Page 28 of Destiny of a King

“Even if you did, Adira would set me free, regardless of your orders.” She flew off, her laughter trailing behind her.

Her words only fortified what he was thinking about how he had allowed himself to succumb to Adira’s concerns, though she could not utter a word.

Dravic stopped at his bedchamber door and shook his head. He simply could not allow her concerns to interfere with his commands. He was king and his word was law.

He entered his bedchamber ready to tell her to go to her bedchamber for the night but stopped when he saw her sitting by the hearth looking his way. He felt a twist to his gut. Did it bother him that she would not be there with him, that he would be alone?

He nearly shook his head again but stopped himself. Being alone never bothered him. He actually preferred it. So, why had he kept Adira sleeping in his bedchamber?

Dravic went to her. He would prove, if only to himself, that he did not need her in his bedchamber.

He took hold of her arm and brought her to her feet, then he walked her out the door and down the hall to her bedchamber. He opened the door and gave her a little shove inside. He pointed to the room, ordering her to stay and closed the door.

He returned to his room, slipped off his garments and got into bed. It had been a busy day and he was tired. He turned on his side, but sleep would not come.

He turned on his other side and seeing Adira’s bed empty, he turned on his back and stared at the dark green canopy draped over his bed.

It felt like hours that he lay there until finally…

He threw the covers off himself, slipped on his brocade robe, and went to Adira’s room. He did not knock; she would not hear him. He simply threw open the door and found her standing where he left her. Had she stayed there all this time or had less time passed than he thought?

It did not matter. He took hold of her arm and walked her back to his bedchamber and deposited her on her narrow bed. Then he went to his bed, discarded his robe, and slipped beneath the covers. He turned on his side facing Adira.

She lay on her side, facing him, and smiled softly.

His only thought was she was glad to be there in her bed, in his room.

He had set out to prove something to himself and he did prove it, but not the way he expected.

He needed Adira.

Why?

He did not know, but the question lingered.

Whatever could he want with a woman who could not speak or hear?

Chapter Eight

The Council Chamber

The Forest Awaits

Three days later, Dravic stood in the council chamber with Lord Broccan, going over the details of Scotara’s war preparations.

“The warriors stationed along the western shore are to remain there,” Dravic said. “Tharne must cross the Sea of Shadows to reach us, and I want word the moment a Drogath ship is spotted. A small boat got to shore once without notice. See that it doesn’t happen again.”

“Aye, my king,” Broccan said. “I fortified the shoreline with sentinels. Vessels small or large have no chance of not being seen, and messengers stand ready, as do fresh horses. Word will reach Caerith swiftly.”

Dravic kept a stern eye on him. “The attempt on my life in the forest made one thing clear. Scotara’s defense cannot depend on me being here to receive word.”

“You will be here, my king,” Broccan said firmly.

“You cannot promise that and neither can I. If I fall, the plans we have made are to proceed without delay. Tavish will see my orders carried out until a new king is established.”

Tavish, standing nearby, did not look pleased with the reminder, but Dravic had no interest in what pleased him.

“Is that understood?” Dravic asked.