Page 74 of A Baron of Bonds
“Ran! We ran to the den?—”
“It was so hard to just stay in Felgren?—”
“I’m so sorry! I can really explain?—”
“So I said, ‘Of course I’m coming, I don’t care what those humans think?—”
They continued excitedly, exasperated, all four of them continuing each conversation with each other, commenting accurately on what another had just said. I shook my head laughing.
They all turned to me, and I cleared my throat. “Apologies. Please continue.”
“Karus, wherewereyou?” Figuerah, the most piqued of them all, put her hands on Karus’s shoulders as they slumped.
She turned to the Queen. “May we have a moment, Your Majesty? We’ll return in time for the meeting.”
Queen Rina sat on her throne and nodded. “You may take my sitting room if you’d like.” Without much of a breath, she added, “A word, Baron Revich.”
Karus turned and smiled, her eyes bright as she put her arms over Clairannia and Figuerah’s shoulders, leading them out of the room. Moira sat on her arm, her long, green fingers combing through the chestnut and white strands of her hair.
Beloved, indeed.
“Commander Geyrand has informed me of how he found Karus in the north. He is aware of…the circumstances by which she got there.”
I glanced to Geyrand who stood beside Captain Yarah. His face gave away nothing as he met my stare.
“He will be with us at this meeting. It is essential the guards of the north are kept in communication of the threats that lay upon Hyrithia.”
I nodded, slipping into the role of the Baron of Felgren with ease. “Agreed, Your Majesty. I look forward to this meeting and hearing how Felgren can help your great city. Karus and I have plans to leave tomorrow morning. My channelers will be waiting for their instruction to resume.”
“Yes, I’m sure you have many duties to attend to, Baron. Though I was hoping Karus would stay a few weeks longer and spend some time with the Prince.”
I smirked. “You are, of course, welcome to ask. I do not make decisions for her.”
“I will.” She paused a moment, glancing around the room and lowering her voice. “The Prince is unwell, Baron Revich. I do not doubt you have noticed in the short time you’ve seen him here. I will doeverythingI can to help him get out of this and that includes begging your companion to stay with him. Karus can help him heal. I know it.”
Ah, so she chose to tug on my heartstrings to see if I’d persuade Karus to stay.
She might be right. The Prince might be able to find his way through his constant drinking and stumbling into tavern after tavern if he could understand where Karus had been for seven years and why I chose to tell them she was dead.
“As I said, you are welcome to ask. Now, if you’ll excuse me, Your Majesty, I’d like to speak with my conduits and ask after my channelers.”
“You may go, Baron. I will call for you when it is time.” She dismissed me with a wave of her hand.
“I’ll show you to the Queen’s sitting room.” Geyrand stepped toward the doors, and I moved in beside him, my hands in my pockets, my back straight.
We walked through the door to enter another long hall.
I spoke in the quiet, “I want to thank you, Commander, for fulfilling your promise and bringing her back to me.”
“Geyrand. And it was as much a promise to myself as to you, Baron.”
“Revich,” I replied, remembering his short way of speaking. “I know how much you once cared for her, and I know how much she still cares for you. You and your family are welcome to visit Felgren anytime you’d like.”
He stopped a moment, his hand outstretched toward me. I took it, his grip as strong as mine.
“She loves you.”
I nodded. “I know.”
