Chapter 14 Cethin #3
The Hand of the King cleared his throat, bringing his attention back to those seated at the table.
“As we all know, there is a vacancy on this council brought about by tragedy. The mourning period has passed, and while we still carry our grief, we must also move forward for the good of Avonleya. The council has debated and put forth nominations, and it has been decided to offer the seat to Jarek Ophanim.”
Zayan turned to his son, but the look on Jarek’s face was not one Cethin had expected. He thought Jarek would gladly accept the honor of a seat at this table, but the male’s tight features and thinned lips were not those of someone happy about an offer.
“Do you accept, Jarek?” Cethin asked, carefully watching the male he considered to be somewhat of a friend.
“Not willingly,” Jarek answered.
“Jarek,” Zayan hissed in a harsh whisper. “We just discussed this.”
“Let him speak,” Cethin cut in.
Jarek’s dark eyes slid to him, gratitude staring back. The male’s long blond hair had several braids at his scalp before being tied back at his nape, and he wore his Cadre uniform.
Turning to him, he addressed Cethin as he said, “I’m honored by your confidence in my ability, your grace, but this is not a position I want.”
“Why in the realms would you not?” Lord Tovan asked from down the table. “It is an honor to be chosen for such a thing.”
“And I just stated that I recognize that honor,” Jarek replied, still looking only at Cethin.
Zayan was glaring at his son, but Jarek pushed on.
“I’ve trained my entire life for the Cadre, not to sit in on meetings.
If given the choice, I will choose to serve on a battlefield and in the training rings alongside the people I’ve served beside my entire life. ”
Cethin understood the sentiment all too well.
He was asking Jarek to give up everything Cethin had been forced to abandon when he took the throne.
He knew what that would look like. Knew how it would slowly eat away at the male’s soul.
Knew the male would someday come to resent the role he was asked to step into.
But part of him had been relieved at the idea of having Jarek on this side of things with him, which is why he found himself selfishly asking, “And if I asked you to reconsider?”
Jarek hesitated, a flicker of dejection flashing in his eyes.
“Appointing Jarek to this position will create another vacancy in the Cadre,” Tybalt interjected. He was the one person who hadn’t voted in favor of offering the advisory seat to Jarek, so Cethin wasn’t surprised the male was coming to his defense now.
“We just filled the spot left by Valric’s death. Draven was appointed only days ago. Hardly enough time to learn the ways of the Cadre. Removing Jarek will leave us with three inexperienced Cadre members. It’s a security risk.”
“Then put Razik back on the Cadre and find another personal guard for Kailia,” Cethin retorted. “I will not force Jarek to take a position he does not willingly step into.”
“But Razik was willing,” Tybalt countered. “You offer a choice to one but not the other?”
Godsdammit.
Refocusing on Jarek, Cethin said, “I’ll ask you one last time to reconsider.”
“If you demand it of me, I will obey my king,” Jarek said. “But if you’re offering me the choice, I will respectfully and humbly ask to remain with the Cadre.”
Cethin could see the despair weighing on the male at the thought of having to sit at this table and govern. Some were made for this life; Jarek was not one of them.
“The choice is yours, Jarek, and your decision will be honored,” Cethin said, the last words forceful and directed at Zayan, who was visibly upset at his son’s choice. “You are dismissed.”
“Thank you, your grace,” Jarek said, his relief palpable as he bowed deeply to Cethin before taking his leave.
But this left them with no one to fill the vacancy yet again.
By the Fates.
Cethin pressed his thumb and forefinger against his eyes at the realization he would be sitting at this table for the next several hours debating the merits of this person and that person.
What was Kailia doing right now? Were they still in their rooms?
Or was Razik escorting her around the castle?
Giving her the tour that he should be giving her?
What if Razik took her into the city?
“What are we going to do now?” Lord Harlin demanded.
“I suppose we’ll have to discuss options,” Cethin said with a sigh. “Who were we choosing between when we selected Jarek?”
“There was Annalise from Oseson,” Lady Mariel offered.
“But that would be two advisors from the same territory,” Lord Tovan argued. “That’s why we decided against her.”
“The options were someone from Aimonway or someone from Lady Nessira’s territory,” Lord Harlin agreed.
“Corveth Astor was the option from Everfall,” Zayan cut in, having taken the vacant seat for the time being. “He’s younger, but very involved in the affairs of the city.”
“Involved, how?” Cethin asked.
“Looks after orphans and widows, from my understanding. Volunteers his time and gives much to local businesses.”
“Have I met him?”
“Once while visiting Lady Nessira, but it was very brief,” Zayan replied. “He was not born noble, but he does serve on the council in Everfall and is highly respected among the citizens.”
“And we all agree he is the best candidate following Jarek’s rejection?”
There were several agreeable murmurs that led to Zayan sending a summons with his magic. The silence was thick as the minutes passed before the male was announced and let into the council chamber.
The male pushed a hand through his black hair, strands immediately falling back across his brow and into his grey eyes.
Clearly nervous at being summoned before the king, Cethin could see the beads of sweat forming on his brown skin.
He wore brown pants and a black tunic with boots that were covered in mud.
Bowing deeply, he waited until Cethin bid him to rise, then he stood silently and waited.
“Corveth Astor, welcome,” Cethin said.
“Thank you, your grace,” he replied. The words were strong, but his fidgeting betrayed him.
“I’m sure you’re wondering why you were asked here.”
He gave a nervous chuckle. “You could say that.”
“As you are likely aware, there is a vacancy on this council. It is on their recommendation that I am offering you that seat,” Cethin replied.
The male’s eyes widened with each word, and now he stared back at Cethin in astonishment.
“Do you accept?”
“I… Me?” Corveth asked.
Cethin smiled warmly. “That is what was stated. Your reputation precedes you. Your kindness, compassion, and generosity are all traits that I find valuable in someone who helps make decisions for this kingdom. I believe your presence on this council would be a valuable asset to Avonleya.”
“I am honored, your grace,” Corveth replied. “But this is very sudden. Can I request some time to process?”
Forcing himself to stay pleasant, Cethin said, “Of course, but please understand this matter is urgent.”
“I will have an answer for you by the time the moon rises,” Corveth answered.
Cethin nodded, and everyone adjourned. They’d reconvene tonight when Corveth would give his answer. If he refused, Cethin was half inclined to leave the seat open. Fuck traditions at this point.
It took him a moment to realize Tybalt was still sitting at the table. Cethin had thought everyone had left.
He leaned back in his chair, hand back on the table and fingers drumming as he held the older male’s stare.
“It was the right move, Cethin,” Tybalt said.
“I am still the king, Tybalt.”
“And you get to decide what kind of king you are. You can rule with an iron fist, or you can listen to the wishes of your people. That’s what you did today,” Tybalt replied simply.
Cethin leaned forward, pointing a finger at him. “You think I don’t know what you’re doing? Pushing Razik into this role? Forcing us to spend more time together?”
“This has nothing to do with you and him. Your betrothed needed a guard. I gave her the best we have.”
Cethin scoffed as he stood, wooden chair legs screeching against stone. He wasn’t about to sit here and argue about this again. Not when Razik was alone with Kailia at this very moment.
He didn’t bother saying anything else to the Commander.