Lorne resisted the urge to shudder at the sight of the sylon cats and their handlers. The big cats sat primly, their gray-and-white-striped fur sleek over their lean muscles. When one yawned, it showed off its long teeth.
Adeline halted her horse before the large royal tent. Lorne drew his horse to a halt beside hers and swung down. He reached her side in time to steady her as she climbed down, the heavy skirts of her riding dress swirling around her as she dismounted.
A Kelvernese soldier—the commanding general, based on all the braid and medals on his uniform—approached and bowed low. “Your Majesty. It is apleasure to welcome you to our humble encampment. We have done all we can to ensure your safety while you are here.”
Lorne eased slightly closer to Adeline’s back, glancing around. His five guards dismounted and gathered behind him, as her guards did for her.
Farther away, Lord Pellier, Lord Delaney, Lord Harding, and Lord Sarlon, who had insisted on coming, dismounted from their horses with their own retinues surrounding them.
There were so many threats to her. Would Lord Sarlon make a move here? What about another traitor who opposed the thought of peace with Lalsacia?
Then there were his people. How many of them would take the risk of killing the Kelvernese queen, thinking it would lead to peace, when instead they’d end up inciting a far more terrible turn to the war?
“I appreciate your welcome and your care for my security.” Adeline gave a tilt of her head to acknowledge the general. “Has the Lalsacian king made contact yet?”
“Yes. He arrived last evening and sent a message.” The general made another, smaller bow.
His father was here. Just over that rise. Lorne tried not to look in that direction or otherwise give away his connection to the Lalsacian king. He needed to talk to Adeline. As soon as they finished with the greetings.
“Very good. Please send him a message that I’ve arrived and that I would like to begin the negotiations as soon as possible.” Adeline’s tone was that crisp, formal one she used when she was doing her best to beespecially queenly. “And…” Adeline’s gaze flicked to Lorne for just a heartbeat.
But even that brief look was enough for Lorne to see something aching and tearing in her eyes.
“Adeline?” He reached to touch her hand.
But Adeline took a step out of his reach, her expression and stance never faltering, even as her eyes held heartbreak. “General, please take Lord Lorne and his men into custody.”
At her words, the general immediately moved forward, the Kelvernese guards closing in.
“Adeline, please.” Lorne held her gaze, even as firm hands settled on his arms, preparing to haul him back. “We need to talk. Please.”
Why was she doing this? Surely she knew he wasn’t a threat. He’d kissed her, after all. He certainly wasn’t going to do anything to sabotage this meeting.
Adeline turned away, her tone somehow unwavering. “Restrain them if necessary, but treat them well. We want them in good shape when we return them to their king.”
“Adeline!” Lorne wanted to fight the hands dragging him backward, but it wouldn’t do any good, not here surrounded by the whole of the Kelvernese army.
Instead, all he could do was keep his gaze fixed on her retreating back before she disappeared within the royal tent.
“Sir?” Godwin’s voice dragged Lorne’s gaze to him.
The five of his guards had shifted to stand in a circle, their hands on their swords, although they hadn’t drawn their weapons yet. The Kelvernesesoldiers faced them, also tensed and poised for action.
“Stand down.” Lorne’s shoulders slumped as he let the soldiers drag him farther from the tent. “Don’t resist.”
What was going on with Adeline? Why was she doing this?
Worse, he was too late. He hadn’t told her the truth.
“Areyou sure this is the right call, Your Majesty?” Thaddeus remained standing near the door of the tent, his hands clasped behind his back. His tone held just the trace of his disapproval, even if his face was impassive. “You married him in order to help you bring about peace.”
“I know.” Adeline hugged her arms over her stomach as she paced across the tent. “This might make peace harder, but it is what is best for him.”
She loved him too much to keep using him. It was time to let him go without the burden of ties to her.
The flap opened, and the general bowed to her. “The Lalsacian king has sent his reply.”
“Already?” Adeline spun, her heart pounding harder in her throat. It had only been minutes since they’d arrived and she’d sent off a messenger.
