Page 1 of Destiny of a King

Chapter One

Caerith Castle

The Library Chamber

“Ifound you a wife.”

King Dravic did not look up immediately.

He sat in a deep chair near the hearth, one arm resting along the worn leather of its side, the other holding a book open across his lap. The fire across from him burned low and steady, its glow turning the edges of parchment gold, as if even ink softened in its presence.

This room was different from the war room. It was peaceful and that was the very reason he came here… for peace.

Books lined the walls in uneven towers of knowledge gathered over generations. Scrolls lay tucked into carved alcoves. A thick rug covered the stone floor, trapping the cold that tried to creep in from the castle beyond. Candles stood in iron holders along the mantle and tables, their flames bending slightly each time the draft whispered through unseen gaps in the stone.

It was not a room made for such news.

Tavish stood calmly by the closed door, as he often did when he brought news that could not be softened by distance or time.

“It is your duty to wed and produce an heir,” Tavish reminded.

Dravic shut the book closed with a sharp snap and dropped it roughly on the wooden table beside him.

“I need no reminding of my duties,” Dravic said, annoyed.

Beside the hearth, Adira looked up at Dravic, her embroidery needle paused mid-stitch.

Dravic met her inquisitive gaze. Though she could not speak or hear, there were ways she managed to communicate: observation, expressions, and movement. It had been almost three months since she had been here, since he had decided to keep her, not as a prisoner, though he had no plans of allowing her to leave. What then was she to him?

A companion. One he could trust and speak to without worry of betrayal. One he could spend time with and not feel alone.

“My king,” Tavish said and held his tongue as soon as Dravic raised his hand, signaling silence.

Dravic rose from the chair in one smooth motion and went to Adira and rested a gentle hand on her shoulder. It was a gesture she had come to know meant all was well, she need not worry. He did not turn away from her until she smiled briefly, confirming she understood.

Only then did he turn and walk a few steps toward Tavish. “War looms. This is no time for a marriage.”

“It is the best time,” Tavish argued. “We know Tharne, Warlord of Drogath, would not dare sail his ships across the Sea of Shadows during winter. The rough sea would destroy his vessels. He will wait until spring.”

“And build alliances,” Dravic said, and went to a sideboard beneath a window and filled a goblet with wine. “Something we need to do. Dar and his wife Elara can help with that, being emissaries to Driochmor. It is time to make certain that all of the forbidden land will fight for the kingdom. And if not, then I need to know who my enemies are.”

“That would mean changing the edict your grandfather, King Halric, wrote into law.”

“I have little choice with Tharne having sent a spy to Driochmor, offering them freedom to practice their magic throughout Scotara should he claim victory.”

“But can you trust magic?” Tavish asked.

“A question that lingers in me,” Dravic admitted. “But I do trust Dar, a Hunter and a man who has proven himself honorable. He and his wife serve me well. They also will continue their search for the healer who defies death. Now that I know Tharne searches for her as well, it is imperative we find her. And with winter setting in, I would not be surprised if he has more spies throughout Scotara ready to feed him information as soon as the sea calms.”

“What of Kaelan, who so conveniently claims to be your cousin?”

“I will learn more from him before I decide what to do with him, though his wife Bria may be useful along with her great-grandmother Wynn, both being from the Wise Clan.”

“So, they say,” Tavish said. “You must be careful who you trust.”

Dravic glanced briefly at Adira before saying, “A wise king trusts no one.”

“I am pleased to hear that and take no offense to it,” Tavish said with a smile.