Jucai met my worried gaze. “I did not order the attack on those ships.”
“I believe you, Your Majesty,” I reassured him. “There's no reason for you to attack our ships, especially not when you'rehoping for trade agreements. But my king will not take my word for it. I need to investigate this.”
“You have my permission to do whatever you feel is necessary.”
“Thank you.” I inclined my head to him and then looked at the sea captain. “Do you know where the survivors are now, Captain?”
Captain Lu-tsa scratched his chin and glanced at his men. “Last I heard, they were still in Erimbar. That's their home port.”
To the King, I said, “I need to get to the surface.”
Jucai held my gaze for a few moments and then nodded. “I will attend you.”
“To Erimbar?” I asked, aghast.
Even the Neraky gaped at the King.
“Yes, I must speak to King Saric. Maybe he will believe me if I speak with him in person.”
I considered it. “You're right. If you were trying to make war on Zaru, you wouldn't step foot in Erimbar. There would be no point.”
“We will leave within the hour.” King Jucai stood up.
I followed him down the dais steps and went to Captain Lu-tsa. “We'll need the names of the survivors, their addresses in Erimbar if you have them, and the name of the ship.”
“I'll write it down and have a servant take it to you.”
“Thank you.” I hurried after the King, who was heading to his private door, content to let me handle the details. “Your Majesty?”
Jucai stopped before the door and let me catch up.
Over my shoulder, I called to my guards, “Make ready to return to Erimbar and meet us in the courtyard in an hour!”
“Two hours,” Jucai said.
“Make that two hours!” I called back. Then I asked Jucai, “I thought you said we were leaving within the hour?”
“It sounded more dramatic than saying we were leaving in two hours.”
Chuckling, I followed Jucai out of the throne room. He headed in the direction of the royal residence.
I fell into step beside him. “We need to talk.”
“Indeed.” He motioned at a passing Kaikeyo woman.
She stopped and bowed. “Your Majesty?”
“Send the steward to my tower.”
“Yes, Master.” She hurried away.
We continued on, heading into his tower. On the ground floor, I followed him into the central kitchen. The small staff stopped what they were doing and bowed to the King.
A Leeya woman hurried over. “What can we do for you, Master?”
“Send breakfast for two up to my library.” Jucai glanced around, spotted a tray of pastries, and waved at them. “Include some of those.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” She bowed and then motioned for her staff to get to work.
