“That sounds very reasonable,” I said.
“He plans to use Brynjar’s truth serum to interrogate the men under Halvar when they all return. Once the truth is out, he wants Halvar to be publicly tried. He wants to gain permission from the counselors to allow you to be the executioner and do things the proper, legal way.”
“After all this time, my people might actually receive justice. It’s hard to believe,” I murmured.
“There is hope, Asta of Kenshore,” Kalea said softly. “But don’t hope too much. Halvar may not be the only opposition to the king’s proposal. Victory and success have a way of manipulating even the best of hearts. I know my father will stand by Torvald, but I can’t with good faith guarantee that the other counselors will.”
I nodded, unable to express my gratitude.
The horses nickered to each other as they took us across the plain. I beheld the landscape with new eyes, hope changing my view of the world. The colors around me seemed brighter, the air crisper and sweeter, the sun warmer and much more comforting.
“Will you go back?” the queen asked. “To Kenshore, I mean.”
“Perhaps,” I admitted, despite the memories of blood, fire, and those terrible screams. “But only to visit. There is nothing for me across the sea anymore.”
Kalea let out a breath she’d been holding. “I’m glad to hear you say so. I don’t know what we’d do without you.”
The king was sitting in his favorite armchair when Kalea and I returned. From the troubled look on his face, I knew the meeting hadn’t gone in his favor.
“What news?” Kalea asked.
Torvald sighed. “After I had given my speech on halting the Quest for Resources, General Halvar stood and said that the land he secured for our future colonies was not ready for immigrants. The neighboring provinces still need to be subdued in order for our people to be safe there and his men are still in the process of manufacturing the buildings for our new towns.”
I’m sure they’re having a difficult time balancing the act of hammering nails into wood and slaughtering innocents. I bit my tongue to keep from voicing this thought aloud.
“I asked how much more time would be needed in order for the buildings to be complete. He said he didn’t know. When I proposed a goal of completion by the spring, he said he’d get back to me on that and then proceeded to remind everyone in the room how necessary patience was to our success.” Torvald’s face tightened in irritation. “He commented on the pride of today’s youth and that the value of fortitude was lost on my generation. As if I was a child who didn’t understand the business of men.”
Kalea fell into the sofa next to his armchair and took his hand. “I’m sorry, dear.”
“I expected opposition. I expected an argument. I didn’t expect to be… belittled,” Torvald said, leaning his elbows against his knees. “In all my years, General Halvar has never spoken to me like this.”
“He had to keep his composure before the counselors, my lord. This was the only way to insult you without causing a scene, but surely Rakim knew what the general was up to. Didn’t he speak on your behalf?” I asked.
“Rakim changed the subject entirely,” the king said. “I suppose he was trying to save me by redirecting the counselors’ attention to the matter at hand. That is, the matter of replacing the counselors who were killed. General Halvar had much to say on that subject as well. He has spent so many years at sea and yet he alone seems to know the best men for the available positions. He hardly let anyone else get a word in edgewise.” Torvald shook his head. “He knows I know the truth. He has to. Why else would he be so determined to appear superior in the counselors’ eyes all of a sudden? He never used to care for their good opinion before. He’s sending me a message.”
“And what message is that?” Kalea asked.
The king grimly met her gaze. “I can sway them better than you can.”
The queen shook her head. “Impossible. The counselors who remain are loyal to you and you alone.”
“I can vouch for Rakim and two others, but the last four heartily agreed with the general’s suggestions. No doubt these men Halvar mentioned worship the ground he walks on. Don’t you see? He’s looking to expand his influence not only on the mainland but here on the island as well. I’m starting to think Bryn was right about him being—” Torvald sat up when the butler entered the room.
The man bowed. “Your Majesty, might I offer some refreshments?”
“Nothing for now. Thank you,” the king said before gesturing to us.
“Water for me.”
“Chilled wine for me,” the queen said.
“I’ll return shortly.” The butler bowed and then retreated.
I sat across from Torvald and lowered my voice. “You said you didn’t want to become paranoid. You said you didn’t want to suspect every Holgarian.”
Torvald loosened his cravat with a savage yank. “It’s only the general’s motives that I’m suspecting. He’s been lying to me all these years about the Quest for Resources. He could be lying about everything else. I won’t be content until we find out whatever truth there is to find concerning him.”
“Neither will we,” I tried to reassure him by saying.
“That’s right,” Kalea said, taking his hand. “You forget that all of your friends are desperately looking for something to condemn the general with. They will succeed. It’s only a matter of time. Have patience.”
Torvald drew away from her. “That’s all I’ve been doing since the conspiracy first came to light. I can’t stand it any longer.” He rose. “It’s time I started acting like my father’s son.”
I stood with him. “What are you going to do?”
“A king’s proposal was too easily cast aside, but a king’s command won’t be. I’ll have a royal decree written and sealed with my signet ring. The Quest for Resources is to be paused until further notice. Every soldier will be called back home and will participate in mandatory interrogation concerning suspicious conduct overseas.” Torvald waved a hand at the window overlooking the upper ward. “The counselors can read about it in the morning.”
“My lord, I strongly advise against this. General Halvar’s suspicions will be confirmed the moment you seal that document,” I said in a rush. “I guarantee he’ll silence either you or his men before anyone has the chance to speak against him.”
The king marched into the hallway. “Let him try. I won’t be cowed into submission.”
Kalea and I shared a frightened look before hurrying after him.
“My dear, please, think about this for a moment,” Kalea said, delicately lifting the skirt of her dress so as to compete with his pace. “You’re already in danger, what with this league of traitorous Holgarians seeking to kill you. You can’t afford to make any more enemies.”
“I have four personal Defenders and at least a hundred soldiers chosen by Dotharr to stand between me and anyone who seeks to harm me.” Torvald threw the door open. “I have nothing to fear.”
“I have plenty to fear!” Kalea said. “I’ve only just married you. I intended to live a long life beside you before having to say goodbye. Don’t you care about how your demise would affect me?”