Page 2 of Shadow Queen
“Yes, Salar.”
“And you didn’t jump in after her, Captain?”
Artem hesitated before shaking his head. “No, Salar.”
The corner of Mikael’s mouth twitched. “Then she’s not mad. She’s clever.”
The captain gave a reluctant tilt of his head. “Perhaps, Salar.”
Mikael swept the top of his desk in a rage, flinging the items on top to the floor. “Notperhaps!” he roared. He gripped the corners tightly—no doubt to keep from flipping it over. His cold calm returned. “Yesterday, she told me she needed to speak to me, that she could no longer tolerate you.” He straightened and walked around his desk to stand in front of Artem. “Tell me, Captain, why would she find you intolerable?”
Artem’s breath came unevenly. The captain was nervous. He should be.
“She wants to do as she pleases, without restriction,” the captain answered.
Mikael lunged out and grabbed the captain by his breastplate, slamming him backward, up against the wall. “She issalara!” he said from between his bared teeth. “Shewilldo as she pleases, without restriction. You are the captain of the Crest! You keep her protectedas she does as she pleases, without restriction!”
“Yes, Salar,” Artem said quickly. “I understand.”
The king’s nostrils flared with rage. “You no longer answer to me, you answer to Salara. When you find her, you’ll swear your sword and beg her forgiveness. You’ll keep your position if she sees you fit.” Mikael released him.
“Of course, Salar,” Artem said, bowing low again and not daring to look up from the floor.
“Get out of my sight.”
Artem bowed even lower before quickly leaving the room.
Soren didn’t find moments of joy often, but he did now. Perhaps this wasn’t a waste of time after all.
Mikael turned back to him. “Find her. I want her here. I want her safe.”
His silent joy evaporated. He gave a stiff nod and turned to leave, but Mikael stopped him.
“Has her captain returned from the North? Caspian is his name.”
Soren didn’t like where this was going. “I believe this morning.”
“Take him with you. He may be of help.”
A Northman wouldn’t be of help, but Soren forced another obedient nod.
The king gave a regretful grimace. “I wouldn’t hear her,” he said bitterly. “I was so seized by the visions that I couldn’t even speak to her. Now she’s out there alone.”
Anger rippled under Soren’s skin. Mikael couldn’t see it, even when it was right in front of him. “The Bear is bringing Aleon against you. The North Queen—”
Mikael’s eyes flashed. “I urge you caution if you have an accusation,” he warned.
“You would have me do you a disservice? Who else can make you see?” Soren pressed.
“Careful, brother.”
But Soren wasn’t one for care. “She goes to meet her original betrothed.”
Mikael ripped his sword from its scabbard with a shaking fury and swept it to Soren’s neck, his nostrils flared.
Soren stood, unmoving. He saw Mikael’s offense, but this was what he feared. Mikael was blinded to the danger he welcomed. He was turning a deaf ear to those who loved him, those who would give everything for him. The North Queen would bring his end, and Mikael harbored her, defended her, bent to her, even in the face of her betrayal.
Slowly, Mikael lowered his sword, but his warning was clear. Without another word, Soren took his leave.
