Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 119158 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 596(@200wpm)___ 477(@250wpm)___ 397(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 119158 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 596(@200wpm)___ 477(@250wpm)___ 397(@300wpm)
Nylian grabbed my hand and pulled me back. “The summons is for right now. We were coming to fetch you.”
“But—”
He stopped my arguments with a sharp kiss that was more teeth than anything, thanks to his wide grin. “You look perfect.”
Why did he have to say things like that? It made it so hard to argue with him, and that evil elf knew it.
While I was still flustered, Nylian pulled me by the hand through the many winding hallways until they grew to the opulence and elegance worthy of a king. As we approached the double doors, a pair of servants in green and white pulled them open, not even giving me a chance to catch my breath and center my thoughts.
Just like that, we were striding down a long aisle with people in fancy clothes on either side of us. This wasn’t a private meeting with the king. This was a formal fucking meeting before the court and countless officials. Crap!
At the end of the aisle, King Dorwynn sat on his throne of oak, while Queen Yaereene sat on a smaller throne to his left. Behind the queen stood Consort Celaena, the mother of Princesses Saida and Melarue. There was another woman behind her with a grim expression that I took to be Consort Valindra. She was probably less than thrilled about how things had worked out, but at least she and her children were still alive.
When we reached the dais, I followed Nylian’s lead and bowed to the king and the other royals.
“Prince Orian, We are so relieved to see you healed and in good health,” King Dorwynn stated, his deep voice ringing out over the silence of the throne room.
“Thank you, Father, for your warm concern. I am so sorry to have troubled you and our Queen Mother.” Orian replied with another bow of his head. “It has been a good reminder that I need to work on my sword skills further. My brother still surpasses me.”
“Not funny,” Nylian grumbled beside him while I kept my face blank. The king and queen didn’t look amused by Orian’s quip either, but it was likely that Orian still had no clue how close he’d come to death.
“Prince Victor Montcroix,” King Dorwynn stated slowly. I stepped forward and bowed to him yet again.
“Your Majesty.”
“When I prayed for the gods to provide me with a miracle to save my son, it never crossed my mind that the miracle would have your face,” the king said, dropping the royal “We.”
I lowered my eyes and swallowed, not sure how to proceed. There was no way I could be lovable goof, Adam Lockhart. Victor Montcroix was too well-known of a figure and had been rather vocal in his hatred of Wolfrest.
“Your Majesty, it was a long road that I traveled with Prince Xeran. He saved my life on more than one occasion when most probably would have left me for dead, because he is a good, honorable, and noble person. During our journey through hardship and danger, our friendship was forged, and I take that as one of the most valuable gifts I have ever received in a very privileged life. When the opportunity arose to save Prince Orian, I did it not because I felt any kinship toward him, but as a small way of thanking Prince Xeran for his friendship, patience, and compassion. I only hope that from this day forward, our two kingdoms can start anew as true allies. Friends who help and support each other when there are hardships, as well as celebrate together the great triumphs of life.”
Several seconds ticked by in oppressive silence. When I could no longer take it, I slowly lifted my gaze to find the king watching me like a bug, seeming unsure of what to do about me.
At last, the king sighed. “More than once, King Gerald Montcroix has reached out to me with words of peace and alliance, but I have ignored him, unwilling to trust his words because of you.” He paused, not at all happy about what he was about to say. “In gratitude for what you have done to save Prince Orian and assist Prince Xeran, I will reach out in good faith to your father to work to mending the centuries of ill will between our two kingdoms. In my years on the throne, I have learned that enemies are always plentiful and true friends are too few. When there is a genuine chance of friendship, we should always reach for it.”
I bowed low. “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your generosity.” With me taken care of, I straightened and retreated, happy to hide behind Nylian and become part of the forgotten background.
“Prince Xeran…” King Dorwynn stated, but where my name was a heavy weight of old angers, this one held regret and sadness. “Your honor was maligned. You were wrongly exiled. And your life was placed in danger countless times. Yet, because of your strong sense of duty to your kingdom and your family, you uncovered the truth behind the assassination attempt and saved Prince Orian’s life. I do not know what gift I can give you to show adequate gratitude for the service you have rendered our kingdom.”