“Yes, it is, and where the emperor is concerned, I can’t say they’re wrong. But what are you saying?” In Draylon’s state of exhaustion, he needed plain speaking, and he wasn’t about to remind anyone of his familial connection to the corrupt emperor.
“That the ones who attacked you don’t represent the average citizen of Delletina, and they were sent by those few nobles.”
Lord Whreyn. Had Niam found him yet?
Vihaan fixed Draylon with a severe stare. “There’s also another possibility.”
“Which is?”
All the commanders present were powerful, yet they deferred to Vihaan to speak. “That the nobles in question are colluding with outside forces. Think of who gains if Delletina is conquered, especially since gold had been found in the mountains. You know your fath—”
“The emperor,” Draylon corrected.
“Yes, you know the emperor, how he works. Tell me, what would happen to the nobles of Delletina if Cormir conquers them?”
Bile burned the back of Draylon’s throat. “Many will likely lose their estates and their lives. Their wealth will be given to the emperor’s favorites.”
Precisely what happened with Herix.
Finally, Draylon asked, “Does anyone here understand Cracian?” Yarif read Cracian books, though he wasn’t currently available.
The woman commander who’d spoken earlier lifted her hand. “I’m not fluent, but I know some.”
Draylon removed the scroll from the waist of his trousers. Vihaan raised his eyebrows in question. “I found this among the packs of Commander Illa’s mercenaries. It appears to be addressed to her.”
The woman took the message, unrolled the parchment, and read. Her face drained of color.
“What is it?” Draylon asked.
“It’s a message from the Cracian king’s foremost advisor. It implies the emperor has promised them a share of Delletina’s gold to join in the upcoming campaign, offering them what amounts to whatever they want for joining the empire.”
“Is the emperor mentioned by name?” Could this scroll be used as evidence?
“His Imperial Majesty is referred to.” The woman handed back the note.
What was the emperor playing at? Draylon intended to find out.
Chapter Thirty-five
“Yarif,Ineedyouto do something for me.” Draylon took Yarif’s sweet face between his palms, standing forehead to forehead in the center of the camp. His focus remained on Yarif and not the chaos of soldiers preparing for battle.
“What is it?” Yarif trembled, from fear or cold, Draylon couldn’t tell.
“I’m riding ahead with the other commanders. I’d like you to stay back.”
Yarif retreated, pulling free from Draylon’s grip. Alarm showed in his wide blue eyes. “But why? The healer says I'm fit enough to ride. Your consort should be by your side, earning support for you from the citizens of Renvalle.”
“That time will come, my dear Yarif, but I need you safe. You were wounded and are barely recovered. Again. Besides, I’ll need you to carry on if I fall in battle. Make the truth known.”
“I don’t want to be without you.”
The words, softly spoken, filled Draylon with hope and so much more. Yarif wanted him. They'd need a long talk when they got past this ugliness. “Nor I, you. But we must. At least for a little while.” Draylon planted a kiss on Yarif’s forehead. “If the unthinkable happens and we’re defeated, promise me you’ll take refuge with some of your kin. I won’t have you harmed.”
“What about Emile and Adrina?”
“One of our spies took word to May to get them out of the city. They’ll be safe.” Draylon kissed Yarif again. “And so will you.” He nearly said,“I love you,”but those words spoken by men before battle seldom held. Instead of words, he’d show his love, even taking on his father.
No. Not his father. The emperor, a corrupt, despicable man. Memories came back of other suspicious deaths. Was the emperor behind those too? In all likelihood, yes. The very thought brought bile to Draylon’s throat.
