Page 17 of Destiny of a King

“I will take that under advisement,” Dravic said, keeping tight rein on his anger. “Bring Eunice here to me. NOW!”

The war room went quiet again after Tavish’s departure.

Dravic remained standing at the map table, one hand gripping the edge of the wood trying to contain his anger. Adira stood nearby, as she always did, watching him more than the room. She had learned the patterns of his silence as much as his movement.

He had not spoken since Tavish left.

The air even felt different.

He finally turned slightly toward her. “It will be dealt with.”

Adira did not know what he said but from his controlled manner she believed he had made a decision about something. She had a feeling it concerned her and her stomach churned with worry.

The door opened and the king’s advisor entered again. This time he was not alone.

A woman stepped in behind him and Adira recognized her immediately. She was the woman who had been in the king’s bedchamber the other night.

Adira was not sure what to do, but since she was not permitted to be with the king when the woman was around, she turned to leave.

Dravic’s hand struck the table hard.

Adira froze, a strong vibration running along the floor and up through her. She turned. The king’s eyes were on her and he pointed firmly beside him.

Adira obeyed immediately, hurrying around the table to stand at his side.

Eunice and Tavish remained silent, waiting.

“What rumors do you spread, Eunice?” Dravic demanded, then angrily added, “No lies better leave your tongue, Eunice, or you will lose it.”

Eunice stiffened but spoke bluntly. “I saw clearly enough, my king.”

Dravic’s eyes narrowed. “Did you, now?”

“Aye,” she said quickly, more emboldened. “Her—standing there in her shift. And you—half dressed⁠—”

Dravic cut her off. “You mean my shirt was off.”

Eunice lifted her chin slightly. “Aye, it was obvious.”

“What was obvious?” Dravic demanded again.

“Your intentions,” Eunice said, without hesitation.

“You claim to know my intentions?” Dravic pounded the table again.

Eunice wisely lowered her chin. “If you sent me away when it was my night to pleasure you, then it was obvious who you would take pleasure with.”

Dravic stepped forward just enough to make the space between them feel smaller.

“You assumed wrong.”

“Then prove me wrong,” Eunice challenged, raising her head.

“How dare you challenge the king,” Tavish said, stepping forward.

Eunice had the audacity to laugh. “Then I am right, for it has been far too many days since any woman has graced the king’s bed. He should be only more than eager to have me pleasure him. But then, of course, if he already has been pleasured and is in no need⁠—”

“Enough!” Dravic commanded.