That caught his interest, as she knew it would. She could see the pulse in his neck beat faster at that invitation.
“What better way to celebrate than with your rich, sweet body,” he whispered back. “And perhaps, finally, an heir in the making.” He kept his eyes on hers as he lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed it. “Let it be so,” he whispered.
Satia dropped her eyes demurely. “Walk among your warriors, then run your errand,” she murmured. “I will make the preparations.” She pulled back and raised her voice. “Escort the King to walk among our ranks. All Hail the King of Xy!”
“Hail, Hail, Hail,” came the chant.
King Xyrath lifted his hand and basked in their admiration, heading into their midst.
Satia watched Xyrath go with silent amusement. For everything that Xyrath lacked, he did make an impressive sight.
Lord Marshal Tarwain stepped to her side, gesturing to his own escort. “Go with him. Keep him out of trouble.”
The guards hurried off, leaving him alone with the Queen.
“What word?” she asked quietly.
“I’ve no numbers yet, but their dead outnumber ours. Once Kara fell, it was a rout.”
“Kara is dead?” Satia asked sharply. “You are certain?”
“Aye,” Tarwain nodded. “I saw her body with my own eyes.”
“Had she given birth?” Satia pressed, keeping her voice low. Her Bondmaidens had moved to shelter them, making sure there were no prying ears and eyes.
Tarwain seemed taken aback. “My Queen, I don’t know. She was wearing armor—”
“You didn’t strip it off?” Satia asked.
“No, of course not,” Tarwain stared at her.
Satia managed not to roll her eyes. Men. Useless. Instead she gave him nod of understanding. “Of course not,” she echoed. “But we need to know.”
Tarwain nodded and glanced behind her. “Perhaps your handmaidens—”
“Bondmaidens,” Satia corrected him. The nervousness in his eyes pleased her.
“Perhaps they could, er,” Tarwain said.
“We will see to it,” Satia said. She smiled at him again, offering reassurance. “Are you securing the enemy camp? How many noble prisoners do we have?”
“Not many,” Tarwain said, his shoulders relaxing slightly. “Most died on the field. I will order the rest executed.”
“No, no,” Satia shook her head, making sure to keep her voice gentle. “We will show mercy and imprison them instead. We can hold them for ransom, seize their estates. There’s time. And some things are worse than death.”
“As you command,” Tarwain gave her a bow. “I’ve given orders that there is to be no looting,” He assured her. “I don’t have a full count of our dead yet, but we lost quite a few. Lord Asyith is dead, as is Lord Eijer.”
“Leaving a trail of broken hearts and promises, no doubt.” Satia looked again at the clouds building in the sky, thinking of next steps. “We need to secure the city and the treasury. If there is one left.”
Tarwain nodded. “I will send Lord Roredge and his men. If the gates open to them, they will secure the castle.”
“The gates will open,” Satia assured him. “We have enough agents within to see that done.” Satia folded her hands over her stomach. “Does Roredge have the list of those of the Blood?”
“He does, and Captain Ussin was assigned the task.” Tarwain glanced up as the winds rose. The wyvern banners snapped on their poles. “Is that really necessary?”
“Those of the Blood must be found and secured,” Satia said firmly. “We need to ensure their…safety. Make certain of them. Be sure to find Orval especially.”
“The cripple?” Tarwain snorted his disbelief. “When I knew him, he was always lost in his books.”
