Page 113 of Destiny of a King

The quick agreement surprised Dravic.

“But whether that proves better or worse remains to be seen.”

There was no insult in Merek’s words. Only truth.

Dravic released his arm. “I want all of Scotara to live in peace as one kingdom. Driochmor included. I have no intention of asking its people to forget what happened to them, but neither will I allow what happened in the past to decide Scotara’s future.”

Merek studied him. “And if Driochmor wants no part of the future you decide for it?”

“Then I listen to what Driochmor wants before I decide anything.”

Merek’s expression changed slightly.

Dravic caught it. “You did not expect that answer.”

“Nay.”

“Neither would my grandda have given it.”

“Nay,” Merek said again. “He would not have.”

Dravic glanced around the village. A handful of people had gathered to watch them leave. There were no cheers or warm farewells, but neither did he see the same hostility that had greeted them the previous afternoon.

It was little enough and for now… he would take it.

“Tharne will come for all of Scotara if he crosses the Sea of Shadows,” Dravic said. “He will not care whether a man possesses magic or fears it. He will not care what grievances exist between us. He will see land to conquer and people to rule.”

Merek’s face hardened at the warlord’s name.

“When the time comes,” Dravic continued, “I would rather have the people of Driochmor standing beside me because they believe Scotara is worth defending than standing there because their king ordered them to.”

Merek remained silent for several moments.

Then he clasped Dravic’s arm again.

“Perhaps you should tell the High Council exactly that.”

“I intend to.”

Merek released him and stepped away.

Dravic turned toward Adira. She stood beside his stallion, waiting for him, and smiling.

His eyes narrowed.

Adira immediately wondered if she had made a mistake. She gave him an innocent look.

He pointed at her smile.

She understood. Why was she smiling?

Because she had heard him. She had heard nearly every word he had spoken to Merek, and pride had swelled inside her as she listened. He had not demanded loyalty because he was king. He wanted to earn it. But she could hardly tell him that.

Adira shrugged, her smile fading.

Dravic shook his head. “I did not mean to chase your smile. I only wondered what brought it on.”

Before she could respond with another shrug, so he would assume she didn’t know what he asked, Dravic caught her around the waist and lifted her onto his horse.