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King Cosmos lived a life of plentiful indulgence. It satiated him and made him happy to be so hedonistic. It wasn’t something that the Drakonian faithful always approved of, but in Kael’s opinion, he had been a young, brave warrior in the past. He had earned himself a few decades of utter excess.
On top of all of that, he was rather generous with his wealth. He and Queen Cassandra gave millions of coins to those of lesser means.
Kael went inside, the guards following closely behind. Because he was a good friend, he didn’t have to go through much of a security passage. All of the King’s guards who were stationed at the palace recognized him but had expressions that were distorted in puzzlement.
Kael didn't blame them. He was just as beguiled.
“Come in, come in,” the King said, wearing his formal robe in the throne room.
Kael bowed, just as he had been taught to as a child. The King instructed him to rise.
Kael didn’t like the look on his face. It was far less playful and amused than it was the first time he had been called in.
“Speak your truth then, dear Commander of mine,” the King said, leaning his chin against his palm and looking grave.
Kael raised an eyebrow, stifling the urge to scowl.
“I don’t know what it is you desire me to speak of,” he responded quaintly.
The King was frustrated. He stood on the elevated stage, the Drakonian crown sitting on a velvet crimson pillow next to him. Its golden-encrusted jewels glistened in the spill of light that crept through the skylight like a wink.
“You don’t have to lie to me, Kael. I know how hard it must be without Petal around. You never speak of it, but I can feel it. The light in you has gone out. But of all women to seek, why Rosemary?”
Kael was beyond bewildered. When he opened his mouth, the King stuck up a finger, shaking his head back and forth.
“I may have had some of my intuition diminished over the years, dear Captain, but please don’t lie to me. The next words out of your mouth must be the truth.”
Aric. Aric had done something again. And whatever it was, it was getting to the King.
“My King,” Kael said, approaching the steps and placing one foot upon it with a noble stance. “My soul knows no way of deceiving you. I am not lying. I do not know what it is you are referring to.”
It is true that the King’s intuition may have dulled with age. But there were other rumors … rumors that Kael felt more keen about believing … that Aric was more than just a Drakonian. Some said he was a descendent of some witchlike creature, capable of hoodwinking far beyond any of their kind’s comprehension.
“Hmm,” the King grunted, his Drakonian teeth baring. “You are not seeking the hand of Mason’s daughter in matrimony? These secret communications between the two of you are forged. Is that what you are telling me?”
Kael felt like smirking but repressed it. It was most certainly Aric who had weaved the lies. Rosemary was the twenty-year-old daughter of high-ranking Officer Mason Green, an admirable soldier who had just as much clout as Kael himself. It would be a scandal if Kael were to seek out someone not only so young but also someone so close to the King’s army.
That wasn’t the Drakonian way.
“I assure you, none of this is true, My King. I have no interest in young Rosemary.”
“Then why is she on her way to your palace as we speak?”
Kael’s attempt at a pleasant smile dropped away.
“Pardon me?” he said sternly.
“One of my men has been tracking your dialogue and has relayed to me that Rosemary will be visiting your estate today. So imagine my own confusion to find you on your way to the military base.”
Kael was enraged. Why was Rosemary en route to his estate? Did Aric put her up to the charade?
“I must attend to the matter, My King, but I promise you, no such wrongdoing has been occurring."
Kael was able to get one last look at his King, the man who had stepped in as his father at a young and impressionable age. He was again sitting on the throne, waving his hand away at him. It was like he was swatting away a pesky bug.
“Go forth then. Return to me with the truth, Kael. I don’t want to be disappointed.”
To say that Kael’s pride was injured was an understatement. He found himself rushing to the car and ruminating over another relationship that was merely budding. One that could be ruined by the drop of blood in the water, in this case, false gossip.
