Teryn narrowed his eyes. Sure, he could feel honored by such generosity, but he had a feeling this was no favor. Instead of clearing Menah’s debt, the duke had only shifted the hands of who held it. He’d purchased his kingdom’s allegiance.
Isn’t that what Father wanted?Teryn thought to himself.An alliance with King Dimetreus?
No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t see this as a blessing. “I didn’t ask you to do that.”
“You didn’t have to,” Morkai said. “Let’s just say it was in my kingdom’s best interest.”
Teryn didn’t like the sound of that. Before he could argue, Morkai spoke again.
“I understand Menah has seen its share of hardship. Scandal. Threat of war. Pirates.” He paused and gave Teryn a probing look. “Not to mention an unfulfilled marriage contract with the Princess of Selay.”
Teryn tried not to appear flustered by Morkai’s demonstration of knowledge about his kingdom. The duke reminded him of Helios in a way, but far more subtle.
Morkai waved a hand. “Lucky for you, your strife can end with the collection of a simple bounty.”
“Lucky indeed,” Teryn said stiffly.
“Now that your debt to Cartha has been repaid, I daresay your kingdom will look quite well to anyone who has scorned you thus far.”
Teryn gave a grunt of agreement. He wished Morkai would get to the point already. Teryn had only known him for a handful of minutes, but he already knew exactly what kind of a man the duke was—one of smooth words to cover layers of pretense.
“Rumors run faster than horses,” Morkai said. “Soon everyone will know of your kingdom’s shift in status. I’m willing to bet that by the time you return home, your beloved princess will fall at your feet begging you to marry her. You’ll never have to face the indignity of another ridiculous poetry contest again.”
Seven gods, how much did this man know about him? Every kingdom had spies in every court, even his own. Still, it was unsettling to realize just how much more effective Khero’s informants were compared to Menah’s. Teryn forced a smile. “I’m sure you’re right.”
Morkai watched him through slitted lids. He leaned forward in his chair. “That is…unless you’ve changed your mind about her.”
Teryn swallowed hard. His mind—for whatever strange reason—went to Cora. “Changed my mind?”
“Perhaps you’re tired of being slighted by Selay. Had they wanted to sever your engagement to the princess, they could have done it with far more tact.”
“They could have.”
“And yet they pitted you against two other princes in a frivolous quest for unicorns. Is that why you came to Khero, Prince Teryn?”
There was no use denying it. “Yes.”
“You didn’t happen to have anything to do with the slaughter of an entire company of unicorn hunters, did you? They may have worked directly under me, but I serve the king.” His tone was cordial, but Teryn could hear the threat laced between each word. It told him he knew Teryn had interfered with the duke’s hunt. A hunt approved by the king himself. Teryn and his kingdom could be condemned for such a crime. Morkai clearly knew Menah couldn’t afford war. Meanwhile, the elegant armor worn by the duke’s guards was proof enough that Khero could.
Teryn’s mind spun as he took it all in. Layers upon layers of the duke’s words, actions, threats. He still felt like he’d barely begun to unearth the half of it.
Morkai’s lips stretched into a wide smile. “It’s fantastic that we are allies now, is it not?”
“Indeed.”
“An alliance is reciprocal. You finding the princess is worth even more than what the king has done for you already. Should you wish it, we could do more.”
Teryn shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “More?”
Morkai steepled his fingertips against his chin, brow furrowed as if deep in thought. “I think I might know what prevented your father from demanding that King Verdian honor the contract between you and the princess.”
And we’re back to the expense of war,Teryn noted. “Is that so?”
Morkai nodded. “That is no longer an issue, let me assure you. King Dimetreus has a prodigious army. One that would have Selay quaking with fear. Should you seek justice rather than matrimony, say the word and Khero will come to your aid.”
Teryn’s mouth went dry. Once again, the duke’s words were generous at face value. But under the surface…
King Dimetreus has a prodigious army.
