Page 184 of Prize for the King
The number of chairs is a slap to my face.Seven.A clear sign they’ve already decided Magnar will not take part in a Gathering ever again.
“Good of you to join us,” Richard says, giving me a small bow. His eyes glitter with triumph, and he can’t keep a pleased smirk off his face.
“What is the reason for my presence?” I ask, keeping my head high. My voice doesn’t tremble, but it sounds weak. I dig my nails into my palms.
Calm down. You’re a queen. Act like it.
“A most unhappy occurrence,” Richard says with glee that belies his words. “I must share unfortunate news of your husband. He hasbeen found by the guards close to a house of pleasures. He was unruly and broke the Kings’ Peace.”
King Theodore, who’s mostly bald, his wrinkled hands spotted with brown stains, shakes his head with pious condemnation.
“That should have been expected, my friends. He showed no manners or good will from the start. He’s an Agnidari! Being unruly is in their nature.”
I clench my fists harder. It’s no use. My voice shakes when I speak.
“Where is he now?”
Richard sighs with insincere regret. “Dear Caliane, you know as well as we do what happens when the Kings’ Peace is broken. We have no choice in the matter. It’s a serious law, and your… husband… killed a man belonging to my personal retinue.”
I lift my chin higher. “What was a man from your personal retinue doing near a house of pleasures?”
He frowns, giving me a chiding look. Oh, right. Women can’t be loud or ask uncomfortable questions.
“That is none of your concern, my dear. Or mine, frankly. He had a night off and was on his private time.”
I take a step closer, sensing a weakness. “Then he was not actually employed by you at the moment of his killing. He was, as you say, on his private time. If Magnar killed him as you claim, he committed a murder, but he didnotbreakthe Kings’ Peace.”
Richard’s mouth falls open, and he stares at me with mild surprise. Xander scoffs, rolling his eyes dismissively, and Theodore, Susan’s husband, frowns, looking at Sidonius.
“An interesting point,” he says. “Master of Peace, what do you opine?”
“He should opine nothing,” Richard cuts in, having regained his composure.
He stares at me with vicious hate, illustrating clearly the pointmy father made long ago—about men hating to be bested by women.
“Why?” I ask, pretending to be genuinely baffled as I look to Sidonius for support. “I am sure everyone at this table has utter respect for you,Richard.We shall not disregard your words! You said your man was on his private time. It’s important. Please, do not sell yourself short.”
“Oh, you little…” He breaks off when Bernard, the king of Cassia, who sits next to him, puts a hand on his forearm.
“Manners,” he says simply.
Richard’s jaw works as he chews on the insults he wants to throw my way. I give him my most pleasant smile, and he sneers. Sidonius clears his throat.
“There is a precedent, gentleman, my lady,” he says. “And according to the ruling of my predecessor, a man sworn into serving his king is that king’s man in all situations. In that case, it was a question of whether he served his king or was his own man while he slept. It was ruled he belonged to the king always. Therefore, the murdered soldier from King Richard’s retinue was indeed in his king’s employ, even on his day off. I am sorry, Caliane.”
My insides freeze with terror, my hope crushed. Richard settles in his chair, giving me a cold, triumphant look.He won.
“Very well,” I say, my voice so weak, I have to clear my throat and repeat myself. “And why do you accuse my husband? Are there reputable eye witnesses, or are these just empty accusations?”
“There are,” Richard says with a smirk. He was ready for this question. “Three other men from my retinue, also on their day off. They saw your husband kill my man. Magnar is easy to tell apart, I’m afraid.”
“Were they in their cups?” I ask, narrowing my eyes.
“They were perfectly sober. They attended the same establishment as your husband, my dear, and alcohol isnotthe vice served there.”
I wobble and really wish for a chair. I’m standing while they all sit, and it seems like I’m the one being questioned when it should be the other way round.
“Magnar does not attend those kinds of establishments.”
