Yarif seemed to love the gardens. Maybe the two of them could take a walk there. Draylon could ask about the charities started by Yarif’s mother. Or plans for outings with the children. Being relieved of his position as commander left Draylon with time he didn’t know how to fill. Running a kingdom had to be a busy job—just look at the number of Father’s secretaries—but where to start?
By asking Yarif.
Draylon bathed, shaved, and once more felt awkward donning civilian clothes, even simple trousers and a tunic. The embroidered garments were a bit much. He’d ask if Yarif and the children wanted company for breakfast.
Yes. A good enough place to start.
Draylon strapped on his sword and tucked a knife into his boot. Being king didn’t prevent those loyal to the old regime from planning his demise.
“Good morning, Your High… Majesty,” one of his guards said as Draylon emerged from the rooms he hoped to share with Yarif. Guards? Did Draylon need defending in what amounted to his new home, however unfamiliar? Another matter to discuss with Yarif.
Yes, Yarif would know. Unlike some rulers, Draylon planned on listening to his consort’s advice. Of course, Yarif seemed interested in continuing in the day-to-day running of the kingdom, unlike most consorts of Draylon’s acquaintance who spent their days socializing, shopping, or idly lazing.
Father’s people hadn’t found any evidence of faulty recordkeeping or any hint of wrongdoing on Yarif’s part. Perhaps he was innocent of the transgressions of his kin, or maybe he merely hid his tracks better.
Draylon traversed the stairs with an extra spring in his step, cautiously approaching Yarif’s door.
“We heard him practicing again this morning as we came on duty,” one of the guards said. Then he growled, “There were no guards outside the door when we arrived.”
No guards? Draylon would have to report the slight to Rufe. Now that they were wed, even if Yarif chose to stay in his own rooms, having a man inside the rooms should no longer be necessary. If Yarif had planned to act against Draylon, surely he’d have done so by now.
He didn’t strike one as a patient man.
However, Yarif was practicing his fighting skills. A good or bad thing after the wedding night? “He’s finished now?” Draylon had no intention of interrupting Yarif’s schedule.
“Apparently, Your Majesty. All quiet for a while.”
Draylon tapped on the door. No answer and no sound from within. Maybe Yarif napped after their exertions last night and his morning exercise. Maybe better to try again later.
No. Draylon needed to see Yarif now. If he slept, Draylon would apologize—and maybe ask to join him. After the third time Draylon knocked, he tried the door handle. Locked.
“Unlock this door,” he commanded. The guards hurried to comply. The eerie sense of wrongness he’d long ago learned to listen to urged Draylon on.
He pushed the door open…
Broken vases, an overturned table, and blood on the floor. Blood? Had Yarif hurt himself? Where was he? Draylon darted into the bedroom, then peered into the wardrobe. Nothing.
He whirled on the guards. “You’re sure he didn’t leave this room.”
“Positive, Your Majesty. At least, not by the door.”
Draylon dashed to the balcony. The doors were locked from the inside. Yarif couldn’t have left that way, even though a drop from the third floor into the bushes below likely wouldn’t kill him.
“Find Captain Rufe,” Draylon snapped. “Send him to me. Check the children’s rooms, but don’t say or do anything to alarm them.”
One guard left. The other took up a position inside the door.
Draylon dropped down to investigate the blood, some droplets, some spattered, and a few larger pools, smeared by boots.
Rufe stormed through the door, then stopped, swiveling his neck to take in the wreckage of the room. “What happened?”
“I don’t know. Yarif is gone, and there were no guards at his door when the morning shift arrived.”
The first guard returned with a fiftyish woman in tow. “I found her lurking in the hallway.” He gave her arm a shake. “Tell him what you told me.”
The woman trembled but managed a curtsey. “Prince Yarif hasn’t been to see the children this morning, as is his custom. The children asked me to check on him. I know nothing of his whereabouts, I swear.”
While Yarif might leave Draylon, he wouldn’t leave his brother and sister. “Thank you. Please return and watch your charges. Say nothing to them of their brother’s disappearance.” Draylon nodded to the guard who’d brought the woman. “Add additional guards to their door.”
