Page 129 of War Queen
Salara stepped to Phillip’s side with an uneasy smile. “I’m sure you’d like to freshen up. I know it’s been a long journey. Let me show you to your chamber, and then we can catch up on everything at dinner.”
“That would be wonderful,” he said. He gave a nod to Mikael and glanced once more at Soren before letting Salara lead him away.
Soren numbly stepped beside Mikael, and they both watched the Aleon king leave. When Phillip was out of sight, he could finally breathe, and he turned to Mikael. “Did you know about this?”
“We received word earlier this morning. Salara had given him an open invitation when she was in Aleon, but I didn’t think he’d actually come.”
“And now that he has?”
Mikael turned to him. “You’ll not harm him. Let him stay. And let him leave.”
But Soren’s mind wasn’t on harming the Aleon king.
Norah smoothed the front of her gown and drew in a deep breath before she dared to step into the great hall. It had taken Adrian a little less than a week to arrive in Mercia after receiving the message. She was surprised he’d come so quickly. And with Phillip. And although a week seemed no time at all, it did give her some space to wrap her mind around the circumstance and come to terms with the things shehadto accept—rationally, at least. Catherine would be with her for only a short while longer. There was nothing she could do to stop it, and this she’d come to accept.
But Mikael… Mikael—no. Nothing would make her accept that. Nothing would make her accept his fate. They’d find a way through.She’dfind a way through. But for now, she’d focus on tonight.
Music carried from inside the great hall and out through the castle—merry music—but she wasn’t in the spirit for merrymaking. She and Phillip had spent the afternoon with Catherine, who was certainly thrilled about the visit of a king in her name, and in seeing Adrian. Her grandmother properly enjoyed every bit of attention she could manage. Even though Catherine was confined to her bed, it was good to see her enjoying herself. She was so frail now, so weak, a shell of what she once was. But with Phillip’s charm and Adrian’s smile, Catherine had color in her cheeks and even managed a few laughs.
Now with her grandmother tended to and resting for the night, Norah turned her attention to the evening. While it was proper to host a dinner for Phillip, and despite being happy to see him again, she wasn’t exactly looking forward to the social. Tonight would be about brokering relations between Aleon and Kharav, between Phillip and Mikael: enemies-forced-allies now together for the first time. It was complicated by Soren, who no doubt would be facing struggles of his own. She wasn’t entirely sure where the lord commander now sat on the spectrum of complete hatred and cautious interest. She’d thought she’d seen a glimmer of something when they’d had dinner with Phillip in Aleon. And Soren had since traveled to Aleon, and not only did Phillip still live but Soren had sent Adrian to his service. Did Phillip hold an importance to Soren beyond pure duty now?
Norah pushed out a breath. It was none of her business, she scolded herself. But curse the gods, who was she kidding? The wonder was killing her.
With another deep breath, she stepped inside. The hall was alive with conversation and laughter. A few nobles from Aleon were in attendance, and they stood among the Mercian nobles as old friends. She spotted Mikael at the front, with Caspian and two Mercian councilmen beside him. Conversation passed easily between them, and she paused. It was a sight she thought she’d never see, and it brought a smile to her face.
Mikael caught sight of her and smiled as she approached. His thick, dark hair was tied back as it usually was, and his beard was cut short, almost to the skin. But unlike his normal attire, he wore an embellished black doublet over a long-sleeved black tunic, covering his markings. The Kharavians took care for modesty in Mercia, and the effort wasn’t lost on her. He held his hand out for her, and she took it. “You look beautiful,” he said.
Caspian and the councilmen gave a small bow and left them some space.
“You’re quite handsome yourself,” she said, squeezing his hand. “People might actually start believing you’re king of Mercia now.”
He chuckled. But then he quieted as his eyes drifted across the room, and his smile fell.
“What’s wrong?” She followed his gaze to see Soren at the end of the hall, and beside him stood Phillip. Her pulse quickened, and her smile widened. Perhaps she’d get an answer to her wonderings sooner than she’d thought.
Phillip spoke with a genuine smile, clearly engaged with whatever he was saying. Soren didn’t appear like he was on the brink of murder—which was always a good sign. Was he actually enjoying himself?
“What are they doing?” Mikael asked.
His voice brought her back; she’d almost forgotten he was standing there. “It looks like they’re talking.”Miraculously.
“I’m going over there.”
She tightened her hand around his. “Soren’s perfectly capable of taking care of himself.”
“I didn’t say he wasn’t.” He started again toward his commander, but she pulled him back.
“If you interrupt them, I’ll properly cut you,” she warned.
He gaped at her in surprise. “What?”
“You heard me. Leave them alone.” She threaded her fingers in his for a better hold on him and set her eyes back on Soren. “Just stand here and spy on them with me,” she whispered.
“Why are you spying on them?”
“Hush, I’m trying to hear.” She strained her ears. “Is Soren smiling?”Damn the wrap. She wasn’t close enough to see his eyes to tell.
“Why would he be smiling?”
