Page 68 of Kingdom of Dance

She opened her mouth, but this time, nothing came. Frustration once again flared, and she took a deep, steadying breath.

Basil’s grunt suggested that he knew no answer was forthcoming. “No more, understand? Tonight proves that we were both foolish—you to go out in the first place, and me to allow it even one more time.” He met her eyes. “I want you to swear to me that you won’t do it again.”

Zinnia didn’t hesitate. “I swear.” She had no desire to repeat the night’s experience, and now that this Lorne knew she was following him, her poor skills would certainly not be enough to allow her to track him unnoticed.

Basil seemed satisfied, turning away with a curt nod. Zinnia felt disheartened more than anything. She’d been so hopeful of finding a lead Basil could use, something that would direct him back to Idric. It was a good thing that he knew of the fugitive in Tola, but it wasn’t going to be enough. The conversation Obsidian had overheard had been moving in a promising direction, but no one had so much as said the worddragon.

“Did anyone see her face who might have recognized her?” Basil was asking Obsidian.

“I don’t think so, Your Majesty,” the soldier said.

“I think I’d better call the physician to check you over, Zinnia,” Basil said gruffly. “I’m afraid I simply don’t believe you when you say you’re fine.”

“Please, Basil, no,” Zinnia said wearily. “I don’t need a physician. I just need sleep.”

Obsidian’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully at her words, although Zinnia couldn’t begin to guess what was in his mind. She found she didn’t much care. She’d spoken the truth to Basil. What she really needed was sleep. It was hard to believe that only the previous night she’d been in the underground cavern with Idric.

And who knew how soon he might call her again?

Chapter Sixteen

Obsidian watched Zinnia leave, the combination of the two guards flanking her and her generally defeated demeanor making her look like a prisoner on the way to the gallows. A glance at the king showed that any sign of anger had disappeared, giving way to the concern that seemed to always lurk under the surface when he looked at his sister.

King Basil’s gaze slid to Obsidian. He looked almost as weary as Zinnia. “Anything to add, Lieutenant?”

Obsidian frowned slightly. “I do have thoughts, Your Majesty. But I would be grateful if I could share them tomorrow, when they might be a little more in order.”

“Of course,” said the king, inclining his head.

He glanced toward his wife, who was still sitting, silent and thoughtful, across from Zinnia’s empty chair. Their eyes locked, wordless communication passing between them. Obsidian would have expected to feel awkward, but a different emotion shot through him, so unexpected he hardly recognized it. He couldn’t remember ever before feeling envious at the closeness of a married couple. While he wrestled with his confused thoughts alone, they would undoubtedly be talking the matter over in great detail, each helping the other identify clues they might have missed.

“We’ll all do better for more sleep,” King Basil added mildly.

Obsidian bowed. “I hope I didn’t err in insisting that we wake you immediately.”

“Definitely not,” the king said firmly. “You were absolutely right that I wanted to know straight away.” He rubbed the back of his neck, his voice suddenly softer. “Thank you, Lieutenant. For saving my sister’s life. I’m belatedly realizing that in addition to being foolhardy of me, it was also most unfair to place the sole responsibility for her safety on your shoulders.”

“No thanks are necessary, Your Majesty,” said Obsidian. After a moment’s hesitation, he added, “She was afraid.”

The king stilled, searching his eyes. “Tonight?”

Obsidian nodded. “After her narrow escape from the first man, she was so shaken that she curled into a ball in a back alley and stayed there for about ten minutes. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that she was terrified.”

King Basil’s eyes were so haunted, Obsidian felt guilty for inflicting further pain on him.

“My point is,” he hurried on, “she understood the danger. She wasn’t oblivious or childishly reckless. She knew what a risk she was taking, and she clearly had no taste for the adventure. And yet she was utterly determined to go on. From what I’ve observed of her, I’m convinced she would only do what she did with a compelling reason.”

The king nodded slowly, seeming to agree with Obsidian’s assessment.

“For what it’s worth,” the soldier added, “I’ve seen war. I know that when it comes to the sticking point, some people have the courage and the determination that’s needed to fight, and some people simply don’t. Your sister does.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant,” said the king softly. “I look forward to hearing your further thoughts in the daylight.”

At this dismissal, Obsidian quickly made himself scarce. No guards trailed him as he padded silently back to his own rooms, although he could feel their eyes on him when he passed the princesses’ various doors.

His mind churned over the evening’s events as he laid himself down at last. The king had thanked him, but he felt no satisfaction in his own efforts. All he could think of was how easily it could have turned out differently. If the drunken man who attacked her had been with a large group of friends, or if he’d lost her trail on her travels through the city.

Then there was the escaped prisoner, Lorne. Obsidian wasn’t surprised that the other enchanter had fled rather than fight him properly—the fugitive hadn’t stayed free this long by picking fights when a clean escape was possible. But the fact remained that the other man’s magic had undoubtedly been stronger. If he’d wanted to prove it, he could have overpowered Obsidian, and then what would have happened to Zinnia?

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