Twenty-nine

“Disarming them will take the tension out of breakfast.” Myrin studied the coolly frowning Cemiri Prince and the scowling Arek.

“It’s an insult.” Gaeleath paused as the Arek lifted his hand. 

“The insult isn’t unexpected.” Volas glanced to one of his men who offered an Arek salute and barked a command. “Their weapons will remain outside but know that I am not pleased, King Merin.”

“We intend no insult, and I will allow all of your large entourage to enter with you, though I suggested a small one,” the King’s tone was pleasant but cool, “to aid in rebuilding trust. I dislike armed men looming over the breakfast table and the wishes of one’s host must be taken into consideration.

“It is hoped that this matter can be put behind us all. There was no malice in any of it.”

The Arek grunted and turned to Gaeleath. “How is your sister?”

“She seemed well this morning, but pale and tired. I asked for Ellus to look in on her again but he had not arrived before I left her.”

“He was sent back in the night after he attended to me. Once I understood why I was so unsettled and filled with trepidation I was able to combat it. After taking the bitters and another hour of walking I was able to rest.”

“My sister walked until nearly dawn. I walked with her for a short while after we took-”

“He should have been allowed to go to her if she was in such distress!” Volas rounded on Myrin and his father.

“I walked with her for most of the night! She was nervous and unsettled but not in distress.” Myrin lifted his hands defensively.

“I had concerns about the man carrying tales or upsetting the Princess needlessly.” King Merin arched a brow. “I assure you that she was attended to by our healers.”

“Ellus, son of Erras, is a good man and I would trust him with my sister’s life, King Merin.” Gaeleath’s cool frown was back in place. “He would not have upset her needlessly. And I am now deeply curious at what tales you’re concerned the man would carry back to us.”

“His behavior made us question his trustworthiness. He cautioned the healers to be careful entering her room but not that she had a knife last night.” Myrin smiled faintly. “You shouldn’t have left it with her, she could have hurt herself.”

“My sister is better with a knife than I am.” Gaeleath arched a brow. “If I had known we’d both been given ymetel I would have stayed with her and not given her the knife.”

“What would possess you to give the Princess a knife?” King Merin pinched the bridge of his nose.

“I felt unsettled at the thought of leaving her unprotected.” Gaeleath glanced at Volas, “I would rather be caught unarmed and defenseless than to allow my sister to come to harm.”

“You dote on her as much as your father does.” The Arek broke into a grin, “I considered it in the night when Ellus reassured me of her safety, that she had a blade. A daughter should always be kept safe and protected, but there would be some comfort in knowing that if circumstances aligned against you she would be capable of defending herself.”

“That was part of why Father let her learn with me, the rest… When she sets her mind to a thing you would fare better unarmed against a bear than opposing her.”

“She will be the roots of my tree and our sons-”

“I wouldn’t expect your father to ask for her hand again after she refused two of your brothers.” Myrin smiled frostily.

Volas stiffened and then gave the Cemiri Prince a long suffering look, “Hevas and Malvas?”

“Yes.”

“If one decides he wishes to pursue a woman the other does as well. Hevas is our half-brother and no one can question why my father bedded his mother. Malvas is the same age and jealous. One woos women with his beauty the other with his status and greater wealth.”

“They upset my sister by bidding on her as if Father intended to sell her.”

The Arek barked a laugh. “I do remember that our father scolded them both for causing him difficulty with your father. He extended the offer for her wed one of them?”

“He did. She could choose either if she wished and she refused them both. I think she liked Hevas better, she was furious that he insulted her that way. I’m not certain she’s forgiven him yet.”

“His mother was so beautiful that my mother wept, believing she would be put aside. Father swore he would never have done so and the woman died in childbirth so it was no longer a danger. My mother made every Lady wear coverings on their hair and keep their faces down in the presence of the King until her death. Our Court is still very modest.”

“I shudder to think what my mother would have done in her place. Marravae takes her fiery temper from that side of our family. But as far as I know, my father’s eyes have never strayed.”

“Your mother is a great beauty, I was told.” King Merin took his seat in the antechamber to wait for the Ladies to be ready for the meal.

“She is. Father said that the moment he laid eyes on her he knew, she would be his queen or he would spend his life in grief.”

“That was why he wouldn’t risk trying for another son.” Myrin nodded with a smile. “He couldn’t bear the thought of losing his Queen.”

“Yes. She tried to convince him that it would be safe if they waited a year or two after Marravae’s birth but he refused to take the risk. Once he had seen her struggle so greatly and nearly die from my sister’s birth his mind was set.”

Myrin glanced at his father and immediately felt less amused at the admission of the Cemiri King’s foolish sentimentality. The look on his face was peculiar as if he were trying to conceal surprise and dismay.

“I always considered him a reasonable man.” King Merin studied the Cemiri, and Myrin looked between the two with a sinking feeling in his stomach.

“My father is very reasonable. I learned to play Fyra from him. There are some moves you don’t make because the cost is too high. There was little to gain and a great deal to lose.”

“Her argument was sound.”

“With a son and a daughter his line is considered secure enough. The only thing he could not replace would be his wife, whom he loves.”

“He should never have sent both of you without a small army.” Volas snorted and shook his head.

“If you had declined the invitation he would have been more hesitant. Arek and Cemir stand shoulder to shoulder. We rely on you as you can rely on us.”

Myrin watched as the Arek’s face broke into a vicious grin.