Page 51 of Gilded Crown

The muscle in Aurelius’s cheek fluttered. “It’d be better to stop the trouble before it starts. King David would not care to have peace with me, and he plotted with my Father against you.”

Darlim raised a finger. “Two young men in love may feel as if they're invincible and can do anything together, so they dream. War might seem glorious when they haven’t seen how vicious it can be. Plans can change when a man grows older and wiser. I’ve always been watchful of my Kingdom, and David hasn’t poked his nose into my affairs or let his men roam over my border. If he decides to stay put, then the rest of my army will be saved, and you may not have to worry. Those are my terms. Agree, or you won’t have command of my men.”

Jari thought Aurelius would argue. After all, by the time Wockston’s army returned, King David could have slaughtered whole villages and towns depending on his mood if he decided to march in. He likely already knew Eurig was dead and could be plotting at that moment. Getting into Morning Glory would be his biggest issue if the Novan army gathered there, but he might view Zylem as a weak King who couldn’t keep morale up or properly plan defenses.

If so, Nova citizens would die before Darlim sent them back. At the same time, Jari could see where Darlim was coming from. David could split his army and send them into Wockston. Darlim had to think of his people, and truly, he owed nothing to Aurelius. He probably didn’t even really care that much. Helping the rightful ruler of Nova served his interests in keeping Zylem from entering his territory.

“Very well.” Aurelius smiled. To Darlim, it probably appeared genuine, but Jari recognized the snake. The serpent was plotting and waiting for the right moment to spread its hood and strike.

If he could, Aurelius would likely go for the throat. Anything to servehisinterests.

“Honestly, from what I’ve heard of your family, and I mean no disrespect to you, I don’t like them,” Darlim said bluntly. “Your brothers are said to be particularly selfish, and since your Father allowed the slavery of criminals, I heard the younger ones kept slaves too. That’s disgusting.”

“That’s something we’re in full agreement on.”

“And you said earlier that you’d pay my men a wage on top of whatever I pay?”

“Yes. If we win. I don’t have access to our funds at the moment.”

“I understand.”

Jari hadn’t known that. Extra money to sweeten the pot would also ensure the Wockston men were more inclined to obey the Crown Prince.

“My daughter, Este, will go with you to fight,” said Darlim. “I’d prefer my children never set foot near a battlefield, but Este isn’t one to stay home if something comes up. If I told her to, she’d pack her bags anyway and set out. She’s a skilled swordswoman and quite the Duchess. Calytrix can fight, but she’s always preferred the flute to a sword. She’s happier to stay home with her wife, Bella, and their children. They live near my consort, Hesper.”

“Your daughters are as different as night and day?” asked Aurelius.

“In some ways. They’re both my little stars. I’ll have my men in the south brought in, and after that, you’ll go north to my daughter who will gather the army that way once I write to her. In the meantime, you’re free to go about my home or the city and do what you like.”

“Thank you.”

“You can have Calytrix and Bella’s rooms. I think you’ll quite like them.”

***

The rooms were interesting. The servant said Calytrix had lived at home with her wife, Bella, for a couple of years before moving east, and they’d had renovations done. To Jari, it looked like a two-story flat for someone with a lot of money. The large sitting room took up most of the first floor. There was also a small privy room for guests and a tiny kitchen with a fireplace.

The upstairs had a balcony that overlooked the sitting room, and a short hall led to the master bedroom which had its own attached privy room. Jari imagined the two newlyweds had preferred to spend a lot of time alone in their own space without the court always being around. As Aurelius went to put his pack upstairs, Jari checked out the bookshelf. The music books didn’t interest him since he barely knew how to hold an instrument the right way. A few historical titles looked like they might be good if he felt like reading before bed.

“It’s nice,” Jari said once the Prince came down.

Aurelius made a face at the horrid pink couch with matching pillows.

“Okay, the color scheme isn’t my thing, but the layout is kind of nice,” said Jari. “I feel like I’m in a rich flat and not a Castle.”

Aurelius wandered toward the double doors that led out onto a large balcony. “At least I won’t have to look at that couch for too long.”

Jari followed. “I don’t like the King here.”

Aurelius opened the doors to step out. “Why?”

“He’s helping, but…” Jari paused by the railing and folded his arms. “He doesn’t truly care. He wants to hang back if possible, and he’s only helping because Zylem could be a danger to him. He doesn’t care about you.”

“He’s not obligated to care about me. Quite frankly, he didn’t have to do shit. This will help keep war out of Wockston.”

“I know, but still. He’llrevisitthe decision later. Pfft.”

Aurelius gripped the rail and looked out over the vast backyard. A garden spread out and took up about half of it. A training building that looked like a toy from there was tucked in the other corner. The men practicing against each other in the fenced yard looked like toys. Beyond the walls of the grounds, the city noises didn’t reach them.

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