Yet he’d said he’d send for reinforcements from Glendor to replace the troops Illa was supposed to have taken with her.
Father planned to invade Delletina. Had he somehow known Lleval would betray him? Or that King Lleval and Crown Prince Barostian would be killed?
Threat to the imperial family.
“Have you seen Commander Illa or any other Cormiran riders through this way?”
Vihaan shook his head. “Sentries spotted two dozen riders to the west this very morning moving toward Delletina. Didn’t make a big effort to hide either. They weren’t riding in formation or wearing Cormiran colors. Our orders are not to leave here or send out riders other than for messaging until we received word from the imperial throne.”
Those were some odd orders. Indeed, riders headed for an unfriendly country should be investigated. “Kidnappers have taken King Lleval’s son.” No need to give too many details until Draylon knew where Vihaan stood. They’d had limited dealings, but their interactions had always been friendly.
“I’m surprised the emperor didn’t have him put to death. Weren’t King Lleval and King Niam of Delletina plotting against the emperor? Perhaps the coward ran toward allies.”
Draylon couldn’t stop a growl. Vihaan showed his hand. Draylon kept his tone even though he wanted to bark out Yarif’s defense. “When I became king of Renvalle, Prince Yarif became King Consort.”
“A traitor’s son?” Vihaan let out a snort of disgust. “You should be rejoicing he’s gone.”
Rufe grabbed Draylon before Draylon could attack. “He’s my husband. I swore to protect him and intend to get him back.” What happened after that, who could say?
Vihaan held his hands in front of him in a placating gesture. “My apologies, Your Majesty. I had no idea you had feelings for him. You’d venture into Delletina alone? Just the two of you? Your father allowed this?”
“My father forbade me.” Draylon scowled. He might not find support in this camp, but no one would stop him either. “You can try to detain me at your own risk.”
Vihaan gave a crafty smile. “Detain you for what? You were separated from your honor guard during the heat of a fight with bandits.” He shrugged. “Or they were killed. As this pertains to a tricky diplomatic matter, I hope you understand that I can’t send my troops and risk an incident with a hostile country.”
What a relief. Vihaan wouldn’t try to stop Draylon’s efforts. “I understand and would expect no less. You have your own troops to look after and your own orders. I simply want safe passage through your camp and the information you’ve provided.”
Vihaan continued as though Draylon hadn’t spoken. “I happen to have several bands of mercenaries retained for more… delicate operations, with no ties to the Glendor throne. If a few of their number were to leave my employ for yours, well, the only stipulation of our agreement is that they don’t leave us for the enemy.”
“Any you can spare, and who can be trusted, will be most welcome. It must be a small group. We don’t want to draw attention to ourselves and must travel fast. What about your orders?”
“I have six individuals in mind, each with skills I feel will benefit you. About the orders”—Vihaan winked— “as the emperor’s son, your ordersareimperial.”
Draylon dipped his head. “I would be in your debt.”
Vihaan waved him off. “Think nothing of it. We soldiers must look out for each other. Besides, we ride under the same banner when the empire rallies its forces.”
“True.” Though usually, Draylon decided what kind of fighting force to send and from which kingdom.
“I cannot believe Illa Trandores was named commander.” Vihaan shook his shaggy head. He had definitely been here in the wilds long enough to have grown out his standard military haircut. “Her record isn’t exactly accomplished.” The grizzled old warrior leaned forward in his seat, voice barely audible. “Is there a possibility that Commander Illa herself took him?”
It appeared Draylon wasn’t the only one who doubted Illa’s motives. Her getting a hasty promotion, leaving the day Yarif disappeared. Illa was recently assigned to the Delletina border and could have acquired uniforms.
And bodies.
Draylon shook his head. “I wouldn’t rule out the possibility. But if what you say is true, she’s not riding with trained soldiers.” Illa was on a mission ordered by the emperor, though hadn’t taken any Cormiran soldiers. No, nothing suspicious there at all. Ice flowed through Draylon’s veins. Father had always been ruthless, willing to sacrifice any life but his own for “the greater good,” but would he actually stoop so low?
“Why take him to Delletina?” Rufe asked.
If Father orchestrated Yarif’s kidnapping, was he trying to prove Yarif a traitor or implicate Delletina in the plot?
Reason for invasion.
An unfamiliar voice spoke from the tent flap. “Because if the king consort is killed by Delletina operatives it gives Emperor Soland motive to invade. Even his council cannot protest.”
Draylon looked up into the gray eyes of an imposing woman, shaven head covered in swirling black tattoos. Ink also wrapped her bulging arms, marred in places by blade scars. Her dark skin and intricate artwork proclaimed her of a Southern Island tribe.
Vihaan stood. “Your Majesty, I’d like to introduce Captain Jayra. I won’t embarrass myself by attempting to pronounce her family name. Southern Islanders put letters together in ways incomprehensible to Glendorans. Captain Jayra, His Majesty Draylon Aravaid, King of Renvalle and prince of the Cormiran empire.”
