Page 98 of The Prince's Fealty

Tor definitely wanted to hear the whole story at some point, but now was probably not the moment.

“So,” Tor said, looking at all of them. “How are we getting out of here? Do we need to fight our way out?”

Chapter Twenty-One

Pel

Pel stared at Tor with horror. After everything they’d been through, he couldn’t imagine needing to fight more. He would do so, of course—whatever was necessary—but hereallydidn’t want to.

King Varex’s expression was somewhat similar. After a moment, he asked, “How did you get in?”

Tor explained about the secret entrance, and King Varex arched an eyebrow in a way that was very reminiscent of his brother. They looked even more similar on the floor in this room together, no distance between them like there had been in the throne room—what felt like a million years ago.

“That’s one option, then,” the High King said. “And I certainly prefer that to fighting my way out of the castle.”

There were several fervent nods of agreement.

“But,” King Varex continued, “I think we could probably avoid both those options, to be honest. After all, we’resupposedto be here. Some of Nostex’s people were integrally involved. Others may have been following orders. Still more likely had no idea what wasgoing on. At this precise moment, King Nostex has been killed, and the High King as well as King Nostex’s daughter are here to take charge of everything. King Stronex is here, too. And Princess Terila and Prince Tor and Prince Pel. Honestly, I can’t think of very many people who would be likely to go up against us.”

A slow smile spread across Tor’s face. “I like the way you think.”

Pel did, too. He didn’t want to fight anymore—and he definitely didn’t want to go up against multiple rulers. He couldn’t imagine anyone who’d happily take that on.

Stronex pointed out, “They’ll be searching for a threat if they learn that their king is dead.”

“Let’s give them one,” Tor said firmly. “Too much has happened. I don’t think we can hide this, and I don’t think we should. Nostex conspired against the United Realms, and he was defeated. We need to make anyone else think twice.” Then his gaze caught on Fernila, and he frowned. “Sorry, that’s probably not good for you. We don’t have to do that.”

Pel felt a little glow of pride at how quickly Tor had recognized Fernila’s side of things. It seemed like he really was trying to do better.

Fernila shook her head. “No, you’re right.” She made a face. “I mean, it’s going to be awful, obviously. But I agree we need to tell the truth. Too many people have seen too much, and too many people have been harmed. In addition to my father, King Forex and Yomil are dead. Most of us in this room nearly died. It’s about time this whole conspiracy was out in the open.” Her jaw set in a mulish line. “We probably haven’t found every conspirator, though I hope we caught the worst of them. I want them to know exactly what happens if they go after my baby or any of the rest of us!”

Tor was grinning at her and then winked at King Varex. “Your wife is much cooler than I thought. I agree with everything she just said.”

Fernila flushed blotchily, but she looked pleased. Tor’s brother looked like he wanted to hug them all again. Pel kind of wanted to do the same.

“I agree,” King Varex said, looking a bit bemused that they were all in accord. “The time for hiding is past, though I’m sorry for the negative impact it may have.” He looked apologetically at his wife, but she just nodded.

If they exposed everything, it had less power to harm them, and Pel, for one, didn’t want any of this to hurt any of them ever again.

The High King continued. “We will summon the captain of the guard, and we will explain what happened. We will accept their full support, and the standing down of the guard, or we will demonstrate why treason is unwise. Agreed?”

They all nodded.

He smiled. “With your agreement, we will then split up and visit each of the realms to speak with the rulers there in person. I would like to explain, thank them for their willingness to assist, and begin building the bridges that will ensure this never happens again. Once everything has calmed down, perhaps everyone can gather in Nexa, and we can all speak together and look to the future. For now, I’d like to focus on immediate reassurance.” For the first time, he looked a little wry. “I assume that the division is pretty obvious. Sir Rinil?”

“Prince Rinil,” Terila corrected with a challenging look.

King Varex shot a look at his former knight.

“You said to fix it no matter what?” he tried, looking more than a little uncomfortable.

Terila hissed, “That makes it sound like you didn’t want to bond with me.”

Rin cleared his throat, then clarified, “I was going to bond with Princess Terila anyway, but I’m very happy to report that there is definitely going to be peace with Vayrin. In fact, I’ll be happy to work for the rest of my life ensuring that Terila is happy and the land is at peace.”

Wow. They looked incredibly besotted. Pel wondered suddenly if that’s how he and Tor looked sometimes.

Thankfully, the High King looked more amused than anything.