Page 49 of The King's Man
The events of the previous day were difficult and I would struggle with them for some time. Perhaps forever if our people were destined to mingle and cohabitate. But they did not give me reason to abscond from my responsibilities.
My Queen needed me. My best friend needed me.
I desperately needed to get my shit together.
Instinctively, I glanced at Jann sitting next to me, his face somber.
I wondered if he’d ever faced a crisis of this seemingly impenetrable confidence.
Probably not.
Fucker.
Yilan used her Advisory Council primarily to advise and make decisions that would be instructed to others. But it turned out, Melek intended for his Council to be far more operational in their responsibilities.
Lead from the front.
It was what Yilan had said to me when I suggested she allow someone else to infiltrate the Nephilim war camp and kill Melek.
I had admired her commitment at the time and supported her wholeheartedly. It was a relief to have further confirmation I could do the same for her mate.
When we finally left the council, Jann called for our evening meal to be brought to his tent. We ambled along the trails, him always beside and slightly behind me, speaking only to offer directions which I followed, though I knew the way by now.
We turned the last corner to the spot where I knew we’d find his tent, and I drew up short, Jann bumped me from behind, because suddenly two very large Nephilim loomed over me.
“Thank you for your diligence,” Jann said to them with a comfortable nod. “Please ensure the patrols are maintained tonight.”
The two men saluted, then marched off in different directions. I looked up at Jann. He looked grim, but opened an arm towards the tent, beckoning me to go first.
I pushed the tent flap aside and walked in, but turned on him as soon as we were inside. “You had guards set up?”
“Not guards, patrols. Men I trust to take instruction when it comes to females,” he said quietly, walking to the chests at the side of the tent and stripping off his weapons straps and sheaths.
I blinked. “You think they’d come in and—”
“No,” he said abruptly, his head snapping towards me as he tossed his sheath-belt into the trunk. “I wanted men around who would hear you or Yilan if you cried out, and come to your aid. What occurred yesterday… it was abhorrent, Diadre. I don’t intend to be separated from you—but in case you’re foolish enough to run off again, I wanted others nearby to assist.” He smiled to soften the words.
I swallowed back the anger that wanted to crackle in my veins at the idea of myfoolishness.But he was right. I had to accept that. I’d been the one to run off, even after his warnings. I’d put myself in danger—and he’d been proven right that the danger was both present, and imminent.
I needed him. And any assistance he found to make it safer for Yilan and myself to be here. It humbled me to think it, but it was true.
I opened my mouth to tell him so, but then the servants arrived with our meals.
20.The Specter of Doubt
~ DIADRE ~
I was starving, andsograteful that Jann had thought to have the meals brought to his tent.
My fear had eased sitting at that Council table, knowing both Jann and Melek were there and would protect us. But the moment I’d stepped out of that tent, my heartrate rose.
Now, after meeting those other Neph on the trail, I was trembling again. But at least I could think clearly.
The servants put the meals on the small table near the door, and we both sat down, Jann tucking into his meal with the kind of gusto that only a large, physically fit man can.
I was slower to eat, but enjoyed the hot meat, potatoes, and gravy.
At first, Jann seemed entirely focused on the food, but about halfway through the meal, his eyes lifted from his plate to meet mine. He took another bite, then cleared his throat.
