Chapter 20
CHAPTER TWENTY
BEFORE
After Krysta’s encounter with Dolion, Helaina felt like she would never forgive her. She had even told Adriel—actually told on her like they were children again.
Adriel reacted just as Krysta did, even going as far as to summon Dolion before the king.
Dolion had been nothing but respectful. Why was her family doing this?
“You snuck onto castle grounds for weeks without my knowledge,” Oren said to Dolion. Helaina could do nothing. She could only stand by and watch the scene unfold from the dais.
“Your Majesty, my father was gravely injured. I only came here to maintain his position. I committed no crimes.”
King Oren stroked his beard, contemplating the words. “Where is your father now? We will send one of our own healers to tend to his care.”
Dolion’s lips twitched, then his whole face crumpled in devastation. “He’s dead, Sire. Infection took him three nights ago.”
Helaina lifted a hand to cover her lips. Glen was dead?
“Can you confirm this?” King Oren asked.
Helaina was furious with him. A son was grieving his father, and he was asking for proof? It seemed inhumane. She glanced at her sister, sure her reaction would be the same as her own. But Krysta looked down at Dolion with the utmost scrutiny.
“The healer at the center of town received his body last night. He drew up the certificate of death this morning.” Dolion approached with caution, handing the king’s soldier a single parchment.
The soldier nodded in Oren’s direction, confirming the report.
The king rubbed the back of his neck in deep contemplation. “I am sorry for your loss. You may go. The guards will escort you off the grounds.”
Dolion rushed the dais, crashing to his knees just before the throne. “Your Majesty, please!” He took the king’s hand, pressed his forehead to the king’s knuckles before the guards could intervene.
The guards pulled Dolion off as he fought to get his words out, but he certainly had the king’s attention. Oren couldn’t take his eyes off him. Neither could Helaina.
“Let him speak,” Oren commanded. The guards stopped shuffling him backward, allowing Dolion to stand at his full height.
“There is no other job in town that pays this well. Without it, without my father . . . I’ll have to sell our home come springtime. Please keep me in your service, please, Your Grace.”
Helaina looked between her father and his begging subject. To her surprise, he wasn’t dismissive; he looked like he was actually considering Dolion’s request.
“Father, you can’t—” Krysta tried to protest.
Oren held up a hand, stopping her. “Let him go.” The guards dropped Dolion’s arms. He stood there, awaiting the king’s verdict. Helaina couldn’t breathe.
“We do things a certain way here. We require discretion,” Oren started.
Dolion frantically nodded. “Anything, Sire. Anything you ask of me, I swear it will be done.”
Krysta opened her mouth again. Helaina wanted to scream at her to just be quiet.
“My father believed in second chances. I’d like to think I resemble him in that regard. But listen well, boy, third chances are not in my nature.”
Dolion bowed in gratitude, giving a fleeting look toward Helaina.
Krysta scowled.
Helaina smiled triumphantly. Her sister could pout all she liked.
Dolion was here to stay.