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“My king?”
The soft question drew his gaze to the great chair in which Bastien sat. Ajali had actually forgotten that they conferred on the matter of his kingdom. If Bastien had any idea what he mused on, he would wonder if witches had stolen Ajali’s senses.
“We have received more than ten thousand acceptances from the kingdom’s nobility. The games will commence in two days’ time. With the attack we have deposed an additional two thousand warriors in the city and around the coliseum walls.”
“Two thousand?” He looked at Uriah.
“Do not start, kalija!” Uriah snapped. “You were attacked on our lands, with your Kingblades shadowing your steps. The enemy grows bolder.”
Ajali surged to his feet and stalked to the windows overlooking the courtyard. “Was that not the plan, brother? To lower my guard so that the enemy would reveal his hand?”
“What if the hari Tehdra had not intercepted that blade for your heart, Ajali? Would I now have a king scoffing at my zeal?”
Ajali rubbed his stubble, contemplating his brother. “Two thousand extra warriors manning the coliseum and the city walls satisfy you, brother?”
“It does.”
“Very well, proceed as you see fit.” The last thing he wanted to do was worry his brother, and Uriah did have a point. Ajali had no idea how things would have turned out without Tehdra’s interference.
“Is not the honor of having Tehdra as your honored guest too much, my king?” Bastien murmured. “Would it not be better to honor her with chests of gold and gems?”
“She will also be rewarded with riches, Bastien. But she will be my guest at the realm games. If the aristocracy is so offended they can leave the games at anytime.”
He bowed stiffly. “Noted. Will her presence in your private seats be for the duration of the games, my King, or for the opening ceremony only?”
“She will be with me all ten days of the game, Bastien, and that is final. Bring to me the list of all contestants. Pay keen attention to the ones from Mevia and Avindar. We must prepare ourselves, for the enemy may disguise themselves as contestants.”
“Yes, my king.” With a swift bow Bastien exited the chambers.
Ajali sank into the chair overlooking the great moat. The beauty of his kingdom did little to soothe him.
“What is it, Ajali?”
He winced from the concern in his brother’s voice.
“I am well, Uriah.”
There was a heavy sigh. “Is it the hari, Tehdra?”
“No.”
“Are you certain, brother? Your distraction is more than a rumor. The castle whispers of you bedding her for the night.”
Ajali arched his brow in surprise. “Since when are the ears of this court concerned with whom I bed? I have a harem.”
“That is precisely why they question and wonder, Ajali. You have a harem filled with the most beautiful women found in the seven kingdoms, yet for the past several weeks you have requested the presence of none.”
“Who I bed is my prerogative, Uriah, and you thread on dangerous ground.”
“Do I, brother? You have only bedded Tehdra, and many wonder at the significance of such an unprecedented action. I know we sought to spread rumors of your engrossment, but that does not mean you neglect the other women. You have not visited your harem in weeks.”
“It seems as if Lady Sascha has your lady’s ears, and your lady has yours.”
With a soft chuckle Uriah filled two goblets of wine and sank into a chair beside Ajali.
“What is it about her that bothers you? Do not even deny it; I can see that the distraction is genuine. I will have to repeat almost everything that Bastien said to you. ”
Ajali took the goblet, and emptied its content, ignoring his brother’s pointed glare. “She captivates me.”
