Page 13 of The Crown’s Temptation

Flagsar disappeared again with the human.

Nox sat back down and stared at her plate.

She was no longer hungry.

The Summons

AXAR

Korakar, Morrath

Axar, King of Korakar, was enjoying a smoke when he heard the familiar rush of wind that always accompanied Ivernet’s arrival.

“Highness,” she said solemnly.

Axar tried to mask his irritation. “Yes, Sentinel. How can I be of assistance?”

Ever since that sordid sorting hall had forced him into the king’s household, his patience for both the king and his sentinel had worn thin, even if Ivernet herself remained practical and intelligent.

“There is a problem with the king,” Ivernet said quietly. “One that requires discretion.”

Axar studied her for only a moment before rising. Her eyes were red-rimmed, and sweat beaded across her brow. Whatever had happened, she had come without stopping to rest.

“Savil.”

The man appeared almost instantly.

“Ready my horse.” He paused. “Send my men after me in the morning. I ride for the king’s palace tonight.”

Savil regarded him with that irritatingly patient expression that always suggested he understood more than Axar had said aloud, but he bowed all the same.

“It will be done at once, Highness.”

Axar turned back to Ivernet.

“Is this a conversation for here…or there?”

“There,” she answered without hesitation.

Axar nodded once.

“At the palace, then.”

By the time he extinguished his pipe, Ivernet was already gone.

The ride from Korakar to the Darkway took only a few hours. Axar’s mount was of the feeder breed, faster than nearly any horse alive, and he pushed it hard across the countryside, his thoughts turning over every possibility that might have prompted Ivernet’s summons.

When the palace finally came into view, he needed no guide.

Sevrin’s Morraks carried a scent unlike anything else, and tonight they were everywhere.

Axar swung from his saddle and strode through the palace gates. No one stopped him. Guards stepped aside before he even reached them.

A knot of dread pressed into his chest.

He climbed the stairs two at a time.

The moment he entered the king’s chambers, he understood why.