by Frost Kay
“I haven’t the foggiest. Mira, her healer, was the only other one aware of his visits.”
“Visits?” How many times had his father come to her?
“Evidently he snuck in almost two weeks ago and surprised them both. He had the Elite and the healer sworn to secrecy. He’s been visiting her for a couple of hours every afternoon.”
“Do you mean visiting or visiting?” Sam queried.
Tehl stiffened. Had she seduced his father?
“When he introduced her, did his tone imply the latter?” Sam questioned.
Gav shook his head. “No, Ruby spoke to Mira about her afternoons with your father. They talked. Marq told her stories about your mum and the sea. They’re companions, nothing more.”
“I thought you were getting pretty close to her.” Tehl’s brows furrowed. “You weren’t aware of his visits? Ruby said nothing to you?”
His cousin’s jaw clenched. “She never told me though she had plenty of time. She didn’t trust me with this.”
“Ruby wasn’t sworn to secrecy?” Sam probed.
“The rebel wasn’t sworn to secrecy, but she said nothing.”
“Why?” Sam asked skeptically. “She could gain many things from her connection to him. It was obvious my father has affection for her. What is she after?”
Gav continued to glare Sam’s way. “Ruby’s worried the king’s attention would bring more of our focus.” His cousin turned his glare on him. “She didn’t want you coming to question her.”
His own eyes narrowed. “If she hadn’t betrayed the Crown, she would have no reason to fear me. My question is this: what does my father want with her. We have no idea what she’s fed him or what he’s told her. She’s dangerous. Sam—” His eyes cut to his brother. “Any new information on her?”
Sam sighed in frustration. “No, no one knows anything. Either that or they’re just unwilling to give her up. I have picked up one lead, but it will be a few days before I know anything.”
“Okay then. Keep me posted on that. In the meantime, I need to visit our father.” Tehl wrinkled his nose. He was not looking forward to that. “Gav, when you asked her to step away she did because she trusted you.” He let his cousin absorb that for a moment before continuing. “She still trusts you, as do I. I need you to continue to keep watch over her.”
Gavriel nodded. Tehl next addressed Sam. “I have no clue what you’re doing with your sneaks; that’s your realm to deal with, but keep an eye out. The rebel’s been here for three weeks. Someone will come for her, and soon, I’m sure of it. When they do…” Tehl trailed off, exchanging a knowing smile with his brother. “In the meantime, Sam, I need you to gain an oath of silence from the Elite guarding her door.”
“Apparently, they are already excellent at keeping secrets,” Gav cut in.
“On that note…” Sam winked and stalked toward the Elite.
Tehl hung his head, staring at the carpets beneath his boots knowing what his cousin would say next. His eyes traced the blue scales of a mermaid woven into the rug, awaiting the inevitable speech.
“This situation could have been avoided.”
There it was.
“Damn it, Tehl.”
“I don’t have eloquent words and manners like you, Gavriel. I may be able to read people, but I’m never sure how I should react to their emotions.” He paused, frustrated. “I can’t change who I am.” He rolled his neck and faced his cousin. “What would you do if you were in my position?”
“You won’t like it.”
“Still, I want to hear it. If it will help me be a better king for Aermia, then I will do my duty.”
“You need a wife.” Blunt.
Tehl blinked at him trying to figure out if he heard right. “A wife?” he parroted. What did that have to do with anything?
“Yes, a wife. You need someone to round your sharp edges and make you more approachable. Someone that will complement and enhance your abilities, support you in your role. Plus, the things you hate are all tasks that your mother oversaw. When you marry, your queen will assume those responsibilities.” Gav’s face morphed into a devilish grin. “She will also help you with the whole heir business. Baby-making is always fun, and I can tell you that from experience.”
He smirked at Gavriel’s last comment. “Heirs?”
Gav’s smile widened, and he nodded. “Heirs.”
Tehl shook his head at his cousin. “I will consider it. Thank you for your advice.”
Tehl patted his cousin on the shoulder and headed down the corridor. Would a woman make that big a difference? Gavriel never gave bad advice and his family had keenly felt the loss of his mum and Emma. Their presence certainly made a difference.
But where would he ever find a bride? He didn’t have time to hunt for one. Tehl filed it away for later. He needed to deal with his father.
If he could find him.
Although he’d searched all of his father’s usual haunts, he’d yet to encounter him. Marq Ramses had an uncanny ability to disappear when someone was looking for him. Tehl’s time had run out. It was time for dinner.
He grudgingly made his way toward the great hall. A loud shriek echoed through the doorway, followed by the buzz of many voices. Tehl hesitated in the doorway, wishing escape was possible. He’d rather eat with the Elite or out in one of the pastures. At least with the animals he could enjoy some measure of peace and quiet.
He braced himself and strode into the great hall with his head high and shoulders back. The sound of a hundred chairs scraping the floor reverberated in the open space.
Made-up faces flashed him painted smiles, their eyes predatory. Men and women dipped in intricate bows and curtsies as he brushed by.
He leapt up the two stairs to the dais and faced his court. “Be seated and enjoy your dinner,” he commanded in a loud voice before sitting.
Gav was sitting on his left but Sam’s seat was empty. “Figures,” he grumbled to himself.
“What was that, Your Highness?” said a young woman, two chairs down.
He looked at her for a moment and then realized his voice had carried farther than intended.
Tehl cleared his throat and sent her a brittle smile. “Nothing, my lady.”
She lowered her eyelashes and simpered in her seat. He wanted to roll his eyes at her coy glances. She was anything but bashful. Caeja, councilmen Jaren’s daughter, had thrown herself at him many times already; it seemed ridiculous to play shy now. Sam’s running theory on their motives was disturbing. His brother figured that, though they knew he couldn’t marry them, most of them didn’t care. He said they were probably all hoping to get pregnant, so it’d be their child on the throne one day. His nose wrinkled at the idea, and he realized he was still staring at Caeja. Her cheeks pinked, whether from embarrassment or anger he didn’t know, but he quickly wiped his face clear of expression.
Tehl focused on his food and only spoke when asked a question. He tried to keep his answers short so that no one drew him into conversation. Once he finished, he sprawled in his chair and watched the delicate political dance around him—every look, laugh, touch, or joke was a means to an end.
His mind drifted back to what Gav had said earlier.
A wife.
She could probably steer through the court waters better than he could. Plus, if he had a wife maybe some of these women would leave him alone. Tehl almost snorted at the thought.
Yeah, right. The women of his court had no shame.
The more he considered marriage though, the more he liked the idea. His thoughts had already turned to children of late, so if he married soon it was possible that within the year, he could welcome a child of his own into this world.
Tehl stood and retired for the night, thankful to leave behind the lights, people, and music. In his suite, he paced, restlessness plaguing him. He was too wound up from the day’s activities to fall asleep. He needed to spend a while on the ledge.
He brushed aside his tapestry to display a hidd
en door that complained as he pried it open. He then picked up his lantern and slipped into the black tunnel.
These hidden, dank hallways had always intrigued him, ever since he was a child. He had fond memories of hiding in places where his mum would be, then jumping out to scare her. She would scream, swat him on the shoulder, and kiss his head. Tehl smiled at the memories as he came upon the tiny gray door that led to his sanctuary. He had to hunch over just to fit through. On the other side, a cool sea breeze ruffled his hair as he waited for his eyes to adjust to the dark.
Moonlight glimmered on the black sea, only to be shattered by the frothy white waves and luminescent algae growing on the rocks beneath the surface. He edged along the castle wall to a large ledge that overlooked the sea. It amazed him how the ocean never looked the same. It was always changing, and yet, constant.
He loved this spot. It was the ideal place to sit and ponder life. No one had ever found him here, not even Sam. If they knew about it, they left him alone. Peace. Joy. Contentment. In his mind, that was what his ledge represented.
Closing his eyes, he leaned his head against the stone wall behind him. Little bats called to each other in the night, bringing a smile to his face. Many abhorred the small creatures of the night, but Tehl had grown fond of them over the years since they’d made their nests beneath his ledge. He left them in peace, and they left him in peace.
A pebble skittered across the stone, and his eyes popped open at the disturbance. He jolted when he recognized his father squeezing himself through the little door.
Marq Ramses skirted along the wall and plopped down beside his son. Tehl gawked at his father, bewildered. The king never failed to surprise him.
He hadn’t wanted to be found earlier, so why was his father seeking him out?
Marq’s lips quirked upward. Without looking at him, his father murmured, “I wanted to join you. And, as for not wanting to be found, well… I am always around, you just need to search harder.”
He blinked at his father, realizing that he had spoken his thoughts aloud. Tehl shook his head and turned back to the frothy black waves. He had a million questions for his father, but they could wait. Now was the time for peace. They sat in companionable silence for some time, the ocean waves lapping below.
“Your mum used to sit out here.”
Tehl shifted, glimpsing his father from the corner of his eye. His expression was so bittersweet that he ached for his mum.
“Any time she felt overwhelmed or tried to work through a problem, she would sit here, sometimes for hours. I always worried about her falling but she’d just pat my cheek and tell me to stop being such a worry wart.” His father smiled. “Then she had you and your brother. From the day she held you in her arms things changed for her. She was still herself, but much more cautious; she had her precious boys to care for. Then, one day, you discovered this ledge.”
“I thought I was the first and only one to discover it.”
The king shook his head. “This was your mother’s place well before it was yours. I have lived here my entire life, yet I never knew it existed—not before her. She was in the palace but a week before she discovered it.” He fluttered his hand out, encompassing the cove. “Your mum was so afraid when she realized you’d found her cove. She wanted to forbid you from ever coming back; that’s how scared she was. She was worried you’d hurt yourself or fall.”
His father clasped him on the shoulder. “I stood up for you. A person needs a place to decompress, especially a prince. I also reminded your mum I never forbade her to come here, though I, too, always worried.” Laughter rumbled deep in his father’s chest. “I received a nasty look for that one, let me tell you. She pursed her pretty little lips like she’d eaten a hundred lemons. After a while though, she nodded her head and dropped the subject. But later, I noticed a pattern. Every time you disappeared, so would she. So one day I followed her. It turned out, she had snuck down the stairway behind you, and there she sat, watching you from the stairs. She understood you needed your time, but she also wanted to make sure you were safeguarded.” His father’s eyes crinkled. “Thus, I retraced my steps and never mentioned it.”
Tehl swallowed around the large lump in his throat. “She watched over me every time?”
His father nodded. “You were never alone. She loved you with everything she had and hoped to protect you as much as possible from the world. She was a wonderful mother. The kingdom is a darker place without her,” he choked out, pain in his eyes.
Tehl gave his father some privacy, returning his gaze to the inky sea. Why would someone subject themself to that kind of pain? Having that sort of love could destroy a person, so he wanted no part of it. He wanted a companion, but not for love, there was too much risk in that. His mind drifted to the rebel, her clinging to his father for dear life. It seemed his father might have a new ladylove. What was his father thinking? She was a traitor, not to mention too young for the king.
Way too young.
She had to be near his age. It was absurd.
“What were you doing with that girl today, father? She was in a nightdress—hardly the proper attire to entertain the king,” he demanded.
His father scrutinized him, but Tehl kept his face serene, letting his father examine him.
“Son, no matter how mildly you spoke those words, it reeked of jealousy. Does Ruby interest you?”
“Answering my question with a question, that’s telling in itself. As for your question, no, I don’t have a claim on the girl, nor do I want one. Why are you taken with that slip of a girl? She’s nothing compared to mum.”
His mum was tall with lithe grace and ethereal beauty, whereas the girl was short, all curves and mystery. Her emerald green eyes flashed through his mind. He’d never seen prettier eyes. Tehl frowned at his thoughts and glowered at the waves. Nothing about her should appeal to him at all.
Tehl turned his frustration on his father. “Again, why were you parading your indiscretion around today?”
Silence answered him.
“Mum would be disgusted with your behavior. She hated men who took mistresses.” Tehl laughed without humor. “But who am I to tell you how to treat your light-skirts? Do you even know who you hopped into bed with?”
The look on his father’s face had cowed many a man, but not Tehl. He kept his gaze steady. His father drew in a deep breath and let it out again, speaking between clenched teeth. “Firstly, ‘that girl’ has a name. Learn it and give her some damn respect. She is no light-skirt. She’s as beautiful as your mother, both inside and out. That being said, I have never replaced your mother and wouldn’t even think of doing so with someone at least half my age, no matter how charming she may be. Even if she was my mistress,” the king growled, “it would be no concern of yours. I am the king and can do as I damn well please. I am not required to dole out explanations to you. You, on the other hand, have much to answer for.”
“What?” He was working himself to the bone to keep Aermia from falling to pieces, what complaint could his father have?
“That poor creature has been locked up for weeks because of you. My only motive today was to give her an afternoon of happiness, as is my right.”
Was his father that naïve?
“You realize she is deceiving you?” Tehl asked incredulously.
“No more than anyone else.”
She had his father fooled.
He replayed his father’s words when something dawned on him. “How did you know I had her locked up?”
The king’s face seemed to say: ‘Seriously?’ “I’ve been the king longer than you’ve been alive. I can still keep track of what goes on in my home, even if I am not always a part of it.”
Tehl pinched the bridge of his nose. He came to this spot for peace but all he was getting was a headache. “So you’re telling me it doesn’t matter to you that she’s a traitor to the Crown, and in league with the rebellion? She’s dangerous and yet you’d let her go free?”
“Ruby�
�s not free. She is up in her suite at this very moment.”
“That is not the point! She could have escaped today!” His voice rose with each word. “She is all we have to help us settle this rebellion before it turns to civil war. To mention nothing of the fact that, with Scythia practically knocking at our door, discontent is the last thing we need right now! I don’t understand why you would take the risk. She is trouble! Trouble crammed into an alluring package.”
A smug smile crept up his father’s face.
“Stop looking at me like that. Any man would notice,” Tehl muttered.
“You would need to be dead not to notice.” His father winked. “And yes, to answer your question, I knew she was with the rebellion. My curiosity was piqued after speaking with Jeffry.”
Tehl winced. Her time in the dungeon wasn’t something he wished on anyone. “I…” He paused, at a loss for words. “I am responsible for what happened. What befell her shouldn’t have happened.”
A large hand rested on his neck. “We can do only so much, son. Our people choose to obey us. When they don’t, we must deal with the consequences of their actions as justly as we can. That being said—” His father’s tone turned to ice. “The man responsible ought to die.”
That was one thing they agreed upon. “I couldn’t agree more, and when we find him, which we will, he will regret ever touching her.”
Tehl leaned his head against the wall, watching the billowy silver clouds drift across the darkened sky. The bloodthirsty part of him was excited to find Serge and finish this business. Another part of him, however, couldn’t stop focusing on the beguiling yet irritating rebel currently locked in his home.
“What do you think of her?” He cracked one eye open and glanced at his father. “You must like her if you visit her every day.”
His father stared out at the ocean. He was quiet for so long Tehl thought perhaps he wouldn’t answer.
“She isn’t what I’d expected,” was the soft reply. “Ruby has been puzzling and interesting because, although she did hide things from me, she was also completely honest about others. She has shown courage, kindness, strength, and compassion. I was also surprised to find she actually wants the best for our people and truly cares for them as a whole.” His father met his eyes. “She’s not the enemy. Mark my words, she could give you what you need and more.”