyone else in danger. Gall hated conflict and would avoid it at all costs. But when his agitation or fear became overwhelming, he’d lash out just to get space—or in defense of others whether they needed defending or not.
I knew I could handle him for myself. But I didn’t want to put others at risk.
