Page 4 of The King's Weapon

No one except Kallie.

As a result, the king kept her ability a secret and trained her himself, with the aid of the occasional guard under her influence. His lessons were vast and strenuous. They tested her gift, mind, and body. Included in these lessons were assignments to complete while using her gift.

Every mark he threw at her, every assignment she had, she accomplished without a single problem. As she used her gift to manipulate anyone—from servants to strangers on the street to generals in the king's army—she became more attuned to it.

Although no matter what she did, it still wasn't good enough for him. He believed her gift had more potential. And Kallie did not want to think about what would happen if she did not show him the full extent of her prowess soon.

So, this current assignment would be different.She would be tested on all fronts. All of her lessons had amounted to this single task, and her success would prove to him exactly what she was capable of accomplishing.

Kallie gave a slight nod and pushed forward with her recitation of the plan, "Then, after being swayed by Prince Valrys's bold words, the rest of the suitors will feel an obligation to follow his lead and fall in line."

"And Prince Sebastian?"

"As I said, done."

His hand fell from her shoulder. "While you have done great so far," King Domitius said as he folded his hands behind his back, "your cockiness will be your downfall if you do not get a hold of it. This is why we have worked so hard in your training."

"Yes, Father."

"Stick to the plan."

Kallie nodded.

His gaze flicked back and forth between her eyes. "Do not let your mind wander."

"I won't, Father. I can control myself."

He squeezed her shoulder. "I'll see you in the welcoming hall in half an hour for the ceremony."

His footsteps clapped against the spotless floors before Kallie could respond. In the reflection of the mirror, she watched as he made his way out of her chambers. When he reached the threshold, Myra stopped in her tracks upon seeing the king. She hugged the tray with the tea into the bend of her body as she folded into a bow.

He stopped beside her and Myra nodded, the movement jilted. Then he left, his guards falling into their positions around him.

Only when the king's steps were nothing but a quiet snap on the marble floor did Myra straighten and enter Kallie's chambers. With shaky hands, Myra set the tray on the table and poured the steaming water on top of the herbs in the cup. After adding two sugar cubes and a splash of cream, Myra handed Kallie the white porcelain cup as her complexion returned to its normal hue.

Taking the cup, Kallie stirred the contents with the spoon. "Thank you, Myra." Kallie held the cup up to her nose and let the floral aroma rise to her face. After sipping the steaming chamomile tea, Kallie went to ask what had transgressed between Myra and the king, but another voice at the door interrupted.

"It is time, my lady."

The captain of her guard, Alyn, stood in the entryway, his weight on the back of his heels. He had been recently promoted to captain a few months ago after the previous captain died of a sudden sickness. At the age of twenty-eight, Alyn was the youngest captain of her guard as of yet. He had proven himself to be the best man for the job. He was loyal, trustworthy, and exceptionally good with a sword. Standing before her now, he wore a cold face of indifference. When their gazes met, there was the slightest shake in his demeanor. He always became flustered when Myra was in his presence.

After taking another sip of tea, Kallie opened her arms, her movements careful as she balanced her cup. "And how do I look, Al?" She spun in a circle with an amused grin.

"Oh, stop teasing him, Kals," Myra said, her voice muffled as she covered her laughter with a hand. It lightened Kallie's heart to see her friend smile. The previous encounter with the king long since forgotten. Meanwhile, Alyn's complexion turned pale pink as he avoided the women's gazes.

"But where's the fun in that?" Kallie countered. "So, Al? What's the verdict?"

He cleared his throat. "You look . . . healthy, my lady."

"Healthy?" Kallie's hands flew to her hips.

Alyn nodded. "Yes, my lady."

Myra shook her head and walked toward Alyn. She stopped beside him, then placed a hand on his forearm as she lowered her voice in a fake attempt to whisper, "Don't bother boosting her ego, Captain. It is far too big already."

Kallie rolled her eyes."And Myra? How doesshelook? Absolutely divine, wouldn't you agree, Alyn?"

Alyn's cheeks turned scarlet, and he cleared his throat again.

---