Good choice. “The queen might be insulted that we didn’t at least send a captain, but as one of my captains is currently in the dungeon, she’s better off with Lutrell.” Draylon trusted few people. Lutrell and Rufe numbered among them despite the traitor’s mark tattoo emblazoned on Rufe’s right wrist.
Rufe gasped, then hid the action with a yawn. “You’ve imprisoned your own men? Not a step you take lightly. Why?”
Any other soldier and Draylon might sayMind your own damned business.“Captain Gervais and six of his men ransacked two manors, stealing jewels and other valuables. They tortured and killed a count and his heir to find out where more might be hidden. Then they raped the countess and a serving girl.”
Rufe’s mouth pinched into a tight line. “Don’t worry, sir. Lutrell will separate the balls from any man who’d dare touch anyone in her care.” Telling that he didn’t mention Captain Gervais again. Rufe clearly wouldn’t even discuss the matter with Draylon, let alone anyone else.
Yes, a man to be trusted.
Draylon gave a curt nod. “Good. I’m told King Lleval has two remaining legitimate sons and one legitimate daughter. No one knows how many bastards he might have.” The legitimate heirs were the ones Draylon dreaded facing, having killed their father and taken away their security. He’d be their executioner as well if the emperor commanded.
Draylon had never sentenced children to die and hoped not to have such a decision to make now. He served the emperor yet still listened to his own moral code.
He’d also never gone against his emperor’s wishes. Today might be the exception.
“Yes, sir, that is correct.” Rufe, somewhat shorter than Draylon, double-stepped to catch up with Draylon’s longer strides. “The older surviving son hid the younger children in his rooms.”
Well, at least one of Lleval’s offspring showed some backbone. “As well he should. Were any of them injured?”
“Not that we’re aware. No one’s been allowed to see the younger ones. The oldest is guarding the door, threatening any who approach.”
“You left him there?” An amused smile lifted the edges of Draylon’s mouth. No mere princeling could possibly be a match for a Cormiran officer. “Lost the taste for battle, have we?”
Rufe gave a wry grin. “It’s keeping him out of trouble. We know exactly where he and his siblings are. Where’s the harm if he tires himself out by threatening a few privates?”
“As long as the children are secured before the emperor's arrival.” The protective older brother could grow quite tired after a day of holding off seasoned soldiers.
Rufe rolled his eyes. “You can call him your father, you know. Your relationship is no secret.”
Draylon stiffened, automatically glancing right and left in case anyone overheard. He and Rufe had this conversation many times before. “Right now, he is my emperor. I am leading his army against an enemy. I’m Commander Draylon of His Imperial Majesty’s Army. No more, no less.”
Rufe’s wicked grin had brought many a lover to his bed. “As you wish, Your Highness…”
Ah, the appeal of bad boys. Draylon had grown immune years ago. He snorted. “Why do I put up with you?”
Rufe ticked off points on his gauntleted fingers. “One, because no one else will, and two, you’ve never backed away from a challenge.” He raised a third finger. “Then there’s that whole got-your-back thing. Oh, and the time I rescued you when Baroness Marlienne tried to put you in a compromising position with her eldest daughter.”
Draylon shuddered. He’d come way too close to a forced marriage. “So, the young captain you threw to the wolves to save me—how’s he doing?”
“The couple now has three children. They appeared sickeningly happy at the last ball I couldn’t lie my way out of.”
“Good.” Draylon wouldn’t mourn the captain’s sacrifice. He’d thank the God of War for the resourceful save.
“Where are we going?” Once more, Rufe struggled to keep pace. All his armor didn’t help; his smaller frame prevented him from carrying the extra weight as effortlessly as Draylon.
“The emperor himself is coming to put matters in order.” A strange turn of events, but Draylon learned long ago never to question orders.
A scream rent the air. Rufe and Draylon exchanged a look. They charged as one in the direction of the disturbance.
Perhaps the battle hadn’t ended after all.
Then again, did they ever?
Chapter Two
Thesoldierslaughed.Allwore the red and blue of Cormira. One particular brute of a man scoffed, “The lad intends to fight us with a toy sword.”
Yarif assumed a fighting stance. One arm up, the other extended, holding his rapier steady.
