And in King Leif’s, by the caution rising to his face. His mouth thinned. “I see. Thus henceforth, our pleasantries end here. I do not give you leave to interfere in this matter any further. When the delegation departs tonight, you will remain.”
“With all due respect, Your Majesty.” Dyna stood with her Guardians. “I am a Queen. I do not take orders. I give them.”
CHAPTER 74
Dynalya
Dyna marched out of the council room as her thoughts raced to dissect all the new information she’d learned and form a new plan. The key was the center to it all. She had a sinking feeling they were being moved by the Druid’s invisible hand like pieces of a game only he understood.
Her Guardians walked with her, silent and ready, awaiting her command. She looked to Cassiel as they came to a pause at a concourse of her hallway and the stairs that led to his chambers.
“Pack your belongings if you haven’t already, and prepare whatever you need for tonight,” Dyna told them. “I want to be ready to leave before that gateway is open. Lucenna, can your invisibility spell cover them?”
She nodded. “I will make sure it does.”
“How will we cross unnoticed?” Zev rumbled. “Their hearing is as good as mine.”
“I will speak with Eldred,” Klyde said. “He wasn’t too keen on the king’s plan. I think I can convince him to help us for House Norrlen’s sake.”
Dyna nodded. “Make it happen. We must hope for the best and prepare for the worst.”
Her Guardians moved on to do as she asked, leaving her alone with Cassiel.
“I hope you won’t attempt to dissuade my decision,” she told him. “I am going to Red Highland to bring Lord Norrlen home—including his son.”
Cassiel crossed his arms behind his back as he looked over her face, his gaze falling on her short hair pensively. “I have long learned that when you set your mind to something, it would be futile to hinder you.”
She almost smirked, relieved they could at least settle on that. “Cassiel, about last night?—”
“Let’s not speak about it now. Other matters come first, but I intend to continue that conversation when this is over.”
Dyna nodded mutely, and he gave her a small smile. She almost told him she had admired how he dealt with Leif but thought better of it. “I will go find Raiden,” she said instead. “He’ll be apprehensive. I must tell him we won’t let the trade happen.”
“Agreed. Come see me when you are finished.” Then Cassiel took the stairs to the next floor with Yelrakel, their wings moving like graceful veils of gray and black.
Dyna watched him go a moment but didn’t allow herself to think about what she needed to say to him.
“What will you have me do, my lady?” Sowmya asked her.
“Observe the delegations’ movements. Should anything change, report any findings to me.”
Sowmya bowed and marched on.
Dyna hurried down the hall. Before seeking out Raiden, she needed to do something first. But when Dyna reached her bedroom, she found Tavin closing the door. He froze when he saw her.
“Tavin?” She frowned. “What were you doing in my room?”
Tavin flushed and lowered his head. “I’m sorry. I was searching for more of the salve you gave Klyde. The flood gave me a good throttling.” He lifted his shirt for her to see. Large, dark purple and yellow bruises had flowered all over his back and she gasped. “It looks worse than it is. But if Klyde knew, he would only send me home.” He gave her a sheepish grimace. “Please don’t tell him.”
Dyna could sympathize with that. Others had coddled her too much as well, and it was exasperating. She patted his arm. “I won’t tell him. I gave Klyde the last of the salve, but I’ll ask the castle healer to send for some.”
He smiled with relief and turned to go.
“Wait. You mentioned wanting to write letters to your mother. How would you like to use the water mirror when I return? I am sure Edyth would be relieved to see you’re all right.”
He blinked at her. “Oh … that would be grand.” He hugged her abruptly. “Thank you!”
“Of course,” she laughed in surprise.
