Chapter Twenty-One
Pel
Pel stared at Tor with horror. After everything they’d been through, he couldn’t imagine needing to fight more. He would do so, of course—whatever was necessary—but he really didn’t want to.
King Varex’s expression was somewhat similar. After a moment, he asked, “How did you get in?”
Tor explained about the secret entrance, and King Varex arched an eyebrow in a way that was very reminiscent of his brother. They looked even more similar on the floor in this room together, no distance between them like there had been in the throne room—what felt like a million years ago.
“That’s one option, then,” the High King said. “And I certainly prefer that to fighting my way out of the castle.”
There were several fervent nods of agreement.
“But,” King Varex continued, “I think we could probably avoid both those options, to be honest. After all, we’re supposed to be here.
Some of Nostex’s people were integrally involved.
Others may have been following orders. Still more likely had no idea what was going on.
At this precise moment, King Nostex has been killed, and the High King as well as King Nostex’s daughter are here to take charge of everything.
King Stronex is here, too. And Princess Terila and Prince Tor and Prince Pel.
Honestly, I can’t think of very many people who would be likely to go up against us. ”
A slow smile spread across Tor’s face. “I like the way you think.”
Pel did, too. He didn’t want to fight anymore—and he definitely didn’t want to go up against multiple rulers. He couldn’t imagine anyone who’d happily take that on.
Stronex pointed out, “They’ll be searching for a threat if they learn that their king is dead.”
“Let’s give them one,” Tor said firmly. “Too much has happened. I don’t think we can hide this, and I don’t think we should.
Nostex conspired against the United Realms, and he was defeated.
We need to make anyone else think twice.
” Then his gaze caught on Fernila, and he frowned.
“Sorry, that’s probably not good for you. We don’t have to do that.”
Pel felt a little glow of pride at how quickly Tor had recognized Fernila’s side of things. It seemed like he really was trying to do better.
Fernila shook her head. “No, you’re right.
” She made a face. “I mean, it’s going to be awful, obviously.
But I agree we need to tell the truth. Too many people have seen too much, and too many people have been harmed.
In addition to my father, King Forex and Yomil are dead.
Most of us in this room nearly died. It’s about time this whole conspiracy was out in the open.
” Her jaw set in a mulish line. “We probably haven’t found every conspirator, though I hope we caught the worst of them.
I want them to know exactly what happens if they go after my baby or any of the rest of us! ”
Tor was grinning at her and then winked at King Varex. “Your wife is much cooler than I thought. I agree with everything she just said.”
Fernila flushed blotchily, but she looked pleased. Tor’s brother looked like he wanted to hug them all again. Pel kind of wanted to do the same.
“I agree,” King Varex said, looking a bit bemused that they were all in accord. “The time for hiding is past, though I’m sorry for the negative impact it may have.” He looked apologetically at his wife, but she just nodded.
If they exposed everything, it had less power to harm them, and Pel, for one, didn’t want any of this to hurt any of them ever again.
The High King continued. “We will summon the captain of the guard, and we will explain what happened. We will accept their full support, and the standing down of the guard, or we will demonstrate why treason is unwise. Agreed?”
They all nodded.
He smiled. “With your agreement, we will then split up and visit each of the realms to speak with the rulers there in person. I would like to explain, thank them for their willingness to assist, and begin building the bridges that will ensure this never happens again. Once everything has calmed down, perhaps everyone can gather in Nexa, and we can all speak together and look to the future. For now, I’d like to focus on immediate reassurance.
” For the first time, he looked a little wry.
“I assume that the division is pretty obvious. Sir Rinil?”
“Prince Rinil,” Terila corrected with a challenging look.
King Varex shot a look at his former knight.
“You said to fix it no matter what?” he tried, looking more than a little uncomfortable.
Terila hissed, “That makes it sound like you didn’t want to bond with me.”
Rin cleared his throat, then clarified, “I was going to bond with Princess Terila anyway, but I’m very happy to report that there is definitely going to be peace with Vayrin. In fact, I’ll be happy to work for the rest of my life ensuring that Terila is happy and the land is at peace.”
Wow. They looked incredibly besotted. Pel wondered suddenly if that’s how he and Tor looked sometimes.
Thankfully, the High King looked more amused than anything.
He turned to look at Pel. “And you’ll advise your brother of what has happened?”
Pel nodded. “Yes, of course.”
Was now the time to say anything… else? He looked at Tor, who appeared torn.
King Varex laughed, surprising both of them. “The two of you are way less subtle than you think you are. I suppose you’re bonded as well?”
Tor nodded, looking relieved, though he hastened to point out, “But Pel totally wanted to wait until we had your approval.”
The High King raised an eyebrow. “You are simply very persuasive?”
Tor grinned. “Something like that. But listen, there are actually several super important things that I need to tell you, and I like this mood you’re in right now.
But I feel like we’re still playing on borrowed time, so I’m not sure now is appropriate.
Do you think we could plan to talk before we split up?
Really talk?” Tor cleared his throat. “There are a couple things that you might not like very much.”
The High King actually rolled his eyes, looking incredibly like his brother in attitude and not just looks. “Somehow, that’s not a surprise. Yes, we can talk.” He eyed Stronex. “Perhaps we could all head to Lotar before we split up. I think everyone might be a bit more comfortable there?”
They all happily agreed to this. It was in the wrong direction for Pel and Tor, but Pel definitely didn’t want to stay here, and he imagined the memories were worse for Tor’s family.
Besides, they could send a letter to Bav if they didn’t run into him and Gornexi before they left.
He at least had some idea what was going on and what they were trying to do.
Considering the matter, King Varex added, “Someone should probably stay here to support the people. It’s going to take some time to sort all of this out, and even if Pamuna elects to stay, that will not immediately address the gap in knowledge.”
“We’d be happy to help out,” Terila said, glancing at Rin for confirmation. “We could send a messenger to my parents.”
“I could also send Solil,” Stronex suggested, “once we’ve returned to Lotar.”
King Varex nodded. “I think the realm would benefit from more good leadership than not at this point.” He eyed Lady Nawila who was still next to Pamuna, currently holding her hand and looking anxious. “I assume you’d also like to stay?”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” she said promptly.
“And would you prefer if I didn’t try to think of anyone that I could marry to Pamuna to make this transition easier for everyone?”
Tor looked almost dumbfounded. King Varex glanced at him. “I’m trying not to make the same mistakes twice.”
Tor’s expression softened, and Pel had to blink back tears and just clasp Tor’s hand when he really wanted to make everyone hug again.
Lady Nawila cleared her throat. “I would very much appreciate that, Your Majesty.”
Her cheeks were pink, but she had definitely not backed down from her hold on Pamuna.
Stronex looked amused. “Though I assume you will be easily able to tell him yourself, I will make it clear to Solil that he is coming solely to give aid, and I am not suggesting he court anyone—unless he should happen to find someone willing to court. I suspect he’ll be relieved, to be honest.” He eyed Princess Terila and Prince Rinil. “You won’t mind?”
They exchanged glances again, and shook their heads.
Prince Rinil laughed. “It’ll be a lot like old times. I’ll just have fewer urges to punch him in the face, and it will probably be more pleasant for everyone.”
Tor snorted, and Pel could only imagine the story there. He thought nothing could beat how he and Tor had gotten together, but it seemed like Princess Terila and Prince Rinil had quite an adventure of their own.
“Very well,” the High King said. “Let’s see if there’s anyone we need to convince the hard way.”
Collectively, they rose. King Stronex helped Princess Adexa to her feet, and she insisted she was well enough to go with them.
Lady Nawila was still sitting there with Pamuna, and King Stronex agreed to leave his guards behind in case they needed protection. Tor said he’d try to leave Beluna and Cavun as well.
“But Beluna probably won’t listen to me,” he told everyone cheerfully. “She has a mind of her own.”
Pel couldn’t help but smile. She definitely did, and she did not like plans that put Tor or Pel in danger.
King Stronex said, “We need people to watch over the bodies until we figure out next steps.”
Right. Because they had a dead king in here, amongst others. Pel had been carefully not looking.
Princess Adexa clutched his arm. “Thurnil sent the guards you sent with us away. I don’t know where they are.”
Varex frowned. “Two guards came with Fernila and I as well. We’ll find out about everyone.”
Pel squared his shoulders, and he wasn’t the only one. At the door, Tor spoke to Beluna and managed to convince her to leave Cavun behind, at least.