Page 77 of Bearing Secrets
He smiled grimly, a promise of the violence he intended to unleash upon his attackers. “Who are they?”
Kaelyn looked away, unwilling to meet his murderous gaze. That was all the answer he needed.
“You haven’t found them?” he asked accusingly. “We both know it was Klebra, dammit.”
“There’s no evidence, Kirell. None. He covered his tracks thoroughly.”
“You’re saying you won’t do anything?” he pressed, astonished at what he was hearing from his ruler.
“What would you have me do? Accuse him of something and be embarrassed when I can’t prove a damn thing? You know as well as I do that would just make itharderto bring him down.”
“I can’t believe this,” he snarled. “First Natalia leaves me, now you won’t see justice done.”
“Kirell Ursa,” the Queen said icily, standing erect in front of him, speaking in an imperious tone he’d rarely heard directed at him.
Swallowing hard, realizing just how close he’d come to crossing a line, he stood straight, ignoring the protest of his body. “Yes, my Queen?”
“I understand you are mad. I share in your rage. But we must do this properly if we are to succeed. Enough rules have already been broken, don’t you think?”
He nodded sharply. “Yes, my Queen. Of course. Forgive me for speaking out of line.”
The room warmed several degrees as Kaelyn returned, setting aside her regal persona now she’d reminded him of his place. “I understand,” she said softly. “I feel rage as well, Kirell. Burning, seething rage, at the loss of my mate. Do not think I don’t understand how you feel. But we must do this by the book. You need to find evidence. Bring me that, and I will gladly let you take Klebra’s head in any manner you see fit.”
He bowed, ashamed at his outburst. How could he have forgotten about the King? Of how he had been slain in the opening moments of the uprising, in front of the Queen? She must have held him as he breathed his final breaths. Who was he to insult her honor this way?
“I am sorry, my Queen. I did not think my words through. Of course, you understand.”
Kaelyn reached up and touched him on the shoulder. “It is as nothing. Now tell me, what did you mean by saying Natalia had abandoned you?”
“She’s gone,” he said, his voice brittle and cool. “She left while I was unconscious.”
Kaelyn seemed taken aback by his words. “Are you sure she didn’t just go to get something from elsewhere in the house?”
“My keys are gone,” he said, matter of factly. “She left.”
“How odd.”
His eyes narrowed at her tone. Kaelyn knew something, something that she wasn’t sharing. “What is it?”
But the Queen shook her head. “It is not for me to say. I am sorry to hear this, Kirell. I know that you care for her more than you let on.”
Kirell blinked. He did? It wasn’t what he’d expected to hear, and now he was reeling mentally, trying to keep up, but feeling as if he was at least two steps behind. What did she know that he didn’t? How was it possible for her to know that he had feelings for Natalia, ones he hadn’t even acknowledged himself?
“You need to rest,” Kaelyn urged. “Get some more sleep. I can see you fading in front of me. Don’t push yourself now. You’ll need that strength after you track down Klebra and every one of his allies and deliver their bodies to me.” Her eyes glowed with barely restrained rage.
“Yes, my Queen,” he said in the same tone. “Thank you for seeing me.”
“You are always welcome here.”
He bowed more deeply this time, turned, and headed back for the wall panel, which one of the guards helpfully pulled open for him.
“Oh, and Kirell?”
“Yes?” he asked, pausing.
“Call her.”
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