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“No, no, I’m talking about his dragon friend.”
“Oh, that’s right. I forgot his name.” Brody deflated slightly, then gave Heath a strange look. “You and your dragon friend have weekly dates?”
Heath rolled his eyes. “Reka has nothing to do with it. He won’t care that I’m gone for weeks. He probably won’t even notice. I just don’t like being kept here like a prisoner.”
“Well, you can complain all you like, but I’m glad it’s taking this long,” said Percival frankly. “I think King Matlock must be rethinking the whole thing, or it would be over by now.”
Brody frowned. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad Grandmother intervened. But I don’t understand what took her so long. She barely said a word when it was first discussed, a few months back.”
“She had to be careful, didn’t she?” Bianca pointed out. “If she changed the king’s mind, it wouldn’t exactly help our cause, would it?”
“Why not?” Percival asked, looking confused, but Heath instantly saw what his cousin meant.
“Because her power is change,” he answered for Bianca. “And it’s very strong. Of course. If she’d spoken a word about it, everyone would think she’d used her magic to change his mind.”
Bianca nodded. “It’s delicate. From what I’ve heard, it’s Grandfather who’s done all the persuading.”
“Any idea why it’s just us here, though?” asked Jasmine, another cousin. She had so far remained silent, and she sounded nervous. She was Heath’s age, but her timidity had always made her seem younger to him.
Before anyone could hazard a guess, the door to the long dining hall opened, causing them all to look up.
They all pushed themselves hastily to their feet as King Matlock entered the room, flanked as usual by his guards. Crown Prince Lachlan was at his side, and a court scribe followed them in, parchment and quill in hand.
They settled across the table from the five cousins, and they all sat as well. After exchanging respectful greetings, Heath surreptitiously examined the parchment before the scribe. Most likely none of the others would be able to read it upside down and from that distance. But from what his sharp eyes could make out, it looked like the king had just come from a meeting with their non-magic counterparts in their generation of the extended royal family. Heath glimpsed Magnolia’s name—the second cousin who had bestowed the victory kiss in the tournament—among others.
The realization filled Heath with foreboding. Dividing them into two camps seemed like the opposite of what the king should be doing.
“Thank you for your attendance, Lord Percival, Lord Brody, Lady Bianca, Lord Heath, and Lady Jasmine,” said the king formally, naming them in age order as though he was reading from a mental census list. “I wish to speak with the five of you specifically, because you represent those adults in the power-wielding branch of the family who have not yet reached the age of twenty-one.”
Heath exchanged a curious look with his brother. What was the significance of the age of twenty-one? That must be why Laura, at twenty-two, hadn’t been included in this meeting. At least the fact that the king wished to speak with those who had reached adulthood explained the exclusion of Jasmine’s two siblings, and their two other cousins.
“The decision I have reached will affect you all soonest, although in time it will also impact those of your cousins yet to reach their majority.”
Heath felt Percival fidget in his seat. He showed no outward sign himself, but he also wished the king would get to the point.
“The matter of registration is to be put to one side for the time being,” the king continued, and Percival went unnaturally still. “At this stage, all the crown seeks is the loyalty of those of its subjects who have power.”
“Your Majesty,” cut in Brody, inclining his head in the closest thing to a bow he could manage while seated. “I think I speak for us all when I say that you have our absolute loyalty.”
“Thank you, Lord Brody,” said King Matlock gravely. “I value your words. However, it is not in your power to speak for everyone.”
Was it Heath’s imagination that the king’s eyes lingered for a moment longer on Percival than on anyone else as he scanned the group? If Lord Niel had heard about Percival’s ill-advised comments about power on the throne, then the king must have as well. Did he suspect Percival of treasonous thoughts?
“The suggestion has been made that those subjects born with power can do a great service to our kingdom by swearing their loyalty to the crown, and thereby reassuring the rest of the population—and indeed demonstrating to other kingdoms—that Valoria is united and strong. After careful consideration, I have approved this suggestion. I know you will all be happy to provide this service for your kingdom. The ceremony will take place on the occasion of the relevant individual’s twenty-first birthday.”
There was a moment of silence as everyone processed his words.
“Just to be clear, Your Majesty,” said Heath carefully. “Am I correct in understanding that this ceremony will only be conducted for those born with power?”
“That is correct,” said the king briskly. His eyes passed over the group again, but Heath couldn’t help but notice that Prince Lachlan, beside him, had his gaze fixed steadily on Percival. His expression was impassive, but something about his demeanor made Heath incredibly uneasy.
“Do any of you wish to comment on this matter?” the king continued. “Or ask any further questions?”
His tone didn’t encourage discussion, and after a moment of silence, King Matlock nodded curtly. “Thank you for your attendance,” he said again. “I am sure you are eager to return to your homes, but I would be grateful for your continued patience as we work out the details of this arrangement. I’m sure you will wish to have input into the form of the ceremony, which will be an event worth celebrating as each of you take your full place in society. I look forward to working more with you all in the future, and seeing how your unique talents can best flourish.”
The king stood, and they all stood as well. But after his retinue had left the room, the five cousins sank back down into their chairs. Unsurprisingly, it was Percival whose face looked the stormiest.
“If Father was here, he’d be able to confirm what we already know—that last comment was an absolute falsehood.”
