Chapter 40
Tynan
Istride down the corridor toward my father’s audience room.
After being stuck here for more than five moon cycles, I’ve grown used to having a group of knyghts accompany me everywhere in this castle.
Since the day I was named heir, I haven’t had a moment without armed guards, even though it’s my own home.
I still can’t believe that I’m heir to the throne not only of Khotor, but the entire Kingdom of Light.
I am Crown Prince of the Light, and the title fills me with more pride than I care to admit—especially since I’ve not yet confirmed what happened to all my brothers who stood before me in line.
But the honor and the trappings that came with my new title aren’t why I’ve stayed here so long. At least not the only reason.
It’s hard to deny that my life here has become pleasant. I now enjoy finer clothes, far better food, much more respect, and no one has questioned why I request the same Wife of Othrix each night.
Glorya and I sometimes converse, but she enjoys the time to herself, and I bring books from the library for her to read during the time that everyone else assumes I’m drilling her.
With every week that’s passed, with every meeting with my father, I’ve earned more of his trust, and by cooperating and agreeing with everything he says, I’ve learned a great deal about the klericy’s growing influence, and how the Kingdom of Light is now governed.
When I become king—I’d like to discuss that with Rosomon—my first act will be to curb the klericy’s influence. When I am king, I won’t follow every edict of the Prime Klerick, like my father does.
Father oft defers even to our Head Klerick, but I’ve at least managed to convince Father that he and I should meet, on occasion, without that old klerick lurking.
My continued presence at court has not only prolonged Saxon’s life, but also the lives of Rosomon’s father and brothers.
Every time the Head Klerick suggests to Father that Saxon should be brought to Catha to face his tribunal, or that the former Achotian King should either bend the knee or face execution, I find arguments for Father to wait, and twist the conversation so that the King realizes he wants to assert control rather than bending to the will of the klericy.
I miss Rosomon, deeply. And I keep my ears open for any news that she may have returned from the Darkness, but so far, I’ve heard nothing. I miss riding dragons. I miss camp. I even miss Saxon, but I’m proud that my sacrifice has saved his life.
After a short wait at the door, I’m granted entrance to the audience room. Father is on his throne today, as he was the first day I met with him, rather than the soft chairs by the fire where we most often meet.
The expression on his face puzzles me. He’s smug. Something has changed. I’ll need to stay on my toes.
“Prince Tynan,” Father says in a tone that tells me to bow deeply toward him with formal deference. “It has come to Our attention that you have sent for the same Wife of Othrix each night that We’ve granted you that privilege.”
I nod. What could this be about? I wish I knew but can’t deny this. “I enjoy her company.”
“Along with her cunt,” Father adds with a gruff laugh.
I don’t reply. So far, I’ve limited my outright lies to my father, while hiding much of the truth.
I haven’t so much as touched Princess Glorya and requesting her as my sole concubine has served us both.
It saves her from being fucked by strangers, and me from risking another one of the wives telling the klericks that I abstain from sex.
“You have good taste in concubines,” Father says, and a broad grin spreads over his face. “We have decided you should wed. Clearly your instincts knew she has royal blood.”
“She does,” I say in the least committal way that I can, hoping he’ll assume I didn’t know.
“You’ll be shocked to learn that your concubine was once a Princess of Catha.
When her father refused to bend the knee, I spared her life in exchange for her service to Othrix.
” He says this as if I’m supposed to admire his great benevolence.
As if he granted Glorya a great gift by turning her into an enslaved whore.
“Thank you, Father, but I have no desire to wed.” I actually do—I have a great desire to wed—but the woman I love already has a husband.
“Your desire has nothing to do with Our decision.” Father’s expression turns fierce.
My body stiffens. He looks the same as he always did, before punishing me, when I was a boy.
“Your wedding will be held on the Feast of Othrix.”
That’s ten days away. That gives me time to find a way out of this. Things always go my way—eventually.
“As a special honor, your wedding will be held in Catha, during the audience with Othrix.”
“You know best,” I tell father, as if I don’t really care. “Perhaps, as a wedding gift, you can grant my former dragon master his pardon.”
Father frowns. I bring up this topic rarely now and fear I’ve made a mistake by doing it today.
“Making this request when We are in a good mood is cheeky,” Father says, after an unbearably long pause. “You’ve always been clever. Skilled at twisting situations to your advantage.”
Fear tightens my chest. I’ve pushed Father too far this time. But a knowing smile breaks over his face. And it’s not the cruel smile I saw every time he beat me.
He nods. “You have proved yourself loyal, my son. Far more loyal than your brothers.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“I will consult with the Head Klerick. If he agrees, I will grant your dragon master this pardon.”
My chest expands on a stuttered inhale, but I try to disguise my elation. “Does the Head Klerick sit on this throne, or do you?” I’m truly pushing my luck by pushing him. But the klericks won’t pardon Saxon.
Father leans back in his throne. “Draft your pardon, bring it here, and I will sign it.”
“I’ll return within the hour.” I back out of the room, trying to disguise my elation. I must get the decree signed, before Father has a chance to consult the Head Klerick or change his mind.
And the moment I have the signed pardon in hand, I will leave Khotor.
Things are again going my way. On the way back to camp, I’ll visit Achotia and free Rosomon’s father and brothers.
When Rosomon and I are reunited, I’ll be a hero.