Page 57

T he rest of the journey passed relatively uneventfully, save for a detour around a rock fall and an unexpected snow that forced them to shelter in a cave for two days. Thank the gods, Willem didn’t constantly complain like Zanial had.

An image reappeared in Niam’s mind: Uri pulling Rufe’s arm over his chest. Warmth grew in Niam’s own chest at seeing two of the most important people in his life bonding, Uri obviously trusting Rufe.

As did Niam.

When at last he spotted Dellamar Castle in the distance, perched near the top of one of the lower mountains, his heart stuttered for all he’d face: Whreyn and his conniving cohorts, ensuring the Fjell family maintained the crown, introducing Rufe as king consort, and perhaps the part he most feared—telling his mother she’d missed his wedding.

Vihaan, Casseign, and two other soldiers took charge of the mules at sunset while Niam, Rufe, and Draylon accessed the tunnels to enter the castle.

As Draylon and Rufe insisted on being his guard, Niam held a lantern aloft, providing light while walking between the two warriors, leaving space enough to wield swords if needed. Where would he find Mother tonight? Likely in her sewing room, anticipating his arrival.

He paused at the entrance, listening for unfamiliar voices.

The strains of an old lullaby reached his ears.

Rufe and Draylon failed in hiding winces.

Niam gave them an apologetic smile. “Mother singing off-key keeps others at bay and lets me know she’s alone.

She’s actually a wonderful singer when she wants to be. ”

Rufe grabbed his arm when Niam reached for the door. “Let Draylon and me go first to ensure it's safe.”

Niam nodded and stepped aside. Rufe readied his dagger and pushed open the door.

Crash!

Rufe jumped back behind the safety of the door.

“Come any closer, and I’ll gut you!” Nera roared.

Niam gently urged Rufe to the side with a hand to the small of his back. “Mother, it’s me. I’ll take it personally if you gut my consort.” He took a deep breath and emerged.

Mother stood in the center of the room, mouth hanging open, shards from a smashed vase lying on the floor. “Consort?”

Rufe stepped into the room, a sheepish smile on his face. “Greetings, Your Majesty.”

She stood still for so long Niam worried she’d collapse, but she wasn’t one given to fainting.

Finally, she launched herself into Niam’s arms, whirled, and then caught Rufe in a three-way hug.

“You found your Cormiran mate.” Mother stepped back, worry wrinkling her brows.

“I thought you were going to marry a Cormiran noble.”

Niam laughed, more from stress than mirth. “It’s a long story, but Rufe is now heir to a dukedom. Now, tell me. What’s been happening here?”

Mother crossed her arms over her chest. “Where are the boys? Are they safe?”

“Yes. I’ve sent them to Yarif in Renvalle.”

Mother shifted a suspicious glance to Draylon. “Not to be inhospitable, but why are you here?”

Draylon sheathed his sword and bowed as much as his armor allowed. “Queen Nera, I am at your disposal, representing my brother, the emperor.”

“Well, then, let’s get you settled. You all smell like you’ve been on the road for a ten-day journey or longer.

” She wrinkled her nose at Rufe and Draylon.

“You two can take off the armor. You’ll not need it here.

I barred my door securely and chose the soldiers to stand guard. No one will interrupt us.”

“There’s a reason for the smell, Mother,” Niam said, relief washing away his trepidation, leaving him weary. He dropped into a chair he knew wasn’t her favorite. “We have been on the road for a ten-day. Longer, actually.”

Draylon and Rufe assisted each other in removing armor in practiced motions, showing this wasn’t the first time they helped each other undress. Niam pushed back a spike of jealousy.

Once they’d stripped to tunic and trousers, Draylon and Rufe sat side by side on the settee. Niam nearly groaned. He should’ve taken the settee instead of a chair so he could sit with his consort. So much to learn about being bonded again. To change now would make his discomfort known.

Instead, he said, “Tell us all that’s happened.”

His mother shuffled to a sideboard, returning with a tray bearing four glasses.

Niam took a whiff of his and coughed. “Really, Mother?”

“You’re going to need it.” She lifted her glass in a toast and downed her drink, not flinching at the burn.

Rufe, Niam, and Draylon followed suit, varying results, from raised brows to hacking.

“Now,” she said. “Whreyn has been strutting around like he owns the place and has already installed his niece in the consort quarters.”

“He what?” Niam shot from his chair. “Why that presumptuous bastard!”

“Calm down, Niam. I’ve pretended I’m overjoyed at the prospect of a new queen consort.

” Mother stooped her shoulders. “To take away some of my burden.” She delivered the last words in a mocking tone, likely mimicking someone.

“They’ve left me alone as long as I haven’t tried to interfere, but I insist I will sign nothing until you return.

” She grinned. “Now I see he was a bit hasty in moving his niece in. I’ll be so contrite, saying I had no idea what you planned.

” A wicked gleam appeared in her eyes. “But it will give me such immense pleasure to move her out. Olivia’s a tyrant, making demands, terrorizing the servants.

Can you believe she’s already ordered wedding bands? ”

Niam extended his hand, showing his plain band. “Sadly for her, there’s no place on my finger for another and no place in my life for her. Is she as horrible as everyone says?”

“Worse. However, my pretending to go along with their schemes has kept me mostly safe, as I’m careful always to have guards with me, and usually a crowd of admirers.

” Mother beamed and batted her lashes. She’d learned at a young age how to win support.

“She’s getting nervous, though. Soon, she’ll no longer be able to hide her pregnancy.

You should’ve seen her face when I suggested a late summer ceremony! ”

The mere thought of Whreyn being the father of his own niece’s child…. Niam shuddered. “Do Whreyn and his sycophants ask about me?”

“They can’t, not openly, or they’ll tip their hand that you’ve escaped.

Whreyn has spread the word Cormirans took the boys, and you’re in such a state of grief that you won’t leave your rooms.” She rolled her eyes.

“We’re made of sterner stuff. They’re using the ruse to rile up the people.

In private, I simply ask my admirers if they think I’d remain so calm if Cormirans took the boys, and wouldn’t I be with my distraught son? ”

“Have you heard of a planned Craician invasion?” Draylon asked.

“Not through official channels, but rumors say a force is amassing nearby. We don’t have the soldiers necessary to defend us, especially with many of the loyal ones disappearing or dying.

I believe Whreyn plans to use the invasion to overthrow you, Niam, sweeping in as the savior to rescue us all from the horrible Craicians and negotiate a treaty. ”

“Craicians don’t negotiate,” Rufe said with utter calm, eyes fathomless and staring at the wall.

He jerked, appearing to throw himself out of whatever memory consumed him.

“They’re playing him for a fool. They’ll use him as their way in, and all the things the nobles fear from Cormira will rain down on them from Craice, with more dead bodies and smoking ruins. ”

Draylon gave Rufe a concerned once-over. “We have a force en route.”

Nera nodded. “I hoped you’d say so. We could hold them off for a while, calling on the mountain gods to aid us with the blizzards we occasionally have this time of the season, but gods can be fickle, can’t they? I’d rather depend on cold steel.”

Yes, Mother would love Lady Exa. Niam said, “We’ve brought a few soldiers with us. Do you have a list of names of those we should subdue first?”

“I do.” Mother reached into her sewing box and extracted a folded piece of paper.

“I’d start at the bottom. Having minor nobles disappear won’t cause too much attention until Whreyn realizes what’s happening and thinks one of his allies has turned against him.

When Craician soldiers arrive, we’ll offer him a choice: be given to them or pay for his crimes.

I’m told Craicians aren’t too kind when they’ve been thwarted. ”

“No, they’re not,” Rufe murmured. “Vihaan, Casseign, and the others are tending the mules and seeking out our loyal soldiers. ”

“There are many more than Whreyn believes. Once the threat to their families is gone, they’ll turn against him.

Since you’ve disappeared, he no longer intends to play a long game, waiting to become regent.

He possibly plans to take the crown now, with Craice as his excuse and likely with their backing. ”

Niam would gladly hand the accursed crown over and escape with Rufe, but doing so would leave the kingdom and its people in the hands of a greedy, grasping madman who cared naught for anything save his own ambitions.

“I assume my quarters are guarded?” Niam asked with a yawn.

Nera nodded. “I've placed guards outside the door to ensure no one invades your privacy. Have no fear. I’ve arranged other accommodations for you. They might not be spacious or grand, but they are secure.”

Niam cocked an eyebrow. “The old temple?” Mother had hidden others there in the past.

“Yes. Do you remember how to get there?”

“Yes, Mother.”

Rufe lifted his head. “Temple?”

“To the Nameless Goddess. People haven't openly worshipped her here for ages, so while they maintain her temple, few go there in case she is real and retaliates.” Mother grinned. “I might have helped those rumors to spread. You never know when you’ll need a sanctuary. And the goddess has a quiet following.”

Rufe started at ‘Nameless Goddess’ . “In Cormira, we refer to her as the Unnamed Goddess. ”

“One and the same.” Mother lifted a brow in Rufe’s direction, but he didn’t elaborate.

Niam took Rufe’s arm. “Thank you, Mother. We’ll retire for the evening, meet with our soldiers, and contact you tomorrow.”

“I’ll have discreet offerings sent to the temple.

” Mother rose, crossed the distance, and kissed Rufe’s forehead.

“Welcome, consort. My son has made an excellent match.” She hugged Niam, handed him a lantern, curtseyed to Draylon, and let them out through the secret door.

“May any deities you worship keep you safe.”

They would undoubtedly need Mother’s blessing in addition to the deities’.