Page 163 of Destiny of a King

Dravic had spent most of his life distrusting it. Now the woman he intended to make his queen possessed more of it than anyone believed possible.

“I think Tharne knows more than he tells me.”

“That would not surprise me.”

“Nor me,” Dravic said, “which makes appointing him to my council questionable.”

Kaelan stared at him. “You appointed Tharne to your council?”

“He will represent Driochmor.”

“Tharne agreed?”

“Aye. He was more than eager when I offered it.”

“I would have liked to have witnessed that conversation.”

“You would have been disappointed. We had more important matters to settle than our dislike of one another.”

Kaelan leaned back in his chair. “Then the borders?”

“Gone. Driochmor is part of Scotara. Its people will no longer be treated as something to fear simply because magic runs in their blood. Tharne has agreed that Driochmor will stand with Scotara, and I have given my word that Scotara will stand with them.”

“That will not please everyone.”

“I am king. I do not require everyone to be pleased.”

Kaelan smiled. “You and Tharne may have more in common than either of you wishes to admit.”

“Do not insult me.”

Kaelan laughed again.

Dravic shook his head, though the corner of his mouth threatened to betray him.

Family. It remained strange to him. He had spent years with no one who dared tease him, question him, or speak to him as Kaelan did. Tavish came closest, though even he knew when to retreat.

Adira was his family and he and she would grow a family together. The thought tore at his heart. Where was she? What was she doing? Was she safe? Unharmed?

“She will return,” Kaelan said, seeing the struggle on Dravic’s face.

Dravic turned to him. “You sound certain.”

“I am.”

“Why?”

“It’s simple. She loves you.”

Dravic’s brow drew tight. “That did not stop her from leaving.”

“Nay,” Kaelan said. “But perhaps loving you was not the reason she left.”

Dravic was quiet for a moment. He had considered so many reasons why she left, but that was not one of them. He was confident she loved him and any other reason simply was not acceptable. Adira should not have left, and when he found her, he would lose no time in telling her just that.

He cast a glance at the fire. Nay, he would take her in his arms and never let her go.

The endless ache of her absence continued to prod at him, and he attempted to ease it with talk of something else.