“I’ve had that honor.” The duke bowed again, his manner pleasant now, if still a little solemn. “I regret that I was prevented from much conversation with you at the welcome dinner, Your Highness, and that events on my land have detained me since.”
“Not at all, Your Grace, naturally you have other matters on your mind. Please accept my sympathy for the recent disaster, and be assured of my assistance if there’s any way in which I can help.”
“You’re very gracious, Your Highness,” the duke said, with another bow. His natural and courteous manner made Theo wonder how his son could have failed so dismally to learn from his father. The duke turned to the king, bowing again. “With your permission, Your Majesty…”
“Yes, you should continue your inquiries immediately,” King Ronan agreed, dismissing the duke with a nod.
King Ronan’s court manners were also impeccable, but Theo could nevertheless see the concern on the older man’s brow ashe watched the duke leave. Deciding to be frank, he turned to his future father-in-law.
“Were you discussing the dam rupture?” he asked.
The king gave the smallest of sighs as he nodded. “We were.”
“And the strange behavior of the magic when it happened?” Theo pressed boldly.
The king’s gaze traveled quickly to Theo’s face.
Theo smiled apologetically. “My guard sensed something amiss at the time, Your Majesty. And even I could observe that the magical current at the mill on the river wasn’t behaving the same on our return as on our outward journey. If we noticed, I couldn’t imagine you were unaware.”
“I am aware,” King Ronan said soberly. “But of what exactly, no one seems to know. Some concerns have been raised before now by our Craftsmen’s Guild. The duke is undertaking an investigation at my instruction.”
“He must feel a particular interest, given the impact of this disaster on his holdings.”
The king shook his head. “His appointment to the task is unrelated to that. The duchy of Nirocha has been a steady and loyal subject of the crown for as long as there’s been one, and there’s no one I’d trust more to get to the bottom of this than the duke. Already he’s pursuing some hopeful lines of inquiry.”
“That’s excellent news, Your Majesty,” Theo said. “I would love to be of service in the investigation. Naturally, as your ally, Siqual wishes to provide whatever support we can in ensuring the safety and prosperity of your lands.”
“I am grateful,” King Ronan said. Whatever his words, he didn’t look excited about the idea of the foreign prince involving himself in the investigation.
“There’s another matter, Your Majesty,” Theo said, sensing it was time to change the topic. “It seems the information I received regarding wedding plans prior to my arrival may nothave been accurate. I’d thought perhaps the wedding date would be set at the conclusion of the tournament, but Princess Elowen seemed reluctant to confirm that when I asked her.”
“Don’t worry yourself with those details, Prince Theodore,” the king said in a paternal fashion. “Just enjoy the tournament, and all the celebrations in your honor. The wedding will come around quickly enough, we can discuss all those details after the tournament is complete.”
Theo frowned, unsatisfied. The king had dodged the question as neatly as his daughter had done. But why? The king was already moving smoothly away, however, so there was nothing for Theo to do but continue on his errand to sign up for his chosen events.
He’d just finished submitting his name for the archery, the maze race, and the weapons combat, when a musical voice hailed him.
“You’ve signed up for one more than is required of you. Industrious.”
Theo turned to see Elowen watching him.
“It seems you’ll have the dubious pleasure of watching me compete for your hand after all, Princess.”
She said nothing for a long moment, her face hard to read as she studied his. “Why the extra event?” she asked at last.
Theo shrugged. “I thought I’d try the maze race as well. It sounds interesting—the description promises problem-solving challenges beyond simply navigating the maze. It seems a fitting test, since for someone in our position, problem-solving abilities are often more useful than physical strength.”
She considered his words, and he felt impatient with himself for wondering if she was impressed by his sense. Why was he trying to impress her? They were already betrothed, by promise if not formally. He had no need to win her approval.
“I notice you didn’t sign up for the jousting,” Elowen said. “I had the impression you enjoyed horseback riding, and you certainly have an excellent seat.”
“Thank you.” Theo bowed, a hint of irony in the formal gesture. “I’ve always loved horses, it’s true. Honestly, that’s what puts me off jousting. I’ve seen too many horses injured in what seems to me a pointless event. Not that I mean any offense,” he added.
Again Elowen said nothing, and again her eyes studied him with a clarity of sight that threatened his steady front. She seemed to be trying to measure him with her gaze and, if he was any judge, struggling to do it to her satisfaction.
Theo didn’t know what to feel about that.
Chapter
