Page 55 of Destiny of a King

He took it and draped it around his shoulders, then took her hand. “Together.”

Adira smiled and nodded, not sure what he said but with a faint smile touching his lips once again, it had to be something good.

Dravic led Adira down the narrow staircase, his hand remaining firm around hers until they reached the last step. Only then did he release it.

The common room bustled with the sounds of breakfast. Tankards thudded against rough wooden tables, voices mingled with the crackle of the hearth, and the rich aroma of fresh bread, porridge, and smoked ham filled the air.

The moment he stepped into the common room, every sound ceased. Conversations died unfinished. Tankards hovered halfway to waiting lips. A serving girl stood motionless, a platter balanced on one hand.

Even the crackle of the hearth seemed suddenly too loud in the silence.

Skellie hurried forward at once and bowed deeply. “My king.”

One by one, every person in the room followed his example. They all bowed their heads to show their king respect.

Dravic acknowledged them with a single nod.

The room stirred cautiously, though no one returned to their meal. Curious eyes followed every movement of their king, then drifted to the young woman at his side before quickly looking away.

Skellie stepped forward. “The men you asked for are waiting, my king.”

He motioned toward a table tucked into the far corner of the room.

The two elite guards stood watch over two older men who rose as Dravic approached, both bowing respectfully.

Dravic stopped beside the table and acknowledged them with a brief nod.

“Sit.”

The men obeyed.

Dravic remained standing while Adira remained a step behind him.

“I will tolerate no lies,” Dravic cautioned.

The one older man met the king’s steady gaze without flinching. “I have no reason to lie to my king.”

“Your name.”

“Hollis.”

“You spoke of Ernach last night, Hollis, as though he still lives.”

“He does, my king.”

Dravic’s expression remained unchanged as he said, “Ernach was my grandfather’s Master of Arms. He betrayed the crown and was hunted down and killed years ago. How could you have spoken to a dead man?”

Hollis shrugged. “I have no answer to that, my king. The fellow claims he is Ernach but since I never met Ernach before then, I cannot say for sure if it is truly him. What I can say for certain is that he knows a great deal about the Great War, King Halric, and your da, Prince Edric.”

Was it possible? Could Ernach still be alive? If he was, then he would get answers to questions that had plagued him of late.

Dravic rested one hand on the table. “When did you last see him?”

Hollis answered without hesitation. “Just the other day.”

Dravic saw no deceit in the man’s face, but then lying came so easily to so many.

He turned a scowl on the man. “If this is some foolish attempt to deceive your king⁠—”