Page 41 of The Beginning
Once inside, I'd gestured for Tobias, who was lurking nearby with barely contained curiosity.I'd had him send word to King Jharak through the mirror in my office.I told Tobias to make sure he told the king only the facts, only what happened, and maybe not mention that I'd punched Gavin in the nose.
The instruction had made me feel slightly ashamed.A captain shouldn't lose his temper, shouldn't resort to violence when diplomacy would serve.But damn it, seeing Gavin's face had brought back every moment of frustration and humiliation I'd endured.
Tobias had grinned at that instruction, and his reaction gave me hope to think that perhaps, just perhaps, I might be making some headway with the men here.
So the king would soon know that those who'd run away had returned, at least temporarily.He'd be expecting a more detailed report from me about their condition, their intentions, their story of the past two months.What happened to them after this, I didn't care.I would take no further responsibility for them or anything else concerning these two selfish children.I'd told my former commander that I would indeed let them know should Gavin contact me.I was keeping to my end of the bargain, maintaining my honor even if others had abandoned theirs.
Perhaps fulfilling this obligation would get me out of here, though I had to admit my desire to leave was far less than it'd been even a month ago.The work might not be the most interesting, but my men were good men, albeit perpetually lax by court standards, and there was something to be said for being judged on merit rather than court connections.That realization was odd but given the letter burning a hole through my trousers, perhaps not that surprising.What was there for me back at court anyway?
Tobias returned within minutes, and when I looked at him questioningly, he nodded once.He'd been able to contact the king successfully.Excellent.I turned back to Gavin and Lady Annaliese.
Lady Annaliese had been fussing over Gavin's nose, dabbing at the blood with a handkerchief and making small cooing sounds.When she looked away from where she was patting Gavin on the shoulder, I wasn't surprised to see an edge of hostility in her gaze.Her eyes were hard as flint, and her mouth was pressed into a thin line.
She felt hostile toward me, did she?How nice for her.She had no idea what actual hostility was.She'd never had her life turned upside down by someone else's selfish choices, never had to explain a disgrace she'd played no part in creating.
"We would like you to get in touch with King Jharak, and request an audience with him," Lady Annaliese said, her voice carrying all the imperious authority she'd probably used her entire life.Every word was precisely enunciated, as though she were addressing a child.
I wondered if this was how she talked to Gavin all the time, with that tone of absolute certainty that her wishes would be fulfilled.Then I decided that this was yet another thing I didn't want to know.If she did speak to him that way, it was Gavin's burden to bear.He'd chosen her, after all.
The thought made me smile, just a little.There was a certain justice in Gavin being married–if they were indeed married--they wore rings though I had no idea whether a ceremony had actually occurred–to someone who treated him like a subordinate.
"Of course, my lady.I'm sure he'll want to know that you're safe and well," I said, injecting just enough formality into my voice to be proper without being warm."I'll go now, to see if he can speak with me."I gave Tobias a meaningful glance, and he followed me out the door as I closed it behind us.
Once we were in the corridor, away from listening ears, I turned to him and lowered my voice."Stand here.Do not leave this door.They're not to leave this room.Should they try to, you have my permission to insist—firmly if necessary—that they stay where they are.Am I understood?"
Tobias straightened, recognizing the seriousness in my tone."Yes, sir.They won't get away this time."
I did a double take when he said that, then realized that the circumstances of my disgrace must be well known among the men.Of course, they'd know—gossip traveled faster than official reports, and my sudden appearance here would've prompted questions.I'd been so busy worrying about myself and meeting my new responsibilities that I hadn't thought to consider that other people might be discussing what brought me here in the first place.
I mentally shrugged.I couldn't do anything about it, and the men seemed to respect me regardless."Good man," I said.Then I headed for my office.
The mirror was plain silver when inactive, reflecting my face with perfect clarity.I looked tired, I realized.Older than I felt.The past months had left their mark.
"His Majesty, King Jharak," I said clearly.Within a moment, the silvered surface rippled like water, and the king's face appeared.As always, I was struck by his dual-colored eyes—one blue, one green—a mark of his mixed heritage.They were very piercing, and he had a slight smile on his face that suggested he was already aware of why I was calling.
"Eamonn, one of your Watchers just contacted me.Is it true?Have the runaways returned to us?"His voice carried a note of genuine curiosity, as though this were an interesting puzzle rather than a crisis.
"Yes, your Majesty, they have.They appeared at the gate from the Goblin Realm and asked for entrance."I paused, remembering the satisfying crunch of my fist meeting Gavin's nose."I granted it and...welcomed them.I wasn't sure of the protocol for handling returned fugitives, and that was why I had Tobias contact you immediately."
He nodded approvingly."That was the correct thing to do.Protocol exists for good reasons."He tapped his chin with one finger, a habit I remembered from court."I wonder where they've been hiding.The Goblin Realm isn't as hospitable as one might think, especially for fae refugees."Then his strange eyes focused on me with sharp intensity."Since you're contacting me again, I presume it was at their request.What is it they wish?"
"They would like an audience with you, Your Majesty," I said, keeping my voice neutral."Lady Annaliese was quite...emphaticabout it being her right as a member of the court."
"They do, do they?"I was surprised to see that the king looked genuinely amused, as though someone had just told him a particularly good joke.His eyes twinkled with mirth."After months of hiding from justice, they want to waltz back in and demand an audience?"
Since this whole mess was the thing that had sent me to the outskirts of my realm, I didn't see the humor in it initially.
"After Gavin’s nose has been healed by his fair lady?"the king asked, and then he burst out laughing, leaning back in his chair and not bothering to hide his amusement.The sound was rich and genuine, filling my office through the mirror's magic.
How did he know about that?I felt heat rise in my cheeks, but allowed myself a small smile, relieved that I wasn't going to hear any scolding about what could only be termed a natural reaction."Your Majesty, it appears that my self-restraint failed me today.I'm afraid I acted unprofessionally."
"Well, it happens to the best of us, Captain Eamonn," he said, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes."I imagine it felt rather good.I might've done the same in your position."His expression grew more serious, though traces of amusement remained."As for Gavin and Lady Annaliese, you may tell them that they may return to wherever it was they've been hiding.Tell them that their request for an audience is denied.This border is closed to them.As well, please inform them that should they contact their families, they'll find a similar reception."
His firm refusal was surprising in conjunction with the laughter I'd heard only moments ago.But I supposed that was the difference between finding something amusing and rewarding it.
I felt my spine straighten as I took it all in."Of course, your Majesty.I'll relay that to them."
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