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CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

The palace guards were expecting her and Thea was shown to the throne room. There, King Artos sat with Princess Jasira at his side, deep in conversation. Steeling her nerves, Thea strode in and bowed low before them both. Here was the ruler who had turned the tides of her fate – the ruler who had earned her unwavering loyalty.

Once again, Thea found herself momentarily stunned by the magic that reached out to her, exploring the air around her as though it wanted to play. It was more distinct without the powers of the other royals alongside it, almost stronger on its own.

Something within her shifted in answer, in recognition, causing her to start. It was a curious sensation, but she couldn’t forget herself.

‘Your Majesty. Your Highness,’ she greeted them.

‘Ah! Althea Zoltaire!’ King Artos said warmly. ‘Rise, child. Rise!’

Thea did as he bid, returning his welcoming smile, pride swelling in her chest. ‘I have some correspondence from the Guild Master, Your Majesty,’ she told him.

The king waved to a servant, who offered an empty silver platter for her to place the sealed envelope on. She did so and the letter was taken to the king, who slid it into an inner pocket of his doublet.

‘The shieldbearer life seems to suit you, Althea,’ King Artos commented as he surveyed her sun-kissed skin and Thezmarrian uniform. The surrounding magic seemed to pulse with warmth, as though it reflected his good nature.

‘It does indeed, Your Majesty. All thanks to you.’

‘I merely gave my approval. The rest has been up to you,’ he said kindly.

Thea flushed with pleasure. ‘Thank you, Sire.’

‘Are you enjoying your training?’ he asked.

Thea’s stomach fluttered, utterly moved that the King of Harenth was showing such interest in her. Suddenly, she felt the overwhelming need to please him. ‘Yes, Your Majesty. I feel as though I was born for it.’

‘I’m happy to hear it,’ he replied. ‘Not long ago, I heard that you were injured. Is that true?’

‘How —’ she stopped herself immediately. It was not her place to question how King Artos had known about her wounds. ‘Only a little, Sire,’ she answered, not wanting him to think less of her. ‘I was back on my feet in no time.’

‘Well, I’m glad you have recovered, Althea. I must admit, I feel invested in your journey, having been there at its inception. Though I probably shouldn’t tell you that. After all, the kingdoms are supposed to be completely separate from the guild.’

‘I’m honoured, Your Majesty,’ she said, blushing again. For the king to take a special interest in her was incredibly flattering.

Thea looked up, realising that Princess Jasira hadn’t spoken a word since her arrival. ‘Are you well, Highness?’ she asked, hoping she hadn’t come across as impolite.

‘Quite well,’ the princess replied.

A strange silence lingered for a moment.

‘I do hope you can enjoy the city this time, Althea,’ the king said. ‘I know last time you were whisked away by Warsword Hawthorne before you could see the sights. You also left before I could give you something.’

‘You have given me all I could ever hope for, Your Majesty.’ Thea bowed low.

‘Nonsense,’ King Artos waved his hand and a servant came forward again, a palm outstretched to her. ‘You saved my life, Althea Zoltaire. I wish to bestow a small token of my gratitude.’

Curiosity burning, Thea peered into the servant’s palm. It was a small silver coin, not any currency she recognised.

‘It’s my own personal token,’ the king explained. ‘Take this coin anywhere in the midrealms and the bill will be sent to my treasury.’

Thea baulked. ‘Your Majesty, I can’t accept —’

‘You must!’ he argued. ‘Hailford is beautiful at night. I suggest you start there.’

‘That’s too generous, Your Majesty.’ Thea stammered.

‘I will hear no more of it. You saved my life. And while I cannot interfere with guild business at Thezmarr, I can treat you as an honoured guest in my kingdom and wherever I have influence across the realms. Take the coin and use it as often as you like.’