Page 34 of A Dagger in the Ivy

My brows plunge at his words. I glance at Nadya, and she subtly shakes her head, reminding me of the promise I made to my uncle to be civil. Even though King Silas is far from it.

The king takes a bite of sausage, not bothering to finish chewing before he continues. “Seems my fair wife has outdone herself as usual and needs to catch up on her beauty sleep. I didn’t feel the need to disturb her. I’m sure you’ll see her soon enough during the wedding planning.”

It doesn’t sit right with me that the queen is not here, especially after I suspected it was her crying in that private room last night.

I chance a glance at Dante, and just as I presumed, he’s glaring daggers at me.

I clear my throat and draw my attention to the various platters in the center of the table. After I place some food upon my plate, I look up at Dante again. He scowls as if he wants to continue his insults from last night. I keep my eyes locked with his as I pick up the knife beside my plate, flip it in my palm, and gruffly stab the piece of sausage before me.

The force makes Nadya jump, and she nearly spits the pastry from her mouth.

Dante, however, appears unfazed.

“Pardon me,” I say to the king. “I’m simply so famished that I let myactions get away from me.” I swiftly cut a piece of the meat and shove it in my mouth.

The king actually smiles at me. “Yes, yes. The food is here to be indulged, so I say, indulge yourselves.” He follows my lead and chomps his sausage in half.

“Where is Torbin?” I aim my question at the king, avoiding eye contact with Dante. “I thought he’d be joining us as well.”

“The prince is a grown man who mustn’t fulfill your expectations,” says the king. “If he is not here, it is not for us to question his whereabouts.”

I wipe my mouth with my napkin to hide my sneer. I’m reminded of my uncle’s warning to play nice and decide to change the subject. “Any word from the realms? I saw the nightfeathers fly last night.”

The king’s smile disappears, and he shifts in his chair. “It’s far too soon for any word to reach us. But let’s not let politics and military schemes sour our breakfast. Besides, it’s about time for you to attend your lessons.”

“If I may ask, Your Majesty, are lessons really necessary? I’m quite good at reading. Your magister could simply assign me some books to read.”

“From what I understand, you’ve focused your attention on your skills in the regiment. Your uncle mentioned your inclination of skipping even basic lessons. You never had the discipline to learn the history of Terre Ferique or the proper way of the court. And even if you have, Hedera’s customs are different to those in Delasurvia.” The king scoffs. “I never did like that name. It’s such a mouthful. Don’t you think, Dante?”

Dante has a slight smirk on his face as he glares at me. “Yes, it certainly does make the bile rise.”

I push my plate away, suddenly losing my appetite. “Your Majesty, I do have a request, if I may.”

“Somehow,” he begins, “that doesn’t surprise me.”

“It’s about Sir Holden.” I glance at the closed door, behind which my Royal Ward stands.

The king’s eyes narrow. “You don’t approve? He’s one of our topmen.”

“I’m sure he’s very skilled. But I don’t need him to follow me around everywhere.”

The king stabs a poached egg and lifts it to his mouth. “He’s around to protect you.”

“I understand, and I’m grateful for the sentiment. But I think I should be safe within the castle walls.”

He lets out a sigh after he swallows his bite. “I suppose if you don’t require him at your side, he mustn’t accompany you everywhere. But he will escort you if you leave the castle grounds, and his main duty is to guard your room at night.”

“Must he?” I ask. I can’t help but think Sir Holden might have also been assigned to stand guard in case I decide to leave my room at night.

“I insist,” the king responds.

Dante’s eyes bore into me as if I’m being unreasonable.

“Very well, then. Thank you for alovelybreakfast.” I stand, not even caring if I’ve offended the king with my sarcasm. “Ready, Nadya?”

Nadya’s mouth is full as she stands. “Mm-hmm.” She palms another pastry and hides it behind her back.

The king’s white brow rises. “I thought you were waiting for Torbin.”

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