Page 112 of Path of the Dark
Elias pulled a face and motioned to the bowl on his lap. “You call this food?”
Asher smiled. “Are you up to visitors? Nathan and Ninia would like to see you.”
Elias tensed. He’d hoped to avoid Nathan for a few days yet. However, it was probably best to get this meeting out of the way. “Send them in,” he grunted.
Asher nodded before retreating. Meanwhile, Elias set aside the remains of his meal.
A few moments later Nathan of Rithmar strode into the chamber, Ninia at his heels.
They were both dressed finely. Nathan wore a magnificent black sable cloak around his shoulders, and Ninia was dressed in a blue woolen gown that trailed on the ground as she walked.
Ninia hurried past Nathan and, all decorum cast aside, threw her arms around Elias. The princess smelled wonderful—of lilac soap and rosemary. When she pulled back, her eyes were bright. “I’m glad you’re finally awake,” she murmured, suddenly embarrassed by her behavior.
Nathan cast the princess a reproachful look as she stepped back to his side. “Don’t expect such a welcome from me,” he rumbled.
Elias snorted.
“You’re still weak, so we’ll keep this brief,” Nathan continued. He wore a stern, guarded expression that warned Elias the king had not forgotten, or forgiven, what had happened in The Royal City. “Ryana told me what you did … that’s the only reason you’re still alive.”
Elias nodded. He’d guessed that much.
“You should also know that I killed your father during the battle.”
Elias let out a slow exhale. “I know,” he said after a pause. “I saw you run him through.”
The men’s gazes met.
“Do you want reckoning?” Nathan asked finally.
Elias shook his head. “You bested him fairly, in battle. It ends there.”
Nathan watched him, surprise flaring in his dark eyes. He hadn’t expected such a response. Eventually, the edges of his mouth lifted. “Of course … you’re the only surviving heir to the Anthor throne.”
Elias favored the Rithmar king with a tight smile. The man didn’t mince words. “Not anymore … my father disowned me.”
“That doesn’t matter … blood is blood.”
Elias frowned. “You wouldn’t oppose it?”
A beat of silence followed, and then Nathan shook his head.
“I wouldn’t either,” Ninia said firmly. “The surviving Anthor soldiers are under house arrest, but are free to leave when you do.”
“You haven’t had them executed?” Elias asked, surprised.
Ninia huffed. “They were only doing as their king bid.”
Stiffening, Elias shifted his gaze to Nathan. “About that …”
“The less said about the incident the better,” Nathan growled. “This doesn’t make up for what you did. However, Ryana managed to convince me that a man can rethink his loyalties.” He paused here, gaze narrowing. “I take it, all the things we agreed upon during our negotiations still stand?”
“Aye,” Elias replied without hesitation before glancing over at Ninia. “Although there are now three of us who need to agree upon them.”
A smile spread across Ninia’s face. “Once you’re well enough, we will … although I think we should contact the King of Farras so thateveryonegets a say.” She flicked a look at Nathan, before her smile turned into a grin. “You need to get out of bed soon though … my coronation is in three days’ time.”
Another knock on the door interrupted them.
“Come in,” Elias called out, although his gaze never left Ninia. He was surprised that she looked so pleased about becoming queen. He thought she’d been wedded to the idea of devoting her life to The Order of Light and Darkness.
