Chapter Thirteen #2
“Your loyalty to Radaan requires no apology,” Kallias replied, settling into his chair, his attention sliding toward Sarai beyond him. “Thank you, Elwood of Lon. I expect there are others in the city like you.”
The widow beside him sat pale and taut. A corner of her mouth twitched in a failed smile, and her gaze dropped to the empty plate before her.
“Lon supports her true king,” Elwood said as we all sat. “Those denying the King of the Plentiful Plains and his queen, the Dragon’s Heart, reside in the prisons to face trial for treason.”
“Sir Elwood is correct, Your Majesty,” Sarai agreed. “Not everyone supported the coup. Only a tyrant would condemn the good with the wicked.”
“Yet how would we know the righteous if they never stood?” I asked, keeping my tone soft. “Elwood bears the marks of his loyalty.”
Her kindness and compassion meant nothing here. Lon needed a leader willing to oppose those who would attack Kallias. Tolerance alone would only repeat the battle.
“Some marks cannot be seen with the naked eye,” she murmured, eyes fixed on her plate.
Kallias placed a hand over mine—a silent warning not to press her. “Conversations are more cordial when bellies are full.”
“Agreed. Please bring the meal.” I squeezed his finger and nodded toward the servants lining the wall.
Radaan’s food would always astonish me. Draconis meals were nourishing, salty, plain. Radaan’s were decadent. Butter and thick cream slicked every dish. Bread aromas drifted in endless swirls. Roasted vegetables glistened beside cuts of beef, all drenched in rich gravy.
One day, I might crave the briny pate of home, spread thin over a cracker—but not tonight.
The meal passed with little to note—quiet, polite conversation and the clink of cutlery against porcelain.
“–and we are grateful you returned!” Elwood’s voice followed Fallione’s commentary on our travels.
“I would not abandon my people.” Kallias dabbed at his mouth with a napkin, leaning back as a servant took his place. “Kahve, please.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!” The servant darted away, and another cleared my dishes.
“Sarai, you have been silent all night,” Kallias said, piercing gaze fixed on her. “Tell me—why did Tallon take heirs from the other districts?”
She paled further, if that were possible, swallowing hard and pushing her plate away. “To enforce compliance, Your Majesty.”
“But he didn’t have to worry about that with Lon.”
“Kai’lon and Tallon were long allies, my king. When he seized the palace, it was unsurprising that Kai supported him,” she said, folding her hands in her lap, eyes meeting his.
I pressed my thigh against Kallias’ for reassurance.
“Did you approve of his actions?” His question was blunt.
“I didn’t expect–”
“My lady, I did not ask what you expected. I had a great many expectations that were denied me when I returned. I need to know if I can count on you to support my reign and the queen’s. Did your husband have your backing?”
“No.”
He held her gaze before turning to Elwood. “Was it known that Sarai did not agree with her husband’s actions?”
“The people knew they were a good match.” Elwood formed his words with care, folding his napkin neatly on his lap. “But when Lon faced you, rumors spread that Sarai’lon did not approve.”
Her cheeks burned crimson. She pressed her lips tight, nostrils flaring with suppressed emotion.
“I dare not leave Lon without a sound ruler,” Kallias said as a servant placed a steaming mug before him. “It’s too great a risk. And after returning to find my kingdom fractured, I cannot—and will not—tolerate doubt or disloyalty from my people.
“I have served Radaan too long, been blessed by Elohios too often, to allow rebellion against me—people for whom I have bled and sacrificed—to support a man claiming to be the true heir while rejecting my claim. Tell me, Sarai, what did he say? How did he sway Kai to forsake loyalty to me?”
She drew a breath as he leaned forward, and I laid a hand on his thigh, tension rolling beneath my palm.
Steel crept into his voice. “Answer me, Sarai.” His kahve sat untouched, and his glare cut sharp enough to chill the room.
“I–” She faltered, glancing at me.
“I have dragons at my command. You cannot harm me,” I said, lifting my chin. “What did Tallon say?”
She shivered, crossing an arm over her chest. “He claimed you left, tainted by… Bahamut. That you acted as a man not guided by Elohios.”
Kallias’ brows rose, urging her on.
“She was promised to your son.” Her features twisted into an apologetic grimace. “He was not alone when he guessed that you visited her bed, taking what was not yours.”
“Others backed him,” Kallias said, ignoring the accusation, focusing instead on who else had betrayed him.
“It was difficult,” she admitted, glancing at him. “You have always been pure, honorable. Since childhood, you’ve served Elohios with justice. Then she came, and it seemed so… so out of character.”
Heat flushed my cheeks. Fingers curled into his leg. The irony stung: Draconis blamed Kallias, Radaanians blamed me.
“Tallon claimed you would not return, doomed by the gods. But if you did, it was only by the strength of her dragons. The beasts that drew you from your faith.”
Elwood’s gaze fell. Sarai’s words hung, unchallenged. The rat bastard orchestrated everything before our departure.
She continued, “If he were to wed her, as promised–”
Kallias jerked back, the sudden motion startling her. She shrank into her chair, the whites of her eyes catching the lanternlight.
“He had no interest in marrying me,” I spat. “I thought he made that clear to the court, to anyone paying attention.”
“I beg your pardon—I meant no offense.” She rose quickly, then sank back, remembering the king’s presence.
“He claims he wanted to go through with it?” His thigh flexed beneath my touch. “That he wanted to wed her?”
“It was his duty.”
Fallione groaned, eyes closing in despair.
“His duty,” Kallias repeated. “That boy has never known the weight of duty in his life.” He rose, chairs rattling as guests scrambled to stand.
“Sarai, I am uncertain where your loyalties lie. Until proven, Elwood shall rule Lon at your side. When I return, if you cannot swear allegiance to the Chosen of the Gods, you and Mai will be removed from the Lon lineage.”
No one breathed as he offered me his arm, anger flashing across his face. I’d never seen him so unguarded in public—always so cold and calculating. The only time I witnessed him lose his temper was when Tallon almost struck me.
Me.
He was upset for me.
Gripping him tight, I let my husband lead me from the hall without a parting word.