But to tell Fyar, would be to risk losing him. It would be to risk it all, the place he had come to think of as home, his position and those under him who he cherished, and most of all, his friend and his king.
That was not something Killian was willing to do. He was nothing without them.
CHAPTER THIRTY
AFTER THREE DAYS of overseeing Netyere’s nobility let loose at a never-ending feast where wine and spirits flowed freely, Killian was itching for something to do. He felt like he was on a high, and being stuck in one room, following a step behind Fyar all day was driving him crazy. He was more than ready for the hunt to begin.
While the nobility partied, the palace staff made the final preparations. Readying the horses and the packs for what would be a long four days in the forest.
Six of the eight healer’s apprentices would ride along on the hunt, as would many of the King’s Guard. Extra protections and safeguards in case of emergency, but they were under strict orders not to interfere with the lords’ kills.No matter the circumstance.
There was a nervous energy humming through Killian as he made his way towards the infirmary wing, stopping periodically to chat with members of the Guard he met on the way. Nothing was amiss. He’d had them on high alert with Lyra skulking around freely. He made sure someone was always watching the prince. Discrete and from a distance.
Lyra was the perfect guest.
Kade was where Killian had learned to expect him on his sporadic visits to the infirmary, the station closest to the door, his back turned while he chatted quietly with his fellow apprentices. Not all of them seemed to be present, a few stations noticeably empty.
Pausing in the doorway, Killian watched silently for a moment, appreciating the ease and comfort in the way Kade existed in this space. He really was meant to be a healer.
The casual chattering ceased immediately once the apprentices caught sight of Killian hovering. It was the usual occurrence, not many in the palace dared to approach the Captain of the King’s Guard without a reason. It meant he was left blissfully alone by many a blubbering palace servant.
Hokda, hovering over an apprentice as they mixed herbs, groaned loudly. “What?”
Killian arched an eyebrow. “Well, well, aren’t you just glowing. Feeling better, Hokda?”
Hokda glowered at him as Killian grinned.
The last time Killian had seen Hokda, he’d been crawling out fromunder a banquet table, bleary eyed and still roaring drunk. The healer had stumbled around a bit, searching for the exit, before ultimately giving up. Hokda had then crawled his way across the hall to demand that Killian escort him to his room. It was the most vulnerable and weak Killian had ever seen the healer, and it was delightful. He was going to hold this over Hokda’s head forever.
“I need a word with you about tomorrow’s hunt,” said Killian.
Waving a hand dismissively, Hokda grunted, “In a minute.”
Killian pursed his lips, but seeing no way around it, he foldedhis arms behind his back and stepped to the side. One step towards the station closest to the door, though he made sure to keep plenty of room between him and its occupant.
Kade had straightened at the sight of Killian, his eyes brightening and a wide smile beginning to spread across his face before he’d caught himself and tried to school his expression to something akin to neutrality. It wasn’t half successful.
Coughing, Kade asked, “How are you?”
Killian bit back a smile of his own, and nodded. “Well. And you?”
Kade shrugged. “Alright.”
There was a stretched minute of silence in the room as Killian and Kade stared at each other, neither quite knowing what to say. They had parted ways just that morning, with a kiss before going off in opposite directions.
“It’s been an easy morning so far,” said Kade, fidgeting with his sleeve a bit. Apparently, he was also feeling the shift.
“Don’t jinx yourself,” Killian warned lightly. “Or else you’ll be stampeded.”
Inclining his head, Kade let out an small laugh.
The conversation—if it could be called a conversation—fizzled out, and in its wake there was another long pause.
Porthos and Taiga exchanged glances over Kade’s shoulder. Unsure of the unusually stiff and awkward atmosphere.
“Are you prepared to ride along on the hunt tomorrow?” Killian asked, grasping at straws for anything to say. “You were chosen, yes?”
Kade seemed grateful for the opportunity to fill the silence. “Oh. Yes. As prepared as I can be, I guess. I don’t really knowwhat to expect. I don’t think any of us do.”
