Page 103 of The Prince's Fealty

Some changes would be hard, of course, but Pel imagined he wasn’t the only one thinking of those lower levels and some quick fixes that could improve the energy of the castle immediately.

A few hours later, they were ready to go. They’d all cleaned up, and King Varex had indeed asserted Queen Pamexa’s legitimate claim to the Filon crown by right of Fealty, and the staff had been instructed accordingly.

“You’re in charge,” King Varex reminded her. “Princess Terila, Prince Rin, and Prince Solil are here to assist you. Idun will manage the guard until such a time as you appoint someone else.”

They had confirmed that two of the bodies from the night were indeed the captain of the guard and his second-in-command. Though Pel didn’t like all the death, he was inclined to think that it was probably a good thing, under the circumstances.

The High King reminded them, “As soon as everything settles down a little, I’ll issue invitations for a formal Crowning ceremony. I will likely be doing the same for Prince Bavil. If you have any problems, don’t hesitate to write to us. As Tor has no doubt already warned you, I will probably write a lot, and with more advice than you actually want.”

Nawila laughed, and Pamuna’s lips twitched. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Thankyou,” the High King told her seriously. “I know this wasn’t what you expected, but I can’t think of someone I trust more with the safety of Filon and its people. Cala and Fernila and I will miss you terribly, but we know you’ll be doing a wonderful job taking care of this realm.”

There were several sniffs. The morning had not been without its tears.

“No doubt, some rumors are already spreading about what’s happened. Once I’ve consulted with the other rulers, I’ll be issuing formal statements, but you can share as much or as little of the truth as you’re comfortable with.”

Pamuna—Queen Pamexa!—nodded. Nawila stood tall at her side, and Pel wondered if by the time they had the Crowning ceremony, there’d actually be a wedding as well. He kind of hoped so, as long as they were ready, of course, because the realms could use some good news right about now.

And then, with a last round of hugs, they were finally on their way. King Varex, Queen Fernila, Princess Adexa, and Cala were riding in the carriage, and the rest of them were on horseback.

(Apparently, Princess Adexa had wanted very much to ride, but she’d allowed herself to be overridden, which Tor had confided to Pel clearly meant she wasn’t feeling herself yet. Pel could only imagine what it would be like to be constantly repelled by your own husband but then also suffer from having that magic ripped out of you—all while learning that your brother’s father-in-law was trying to kill you all. Pel thought Princess Adexa could ride in the carriage as long as she wanted.)

Tor was mounted on one of Nostex’s horses, since he’d left Melody with Rin. Tor’s actual horse, Monster, was back in Alossa.

Tor had promised they’d stop in Fila on the way north to Tond—assuming they got to go north to Tond once they explained everything else that had happened—so that he and Prince Rinil could finally fill one another in on everything that had happened since Tor had hatched his terrible plan to not get bonded.

Pel snorted with amusement as they got underway.

“What?” Tor asked.

Pel shook his head. “It’s not really that funny. I know Nostex was planning all of this regardless, but it feels a little like your most terrible plan ever had some really unexpected results.”

Tor stared at him blankly for a moment and then burst into laughter.

“Nice,” he said merrily. “Blaming everything on me, are we?”

“Obviously.”

They hadn’t been on the Great Road for more than a few minutes before they were hailed from behind.

They pulled up and were soon met by Bavil, Larexa, and Sovereign Gornexi, along with a small contingent of guards from Bessar.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Tor

Tor and Pel dismounted and hurried over to hug both Bavil and Larexa. Tor shook hands with Gornexi, who was looking well, their dark skin glowing with health. Tor hadn’t seen them since Somila’s pregnancy had been announced, and it was clear impending parenthood was working for them. Var stuck his head out of the carriage and then climbed down to come and shake all of their hands as well.

“Thank you so much for coming.”

“Unnecessarily, I assume?” Gornexi said, looking him over critically, their brown eyes intent.

Var sighed, looking unbearably tired for a moment. “Nostex is dead. He was torturing me, Fernila, Adexa, and Cala, trying to get past my shields so he could kill all of us and take my Fealty.”

Gornexi’s eyes grew wide, and they shook their head. “That’s what Bavil said you thought was happening. I… sort of hoped that it was an exaggeration.”

“I’m afraid not,” Var said with a sympathetic smile. “I, too, wish it had never come to this. Fortunately, my brother, King Stronex, Prince Rinil, Princess Terila, and a number of able guards came to our aid. Without them, we would surely have perished. We will be retiring to Lotar to rest and recover for a short period, but then I will invite all the rulers to visit Alossa. If at all possible, I intend to ensure there are more measures in place to prevent this sort of thing from happening in the future.”