“I’m the king, yes. So I can refuse to agree to this outrageous suggestion.”
Multiple sighs sounded across the room.
“It is possible,” one said, “that she may not live very long.”
“Don’t,” the king barked. “Don’t you dare!”
“I apologize, my lord. I only meant to reassure you by pointing out that this marriage could be temporary. Once she has passed, you can have your pick of the women of Holger.”
Torvald practically bit off the words, “If you think I’m only concerned about my happiness, Cade, you don’t know me at all! This woman has been through enough. I refuse to make this choice for her. I will select a bride, and she’ll be a woman who doesn’t already carry more weight than she should.”
I took a step back, shocked and touched despite myself.
“Your Majesty, this council was appointed to ensure that the king did what was in the best interest of the people,” Counselor Rakim said gently. “We have told you what we believe would be best for your people in this circumstance. And, like it or not, you need an heir. From what we have witnessed, your Lady Warrior is a beautiful and respectful woman. Because she is blessed by Dotharr when no other member of her gender has been, she is a worthy candidate to carry your seed.”
“She has been trained to be my Defender,” the king said. “Is she expected to continue fighting for me while she carries my child?”
“A temporary replacement could be chosen from Dotharr’s Academy to guard you, your wife, and your child until Lady Isa is well enough to resume her duties,” Rakim suggested.
“This proposition is becoming more and more ridiculous,” Torvald said with a scoff.
“It is in your power to refuse any suggestion we make, but please don’t forget why we do and say what we do. At least consider our proposal, sire.”
I stood up straighter when I saw General Halvar at the stairs. He gave me a cold smile as he approached. The uniform he wore today was red. From a distance, he appeared to be bathed in blood.
“They allowed you to skip the meeting, did they?” he said when he was near.
“I don’t think they realize I can still hear them,” I said, forcing myself to be cordial.
The general rolled his eyes. “Fools. Have they finished going over the budget cuts and financial numbers? That is the absolute worst part of every meeting.”
I crossed my arms and leaned back against the wall. “If your business in this peaceful Quest for Resources is purely the security of the king’s diplomats, why are you reporting to the counselors? Wouldn’t that be the job of a representative?”
General Halvar smirked. “The king’s diplomats are much too busy parleying with the other nations to travel all the way back to Holger to give their statements. As their humble guard master, it falls upon me to deliver their reports to the king.” He produced a bundle of letters held together by a cord. “My militia and I hardly ever have to step in these days. I wouldn’t have anything to do if I was relieved of my messenger duties.”
My hands tightened into fists under my armpits. “I’m sure you’re just dying of boredom overseas.”
The general’s lip curled. “Notice how I’m not trembling in fear of being discovered? You are not a threat to me.”
“Keep saying that,” I said. “Perhaps one day you might come to believe it.”
He tugged the door open. No sooner had the door shut behind him before he began to speak. “You do realize the Lady Warrior has been gifted with extraordinary senses, don’t you? If you don’t want her to know what you’re saying, you should send her to the garrison.”
The king swore under his breath. I sprinted to a chair on the other side of the waiting room, sat, and pretended to be engrossed by whatever was going on outside. The king poked his head out the door.
“Are they ready for me to come back in?” I asked innocently.
King Torvald blushed. “Not quite.” Then he rejoined the others, letting the door shut behind him.
Chapter Eighteen
The general wasn’t filled in on the council’s “outrageous suggestion.” He was brought up to speed on how the supplies were helping Holger and thanked for his efforts overseas. Then he reported of his progress; how long it would take for the provinces to be ready for Holger’s immigrants, how the soldiers were faring, circumstances in which compromise had been successful, and circumstances when he had, unfortunately, had to use excessive force.
There had been an incident involving a city in the country of Oreth, Kenshore’s neighbor to the west. According to the general, there had been a revolt even after the authorities had agreed to the terms Holger’s diplomats had suggested. Halvar reported that a quarter of his militia had been killed in a night raid and he would need additional troops to avenge his fallen soldiers. The counselors didn’t hesitate to accommodate him.
When the king’s opinion was asked, he inquired about the accounts of his representatives, which the general quickly handed over. Once Torvald had read the report that supposedly proved the general’s story, he agreed to send volunteers from Dotharr’s Academy.
It’s a perfect cover for those spies he wanted to send, I thought.
“Halvar,” the king said, “when might I be able to meet with the ambassadors from the mainland for our annual assembly?”
“Soon, my lord. They’re too pampered to travel during the winter. They will wait until spring.”
“Are you sure I can’t meet them on their own soil yet?” Torvald asked. “It’s been many years since we secured the allegiance of the countries along the coast.”
“Along the coast, yes,” Halvar said. “It’s the countries further inland that are proving to be more problematic. I won’t give them an opportunity to harm you.”
The meeting was then adjourned. Everyone filed out of the room in groups of twos and threes. The general shook hands with King Torvald and promised the counselors more supplies. The counselors in turn wished him luck and safety. Apparently, he was headed back out to sea that afternoon. The general made his leave, smirking in my direction as he strolled out. I couldn’t relax until the stench of pride had finally left the building.
Someday, I had to remind myself. Someday soon…
The king bid his counselors good day and, with a furtive glance in my direction, marched down the stairs. I hurried after him. Once outside, it was obvious he was upset. Anxious lines appeared on his forehead and concern drew his mouth to the side. Learning of the general’s deceit and being asked to marry his Defender in the same day must have been taking its toll. I walked with him to the stables, chewing on my lips. I wanted to say something, anything, but I was afraid it would only make the situation more awkward.
“Your Majesty,” one of the stable hands said, meeting us at the door. “This is a pleasant surprise. Would you like us to ready your horse?”
“That won’t be necessary. Thank you,” Torvald said, walking purposefully down the aisle between the stalls.
The stable hand followed us. “Shall we call for some riding gear? You’re not properly dressed for—”
The king swiveled around, forced a smile. “I’m in desperate need of some sunshine and quiet, master stableman. Please forgive my urgency, but I must be going.”
The stable hand bowed. “Yes, my lord. I apologize for keeping you.” Then he retreated.
The king’s smile vanished as soon as the youth had gone. He nudged open the door of a stall belonging to a black mare. The horse whinnied and came forward to greet its master. Torvald wrapped his arms around the creature’s neck and buried his face in its mane. “Save me, Inger.”