Page 16 of His Realm

“I do not think this is Decimus’s doing but instead rebels seeking a change in his holding. Again, the only way to know his mind, and what has occurred, is for you to make the trip and speak to him, as well as observe.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“I will await your report to take any action, and will, in the meantime, fortify the security here at the palace for all.”

For himself, really. He was scared, I could read it on his pinched face, furrowed brows, and the way he was wringing his hands. And yes, he could lose someone close to him, but for the life of me, I couldn’t think who that could be. Within the walls of the palace, whom did he love?

“Unfortunately,” the king said, then pressed his lips together as though unhappy about the words he was about to speak, “because you travel to my uncle, you will not be allowed to take your private guard into the castle with you. That would be seen as an insult to him. They may only see you to the door.”

Of course.

“Your hendr, by law, is the only one allowed to accompany you inside, as well as a single companion, not a guard, of your choosing.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

I felt a poke in my back, which could have been anyone, as Zev, my private guard, I were standing close together.

“May I ask a question, Your Majesty?”

“Of course.”

“Varic himself, your son, the prince, tasked my guards with my protection. You said your uncle would see their presence as an insult, but should he also be asked to consider how Varic would feel as I’m his consort?”

“Decimus’s castle is more like a fortress,” the king explained. “You will have no need of your guards, and of course, my uncle is tasked with your safety once you step behind his walls.”

Not an answer to my question. “But Varic⁠—”

“Will understand my decision. I will let him know.”

I had to wonder how he would do that. If Varic was too busy to return my calls, would he return his father’s?

“I’m sorry you will not be able to return to New Orleans for your respite, but you’re needed to broker peace between my uncle and me, and that is your oath as cadeyrn.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Who will make the journey as your companion?”

“Dae-Jung, Your Majesty,” I answered and heard a soft exhale from behind me. Clearly, he’d been holding his breath until he heard his name.

The king nodded. “The plane will be ready at dawn.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” I bowed, the others mirrored my movement, and then we walked out of the receiving hall together.

“You should all find out where Varic is and go to him,” I told Brenna, Sibel, Kamari, and Eris. “At least you can help guard him while I’m gone.”

Brenna scoffed. “I suspect when you call Varic and speak to him about his father’s order, we will all be told to await his return.”

I stopped walking. “You were so certain I was going to Greenland.”

“Yes. With us. I didn’t imagine for a moment that the king would keep us from your side.”

“That’s madness,” Eris apprised me. “You do not leave the palace without us. Not on a vacation, and absolutely not into the holding of a possible madman.”

I glanced at Zev. “You said Decimus would never hurt me.”

“But that doesn’t mean you arrive anywhere unattended by your private guard.”

I thought a moment. “So you didn’t think I was going to New Orleans with just you and Dae-Jung either?”