For fuck’s sake.
“Are you kidding?” Marek demands, then sighs when Sei flinches. “I can’t believe nobody told you. One second, have some water.”
He climbs halfway up Loska’s side to grab a waterskin, then hands it to Sei. Waiting for Sei to take a sip gives Marek time to muster the least alarming explanation possible. Fuck, Marek is not the right person for this. But he’s the only person here besides Loska, who’s preoccupied with the bird nest.
“Everything will be fine,” Marek begins. His attempted reassurance clearly fails by the way Sei’s eyes widen. “One of Naoko’s entourage was discovered dead in Ostomar.”In your new betrothed’s bedroom,Marek doesn’t add. He hasn’t seen the body. Nobody besides the king’s drasgard has. “The drasgard are investigating, but Lady Naoko threatened to call off the trade agreement. Which she doesn’t have the power to do, now that it’s signed. There was still a delay, so King Imrik sent me to fetch you more quickly than the caravan would travel.”
Sei’s eyes are still wide. “Thank you for explaining.”
Marek should probably say the rest, though it will only worry Sei more. “Also, Prince Vana left on an unexpected trip. He might be back by the time we reach Ostomar, but he might not.”
Marek tries to read Sei’s expression, but he’s closed off again. No trace of worry or disappointment. Just a polite smile. “Thank you again, Your Highness. I appreciate the information. The drasgard have been taciturn.”
“Yeah, they don’t talk much.” Marek takes the waterskin back from Sei. He swigs from it on reflex. Flying is a thirsty exercise, even though Marek’s used to it. “I’m going to check the harness. We should take off in a few minutes.”
“I’ll be ready, Your Highness,” Sei says politely. Like he says everything.
Marek climbs back up Loska’s side to triple-check every strap and buckle.Anything in the nest?
The mother bird has returned. She was frightened by my landing. The eggs weren’t frightened, because they’re eggs. Loska sighs, more a rumble beneath Marek than a sound.You are disturbed.
I feel like I’m leading a lamb to the slaughter,Marek admits in his head. Because Sei might be perfect for Vana—but Marek’s not sure Vana’s up to the task of protecting Sei from Ostomar’s politics. Or the rest of Draskora.
That’s not Marek’s problem, though. It can’t be. Fuck, he’s going to be glad when Sei isn’t his responsibility anymore. With a sigh, he swings around to call Sei over—
But Sei is nowhere in sight.
?
CHAPTER THREE
Sei
Sei just needs a minute to think. Hugging himself in the chilly forest, he stares blankly at the twists and gnarls of the tree in front of him. Marek’s information is just as chilling as the unfamiliar forest, because Marek is clearly underplaying the situation.
Which is insane, because what Marek actually said is bad enough. One of Naoko’s attendants is dead? Prince Vana is on vacation? Or an errand? A secret and terrible royal mission?
Closing his eyes, Sei counts his breaths until his nerves settle. There’s no use worrying. Sei can’t change any of this—and he’s not supposed to.
His purpose is to serve. Not to choose or decide anything. This just hammers that fact home even more. Sei follows the plans determined for him, and everything will be fine. As a grail from the Porcelain Guild, Sei is very valuable. The instructors have always told him that. House Dire will surely take care of their investment.
Sei will be relieved when he’s back in civilization. Marek is nice but intimidating. Hopefully Osric will still be in Ostomar when Sei gets there. He’d like to say goodbye.
Sei?calls a voice.
“Yes?” Sei answers, whirling around before realizing the voice is Loska in his head.
Marek appears from behind a tree, his face dark. “Don’t wander off,” he snaps, seizing Sei’s arm. His grip is rougher than before, and Sei stumbles trying to keep up.
“I’m sorry, Your Highness,” Sei stammers. “I was just looking around.”
“Well, don’t,” Marek orders, half-dragging Sei back towards the clearing. Leaves crackle beneath their boots. “You can’t wander off without a guard, understand?”
“I understand, Your Highness.”
Clearly unsatisfied, Marek continues lecturing as Loska peers down at them. “Vana hasn’t officially claimed you yet, but you’re in House Dire’s custody. Youcannotwander off without a guard.”
Wait. Sei stumbles over a tree root. Is Marek worried about betrothal etiquette, of all things?
