Kaelan went to slip his arm around his wife’s waist, ready to protect her when he spotted…
“What the bloody hel?—”
“Shhh! You will get us in trouble,” Fiora scolded in a whisper, only her head visible from where she hid in the hood of Bria’s cloak and peeking past her braid to get a look at the king.
“Me, get us in trouble?” Kaelan murmured, not even allowing himself to think of the possibilities if Fiora was caught, and in Bria’s hood.
“You have had quite an adventure,” the king said, glancing hastily at each of them. “Tavish has shared it with me, but I will hear from each of you, your experience, but not right now. Now, I must see to a serious problem. I have two Wise women in my presence.” He looked to Wynn, then Bria. “According to a law my grandfather passed, you both stand to be executed.”
Kaelan’s arm tightened around his wife’s waist. King or no king, he would not let his wife be taken from him.
Bria reached out to her great-grandmother beside her and took hold of her hand and was surprised to feel an overwhelming sense of calm and peace. Did she sense something Bria didn’t?
King Dravic continued. “We live in troubling times and all of Scotara must unite if we are to stand strong against Warlord Tharne of Drogath. And that includes Driochmor.” He gave Tavish a brisk wave.
Tavish handed the document to him.
Dravic held it in the air. “I have a proclamation rescinding my grandfather’s law against the Wise. They are no longer enemies who are to be executed.”
The small group cheered.
A pen and inkwell were produced, and the king signed the paper, declaring it law.
“Now, food and drink while I talk with each of you,” the king announced. “Kaelan. I will speak with you first. Join me at the dais.”
Bria turned to her husband. “All is well. We are safe.”
“Are we?” Kaelan whispered. “We are at the mercy of the king. If he can change a law that quickly, he can also write one just as quickly. Be cautious and stay alert until we see if this king can truly be trusted.”
She kissed his cheek. “Right now, Wynn senses no worry, no fear. So, I will go with her judgment.”
“Good to know,” Kaelan said. “I will return soon.”
“Kaelan,” Bria said as he went to turn away and stopped.
“Let the beast rest. He is not needed here today.”
Kaelan smiled. “I will do my best.”
Kaelan waited for King Dravic to sit when he joined him at the dais. It was just him and the king. His advisor was making his rounds, talking with each one there, though he had already spoken with them; a second time always helped gather more information.
Once seated and drinks poured, King Dravic said, “You look familiar to me. We have met before.”
Kaelan nodded. “I wondered if you would remember.”
“Barely,” the king said.
“You were young.”
The king nodded, a slight smile blooming. “You were several years older. We were in the woods. You attempted to teach me about the animals and what they could tell me.”
“For one so young, you did good.”
“I would have forgotten if my mum had not reinforced your teachings.” The king’s brow wrinkled. “My mum and?—”
“My mum took us into the forest that day,” Kaelan continued to explain, the king looking puzzled. “My mum was your mum’s older sister. Unfortunately, after your mum’s passing our families drifted apart.”
“We are cousins,” the king said, surprised though also suspicious. Lies were told easily and truths often manipulated. “Why not say something upon your arrival?”
