The king settled back on his throne, his hand scratching his goatee. ‘And do you have proof of your whereabouts prior to arriving at the house, Enforcer?’
‘Really, Uncle, this isn’t nec—’
Will held up a hand, silencing Aidon.
‘In that small corner tavern Aidon so kindly introduced me to years ago,’ Will replied. ‘I’m sure Amelia would bemorethan happy to account for my whereabouts.’
‘And what of your companion?’
Aidon stiffened as Will’s gaze shifted to him, a smirktugging on his mouth as he realized what Aidon hadn’t confessed to his uncle. ‘Aya was with your nephew last night.’
‘We were at dinner,’ Aidon added quickly. It didn’t matter. He could see his uncle’s jaw tense as he gave a brisk nod. There would be another discussion about this, he was sure of it. Marking Aya was one thing. Courting her … that was out of the question.
Will began to pace, his hands clasped behind his back as he said, ‘I must say, Majesty, your suspicions wound me. As I’m sure they would our queen.’ Dominic opened his mouth, but Will leaned against one of the pillars, his arms folding across his chest. He was the picture of impertinence as he drawled, ‘Perhaps, like you,weneed to take a look atourtrade terms with Trahir.’
‘Are you threatening me, Enforcer?’
Will raised his brows. ‘Threatening you? I wouldn’t dream of it, Majesty.’ He pushed off the pillar, his hands sliding into his pockets as he neared the throne. ‘But you’re a businessman. You understand how deals might fall through if certain parties aren’t sincere in their agreements. Tala has long provided Trahir with generous terms for the weapons that have given your armies their advantage, because you are our ally. Yet you question us at every turn. Perhaps we are mistaken in our arrangement?’
Dominic’s knuckles were white as he grasped the golden arms of his throne. ‘We could make our own weapons should it please you more.’
Will gave a shrug. ‘By all means. However, I think you’d find difficulties in creating them at such a scale. Materials aside, the Visya here have become accustomed to a different sort of life, wouldn’t you agree? I haven’t heard of many of your Zeluus using their strength affinity to create weapons in defense of the kingdom.’
Aidon cleared his throat, his chin raised as he cut a glance to his uncle. ‘Perhaps Will has a point. Let’s not forget our friendship in our time of strife.’
The king glowered at Will but dipped his head in acknowledgement. ‘Of course,’ he agreed. ‘We wouldn’t want our friends in the north thinking we’re taking advantage of their generosity.’
Dominic’s shrewd green eyes tracked to Aidon. ‘I want extra guards posted around the city,’ he ordered. ‘And extra eyes on the Bellare. Be subtle about it. I don’t want them knowing our suspicions of them being involved in this kidnapping. Not until we know more.’
‘Avis Lavigne and his family are human,’ Will said. ‘Surely they wouldn’t harm those they consider their own.’
‘Avis is on the Council, and it’s well known the Bellare disagree with our modernization and continued focus on growing trade,’ Aidon mused. ‘Perhaps they wanted to send a message.’
‘A poor choice,’ Will scoffed. ‘If anyone is a traditionalist, it’s Avis.’
‘Pardon the interruption,’ Sion chimed in from the back of the room. ‘There’s a man here to see you, Enforcer.’
‘We’re done,’ Dominic said with a wave of his hand. Will bowed as he took his leave, following Sion out of the hall. The king sighed, his fingers pinching his brow as he rested his head in his hand.
‘It was just dinner,’ Aidon muttered, his eyes fixed ahead. His uncle gave a low laugh.
‘It’s never just dinner, Aidon.’
47
Will could feel his shoulders relaxing as he followed Sion out of the throne-room.
He’d been bluffing about the trade terms; Gianna would never agree to an action that might cost them the alliance. But hehadn’tbeen lying about the bar. Amelia, the barkeep at his favorite tavern, would certainly be the alibi he needed. He had been too embarrassed to admit to Aya last night that he’d posted up at the bar, planning to lose himself in beer and a game of cards, only to distract himself from whatshewas doing at dinner.
But extra eyes on the Bellare …
He hadn’t mentioned Ryker. Not yet. He had no problem with Ryker rotting in prison. But if it meant losing Lorna’s help – help that was already nearly impossible to get … he was too desperate to risk it. He’d visited the Saj again. She hadn’t deigned to open the door.
‘Who is it, Sion?’ he asked as the throne-room doors shut behind them.
‘A young man who claims he’s a friend of yours.’
Will frowned. He didn’t have any friends in this godsforsaken city, save perhaps Josie.
