Page 18 of His King Enslaved

“You’re too ridiculous to be a spy, and too careless to be an assassin. Who are you?”

“Your faithful servant. Your eternal admirer. Your—”

“Enough,” Ardor said with a sigh, and Sindar promptly fell silent. “The last thing I need is more empty Kysanian words. Goddess knows I’ve heard enough of them. I need one thing from you. A baby. That’s it. That’s the extent of our relationship. Do you understand?”

“And you’ll have one,” Sindar said quickly, bowing his head. “As many as you want. Command me any time, day or night, and I will obey. I was born to serve you.”

“What the devil is wrong with you?”

“This must be the work of the angels, because I’ve never felt more right. I’ll make amends, I swear to you, no matter how long it takes.” Sindar lifted his eyes, risking a look. Ardor’s hatred for Xandar was gone. His gaze was now thoughtful as he considered his smitten consort.

“No more groveling and begging. None of that matters to me. You have one job, and I expect you to do it. When I’m pregnant, I’ll consider forgiving you. Now return to your apartment and go to bed.”

Another command! And one easily obeyed. Sindar rejoiced, his heart swelling. He bowed with the most ridiculous flourish he was capable of and happily marched off to follow his Flower’s orders.

* * *

AS HE LAY in bed, Sindar obsessed over their conversation, analyzing every word and reflecting on each detail. He concluded Ardor was right to scorn pretty Kysanian words. Goddess knew what promises and lies he’d been fed by Xandar. Sindar was no better. He was all talk and had done nothing to prove his devotion. After stewing all night over how to win over the most perfect man in the world, he had an idea.

He waited until he and Patel were crossing the great hall to attend the trade meeting before he casually said, “I want to invite Ardor’s champion.”

If he’d broached such a thing in private, Patel would have given him a merciless tongue-lashing, but in public his adviser was hamstrung. “I strongly recommend against that,” Patel said, clearly distracted and not taking him seriously.

“Kysan’s Flower should not be left unguarded.”

“Don’t underestimate the acolyte. They’re trained to do far more than brush hair. We’ll assign additional royal guards after His Eminence is pregnant. One Pavarian in the palace is enough. The last thing we need is a Pavarian champion snooping around getting up to goddess knows what.”

Sindar stopped walking. “I’m not asking, I’m telling.”

Patel glanced aside. Keeping his voice low, he said, “We should discuss this in private.”

“We’ll discuss it now.”

“We’re in the middle of sensitive trade negotiations, and we shouldn’t—”

“Yes, yes, I know. We’ll open the door for the Pavarians to levy additional concessions, and the court will view it as a sign of weakness. The king convinced them Ardor’s champion was a security risk, and they’ll want to know why we suddenly changed our position and what we’re gaining from it. I’ve considered the optics. It will be a mess, and I don’t care.”

Patel blinked, momentarily surprised. “You should care. You’re especially vulnerable right now, and the court’s goodwill matters. Word has spread about the king’s new affinity for his Flower. That’s well and fine for dispelling any rumors to the contrary, but inviting the champion now will raise questions about Ardor’s influence on political affairs. They’ll say he’s manipulating you at best, and controlling you at worst.”

“Then I need you to make sure that doesn’t happen. Find a way, Lord Patel. If you’re not capable, I’ll find an adviser who can.”

Patel was staring fully at him now.

“What?” Sindar asked impatiently.

“For a second, I would have sworn you were him,” Patel muttered. He shook his head, as if shaking the thought away. “Very well, Your Majesty. I’ll put together a plan and we’ll schedule a meeting in the coming weeks.”

Ha! Nice try. There was a time Sindar would have fallen for it, too. He lifted his chin. “That’s not necessary. I’ll discuss the matter with the envoy this afternoon.”

Patel’s cheek twitched. “Kings do not negotiate directly with envoys! At the very least, have the sense to use an intermediary.”

“Very well. You will discuss it with her this afternoon. You have a few hours to prepare.” Sindar had to hold back a smile at the flicker of irritation in his mentor’s eye.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Patel said flatly. “I suppose I will.”

Sindar’s pleasure at getting one over on good ol’ Patty faded as the hours passed and he considered the potential fallout. He’d surely get an earful at their evening meeting. Sindar prepared by ensuring the liquor cabinet was thoroughly stocked and taking a hearty sniff of coca before his adviser arrived.

“Did you pull it off?” Sindar asked when Patel trudged into the office, his arms full of paperwork. He immediately put the records aside and went straight to the whiskey cabinet.