Niam stepped around, herding the pompous lord from the room. When he closed the door, Nera collapsed into her chair, burying her face in her hands. “Oh, this is bad. Very, very bad.”
“Why?”
Nera dropped her hands, revealing worry lines on her forehead. “He's one of Niam's biggest detractors. And well-informed enough to at least suspect who you and Draylon might be.”
Yarif’s heart plunged to his stomach. “Did you say his name’s Whreyn?”
Whreyn. Wren.
Illa’s destination.
No one said a word that night while gathering for dinner. Once Draylon, Yarif, Niam, Rufe, and Nera, were seated, Aunt Nera began, “I have reprimanded Bert for his indiscretion.”
“What indiscretion?” Yarif had scarcely seen the young man while staying at the keep but hoped he wasn’t in too much trouble.
“It seems Lord Whreyn turned on the charm, wheedled from Bert that we had guests staying at the keep. Since we didn’t return to the capital as expected, Whreyn knew they must be important. He only requested an urgent meeting to discover who we entertained so secretly.” Nera’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “I’d hoped to keep your presence a secret.”
“He always has been the meddling sort,” Niam spat. “The moment he returned to our negotiations, he began trying to manipulate me, even though he only suspects your identities.” Niam picked at his meal, shifting in his chair. After a while, he put down his fork and addressed Rufe and Draylon. “While I often call the man a fool, he’s far too insightful for his own good. A man obviously occupied Yarif's room, and no one but the royal family stays on the upper floors. Even if he hasn’t pieced together who Yarif is, I’m afraid it’s only a matter of time.”
“He does know,” Yarif said, voice small.
“Why? What do you mean?” Niam demanded.
“When Illa abducted me, she kept saying she was going to ‘wren.’ I believe Lord Whreyn might be who she meant.”
“Then we must be ready to leave,” Draylon replied. “Whatever his purpose, he won’t have you.”
“Agreed.” Niam gave a curt nod. “In addition to his insightfulness, Whreyn also possesses a wagging tongue. We didn’t discuss the matter afterward, as I refused and subtly hinted at sanctions. I only hope he heeds my warnings.”
“Why does he oppose you?” Rufe asked.
“Some nobles enjoy their power and fear if we ever join the empire, they’ll lose that advantage of being a tall tree in a small forest. They simply cannot tolerate sharing a larger forest with other taller trees, if you get my meaning.”
Yarif did. All too well.
“Many nobles lost their lands when the empire won the war with Draige. Holdings and their titles were awarded by the empire to the emperor’s greatest supporters.” Draylon scowled.
“And seeing the king consort of Renvalle in my home…” Niam shook his head. “During our talks, Whreyn also made subtle hints to me paying for his silence.”
“And?” Draylon prompted.
“And there isn’t enough gold in our mountains to keep the dratted man quiet, but he’s too well connected to throw into the dungeon.” Niam threw down his fork in disgust.
“You have a dungeon?” Yarif asked.
For the first time over dinner, Niam smiled, albeit briefly and somewhat strained. “Not a usable one, but if I did, I’m not sure I could stand the temptation. So, as much as I’m enjoying your visit, the time has come for you to leave.”
And return to Renvalle to face a murderer.
After dinner, Rufe, Draylon, Yarif, and Niam remained in the room. Two guards entered.
Niam stood. “I’d like you to meet my most trusted guards, Omer and Casseign. You’ve likely seen them around the keep.” He nodded to the guards. “Please be seated.
“We have reason to believe Lord Whreyn had a role in Yarif’s kidnapping plot.” The guards surely knew of Yarif’s rank. Still, best that Niam not directly point out Yarif’s station. “I need to know if other nobles were involved. Solid proof, as I cannot risk them confronting Yarif. I want spies to track Whreyn and report back. I want to know who he contacts and why. Ensure any messengers he sends out are followed.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” the first guard said.
Niam balled his hands into fists. “That is all. I needn’t tell you that your discretion is expected.”
