“If the borgons are tied to her, they’ll resurface when she does,” I said.
Lore slid his hand across the small of my back, and when he trailed his fingertips up and down my spine, I shivered. It was all I could do to pay attention to the conversation.
“Double the patrols near the forests and passes,” Lore said, clearly not as distracted as me. Such a tease. “Use our trackers sparingly; they can’t risk being lured into something they can’t fight their way back from.”
Briscalar nodded, his expression grim. “Yes, my king. I’ll ensure it's seen to at once.”
Lore’s jaw tightened, his gaze distant for a moment before he focused on me. “We’ll prepare for whatever she may throw our way next.”
There was no need to voice it further. We both knew this reprieve, if it could even be called that, was temporary. Prager shrinking into silence only meant she was taking time to calculate her next move.
“To finish answering your question about our people,” Briscalar said to me, likely blocked from hearing anything related to Prager and the curse. “Vigils have been organized for those still grieving, and healers are making their rounds to tend to those with smaller wounds. It will take time for us to recover, of course, but our people are resilient. They won’t falter under your reign. They believe in you—bothof you.”
Lore inclined his head. “Excellent. See that their needs remain a priority. We’ve asked more of our people than they should ever have to endure. If there’s any sign of unease, whether it’s hunger, discomfort, or even discontent, we must act right away.”
Briscalar clasped his hands below his chin. “Of course, Your Majesty. You have my word.”
“Which brings me to what I need from you next,” Lore said.
“I live to serve at your command,” Briscalar said in a humble tone that wasn't even a touch fake. We were fortunate to have him on our staff. Loyalty couldn't be bought, but this man gave it fully without expecting anything in return.
“Take my hand.” Lore stretched his out, and the lord did so without hesitation. Lore closed his eyes, and I felt a pulse of his magic slam into Briscalar, who shuddered but held Lore’s gaze, saying nothing. “Good,” Lore said as he released the lord’s hand. “Not him.”
Then who had tainted the Sentinel Veil?
“My queen and I must be away from the court for some time,” Lore said. “I'm leaving you here as regent.”
“Me?” Lord Briscalar gasped. “But?—”
“Talvon will help, as will my advisors. Before you accept,however, you need to know that someone tainted the Sentinel Veil.”
Lord Briscalar’s eyes widened. “I could never?—”
“It wasn’t you.”
The lord nodded slowly.
“As regent, you’ll need to discover who did while we’re gone, as well as handle anything that might come up here at the court. Do you feel able to handle this task, High Lord Briscalar? Know that you can refuse. I’d never force something like this on anyone.”
“If…” He shook his head and for the first time since I'd met him, he appeared flustered. The fact that he hesitated spoke well for him. A conniving person would latch onto this opportunity and use it to benefit himself. Not this man. He'd ensure everyone else was comfortable before seeing to his own needs. “I am greatly honored, my king. My queen.” He bowed deeply. “I will happily serve you in any way I can. Are you sure you wish formeto serve as regent?”
Lore grasped his shoulder and tightened his fingers. “There's no one else I trust more. If you agree, I’ll ensure the announcement is made before we leave.”
Lord Briscalar stiffened, only the shimmer of tears in his eyes giving away how stunned he was by the trust Lore was placing in his hands. “I will serve as regent with all my heart and strength.”
Lore braced the other man’s shoulders. “Thank you.”
“When do you plan to depart? I must see to the queen's things. Will you travel long? I have to ensure she has enough clothing and toiletries, plus staff to assist her during her?—”
“We're traveling alone.”
Briscalar's jaw dropped, and he said absolutely nothing, a first right there.
“I'm not sure how long we'll be gone,” Lore added. “As for when, we leave first thing in the morning.”
I could tell by the twitch on his hand on my waist that he wanted to flit now. But we were exhausted. Covered in dirt and grime. We could take one night to bathe and rest.
“Very well, sire. My queen.” Briscalar's hands fluttered around his face. “I must make sure everything is ready. Are you sure there isn't anything I can do for you before you depart?”
