Page 10 of Destiny of a King

Tavish looked from Kaelan to the king. Neither yielded an inch.

“You forget yourself,” Dravic warned.

“I forget nothing.” Kaelan stood as immovable as the mountains of Northland, his homeland. “I came to Caerith to protect my wife. That purpose has not changed.”

“Nor has mine,” Dravic said, sounding like a strong reprimand. “I am king. I decide what best serves this kingdom.”

“And I decide what best serves my wife,” Kaelan countered sharply.

The air in the chamber grew taut.

Bria felt it before anyone else. A faint warmth spread beneath her hand where it rested against Kaelan’s arm. She looked up. A subtle golden glow flickered deep within his eyes.

“Kaelan,” she said softly, giving his arm a gentle squeeze.

He did not take his eyes away from Dravic.

“No king’s command,” Kaelan said, his voice low and unwavering, “will separate me from my wife.”

Silence followed.

Even Tavish wisely held his tongue.

From her place near the hearth, Adira watched the exchange with growing concern. She did not know the words being spoken, but she knew anger when she saw it. The rigid set of shoulders, the narrowed eyes, the unspoken challenge between the two men needed no voice.

Hidden atop one of the great ceiling beams, Fiora hugged her knees and grinned.

“This,” she whispered to herself, “ought to be interesting.”

“Watch your words,” Dravic warned, his voice as cold as the winter beyond the castle walls.

Kaelan stood unmoving. “Not when they concern my wife.”

The king’s eyes narrowed. “You forget to whom you speak.”

“Need I remind you,” Kaelan said, his voice remaining calm, “that you are not my king.”

Tavish drew a slow breath. No one spoke to King Dravic that way.

Dravic took one deliberate step toward Kaelan. “Is that a threat?”

“Nay,” Kaelan said without hesitation. “It is simply the truth. My loyalty belongs to Bria. It always will.”

The silence in the chamber grew heavy.

Bria quickly stepped between the two men before either could speak again.

She looked first to Dravic. “My king, is there a reason my husband cannot accompany me?”

Dravic’s gaze settled on her. “You dare question my decision?”

She bowed her head respectfully. “Never. I only wish to see this matter settled…” She hesitated, uncertain what words to choose next.

Wynn stepped forward to stand beside her. “Wisely. Settled wisely.”

Dravic glared at her.

Wynn smiled gently. “Bria asks not to challenge your authority, my king, but to understand it.”