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“You were to do as I asked, nothing more,” Toren snapped. “You will tell me what happened with the Centoi, send your apprentice to me, and then pack your belongings.”

“But Your Majesty,” Feref began before his voice choked off.

Suddenly, Ria darted around Mehl, shifting until she was half in front of the chamberlain. “No, Toren. This is unnecessary.”

“I told you anyone foolish enough to mock you would answer to me.” He allowed the barest hint of temper to enter his eyes. “Feref’s actions were an insult that cannot be tolerated, especially considering his insubordination.”

Ria placed a shaking hand against his chest. “He’s right to be concerned. Please.”

Feref wasright?Toren’s magic shoved hard against his shields.

What did she mean by that?

* * *

Ria knewone thing for certain: she couldn’t let Toren dismiss his chamberlain over her. It didn’t matter whether he had a point about the man’s disobedience—nearly every servant in this castle would hate her over it. Besides, Feref had acted out of loyalty, not malice. There had to be a better way.

“What do you mean by that?” Toren asked, and she hated the sudden gleam of suspicion in his eyes.

Perhaps she could have phrased her last comment better.

“If he cares for you, it is normal and right for him to see to your health,” Ria said. “What if you believed I’d threatened Mehl? Wouldn’t you be angry at my continued presence?”

His eyes narrowed. “Of course. But I told Feref there was no need for concern.”

Ria tapped her forefinger against Toren’s chest. “I suspect your explanation was…sparse. You tested me yourself, so you know. No one else has reason for the same certainty.”

Feref gasped behind her. “Tested? I did not know you’d…”

“It was not a full test,” Toren said, his voice rumbling beneath her hand. “But it was enough.”

“Forgive me, Your Majesty.”

Toren’s expression didn’t yield, but the tension leached from his muscles. He appeared to be considering his chamberlain’s plea. What might sway him? It was understandable that he would be concerned about such a highly placed servant disobeying his command. What sort of punishment would be fitting?

Mehl stepped forward, catching her gaze in the process. The slightest hint of a smile appeared and then was gone. “Toren. Might we consider a sort of probation for Feref? Have him seek approval for decisions before they are made? He might also serve Lady Ria as he does us, at least for a time.”

Though she didn’t consider herself particularly troublesome, Ria refused to turn around to see what Feref thought of that extra duty. She almost hoped Toren didn’t agree to that part. The chamberlain clearly disliked her, so interacting with him even more wasn’t precisely appealing. But if it would save them all future grief, she would do it.

“Perhaps,” Toren said. “Ria, go with Mehl into our bedroom and await me there. I would like to speak to Feref alone. Continue as you were before his interruption.”

Her heartbeat slammed and skittered, and her entire body went hot. Had she misunderstood? Was Toren actually ordering them to resume their heated embrace even when he wasn’t there? That couldn’t be right. But the flicker of fire in his gaze when their eyes met suggested otherwise.

Mehl’s arm circled her waist. “Come. Toren will judge Feref fairly.”

She didn’t glance at the chamberlain as Mehl guided her toward another door, his warm hand lowering to rest just above the curve of her ass. His thumb caressed her lower back in a slow circle, and she shivered. There would be no doubt about what they were doing.

None at all.

* * *

As soon asthe door clicked shut, Toren advanced on Feref, who still knelt. A host of emotions beat through Toren along with his magic, both threatening to break free. Something his chamberlain clearly knew, for he neither spoke nor looked up when Toren halted in front of him.

“You realize the source of my anger, don’t you?” he asked softly.

Feref’s gaze made it to his chest. “I do, High King. But I swear that I had no ill intent.”

“Very few know how my mother’s chamberlain betrayed her.” Toren clenched his hands at the memory. “But you do. We’ve been together for a long time. You must have guessed I would not take disobedience lightly.”