Two kings? But King Gerard is dead, so it’s only my father… No. Leo is a king now. I need to get used to that.
Two days ago, I thought he was a guard who didn’t like following the rules. Today he’s a king. The Leo who kissed me is now King Alexander. I don’t even know what to do with that information.
Guards scattered when Commander Magalie finished giving directions. She approached Evelyn and bowed. “Your Highness, I heard about your abilities that allowed you to find the missing soldiers. Alexander wants you to try your luck with the missing guards.”
“Certainly,” Evelyn agreed. “I don’t know if I can be helpful, but I’ll try.”
Magalie led Evelyn around the palace, through the garden, down to the beach, over the docks, and up to the stables. Evelyn didn’t see anything out of place and definitely didn’t find seventeen bodies. She did learn that Rory was allergic to flowers, based on the dozen times he sneezed in the garden.
They went into a large, utilitarian building used as living quarters for the guards and other palace staff. Magalie used magic to unlock each door so Evelyn could check every room, including closets. But there was nothing to find.
“I’m sorry to waste your time,” Evelyn said.
“It’s not a waste of time to know we aren’t missing anything on the property,” Magalie replied.
They returned to the palace. King Gerard’s body had been taken down while they were gone, but Evelyn wasn’t sure where he had been moved to. Still, she felt better without a corpse looming over the entrance.
Leo looked up expectantly when they walked in. “Anything?”
“No, sir,” Magalie told him.
“We’ll add the missing guards to our list of problems,” General Savatier said, clearly frustrated. “My soldiers will keep an eye out.”
“Thank you,” Magalie said before leaving.
“Were any of the guards from Carrowmore?” Evelyn asked.
“No,” King Tristan said. “Our guards were stationed inside.”
Damien joined their Circle of Bad News. “The borders are closed. Movement has been restricted on the coast and the river to only allow for military communication. We were able to get in touch with Prince Rowan in Carrowmore and he is taking the same precautions.”
“You talked to Rowan?” Evelyn asked, hopeful for good news.
“Not directly. But we have enough soldiers stationed along the river to quickly relay messages.” Damien gave her a sad smile. “Nothing is out of the ordinary in Carrowmore.”
“What about within our borders?” the general interrupted.
“All four courts have been informed,” Damien continued. “The lords are on their way.”
General Savatier faced Leo. “Are you set on remaining in the palace?”
“Yes,” Leo said without elaboration.
“Then the lords should be invited to stay here as well,” the general decided. “I know they enjoy the royal guest houses, but the last thing we need is to spread security too thin.”
“I agree,” Damien said. “And it’s not like they’ll be in bunk beds. There’s plenty of room in the palace.”
“Father, are you staying?” Evelyn asked.
“Yes,” King Tristan said, “for as long as I can be helpful. Though I would prefer you and Hannah to be away from all of this.”
“I don’t want to leave.”
“Then we will protect you here, Princess.” Damien gestured toward Rory and Simon. “I see your guards have already multiplied. Does the new one know he needs to be fireproof?”
Simon’s eyes went wide and Rory suppressed a smile.
“He’ll figure it out,” Evelyn teased.
