Page 99 of The Prince's Fealty

He turned to look at Pel. “And you’ll advise your brother of what has happened?”

Pel nodded. “Yes, of course.”

Was now the time to say anything… else? He looked at Tor, who appeared torn.

King Varex laughed, surprising both of them. “The two of you are way less subtle than you think you are. I suppose you’re bonded as well?”

Tor nodded, looking relieved, though he hastened to point out, “But Pel totally wanted to wait until we had your approval.”

The High King raised an eyebrow. “You are simply very persuasive?”

Tor grinned. “Something like that. But listen, there are actually several super important things that I need to tell you, and I like this mood you’re in right now. But I feel like we’re still playing on borrowed time, so I’m not sure now is appropriate. Do youthink we could plan to talk before we split up? Really talk?” Tor cleared his throat. “There are a couple things that you might not like very much.”

The High King actually rolled his eyes, looking incredibly like his brother in attitude and not just looks. “Somehow, that’s not a surprise. Yes, we can talk.” He eyed Stronex. “Perhaps we could all head to Lotar before we split up. I think everyone might be a bit more comfortable there?”

They all happily agreed to this. It was in the wrong direction for Pel and Tor, but Pel definitely didn’t want to stay here, and he imagined the memories were worse for Tor’s family. Besides, they could send a letter to Bav if they didn’t run into him and Gornexi before they left. He at least had some idea what was going on and what they were trying to do.

Considering the matter, King Varex added, “Someone should probably stay here to support the people. It’s going to take some time to sort all of this out, and even if Pamuna elects to stay, that will not immediately address the gap in knowledge.”

“We’d be happy to help out,” Terila said, glancing at Rin for confirmation. “We could send a messenger to my parents.”

“I could also send Solil,” Stronex suggested, “once we’ve returned to Lotar.”

King Varex nodded. “I think the realm would benefit from more good leadership than not at this point.” He eyed Lady Nawila who was still next to Pamuna, currently holding her hand and looking anxious. “I assume you’d also like to stay?”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” she said promptly.

“And would you prefer if I didn’t try to think of anyone that I could marry to Pamuna to make this transition easier for everyone?”

Tor looked almost dumbfounded. King Varex glanced at him. “I’m trying not to make the same mistakes twice.”

Tor’s expression softened, and Pel had to blink back tears and just clasp Tor’s hand when he really wanted to make everyone hug again.

Lady Nawila cleared her throat. “I would very much appreciate that, Your Majesty.”

Her cheeks were pink, but she had definitely not backed down from her hold on Pamuna.

Stronex looked amused. “Though I assume you will be easily able to tell him yourself, I will make it clear to Solil that he is coming solely to give aid, and I am not suggesting he court anyone—unless he should happen to find someone willing to court. I suspect he’ll be relieved, to be honest.” He eyed Princess Terila and Prince Rinil. “You won’t mind?”

They exchanged glances again, and shook their heads.

Prince Rinil laughed. “It’ll be a lot like old times. I’ll just have fewer urges to punch him in the face, and it will probably be more pleasant for everyone.”

Tor snorted, and Pel could only imagine the story there. He thought nothing could beat how he and Tor had gotten together, but it seemed like Princess Terila and Prince Rinil had quite an adventure of their own.

“Very well,” the High King said. “Let’s see if there’s anyone we need to convince the hard way.”

Collectively, they rose. King Stronex helped Princess Adexa to her feet, and she insisted she was well enough to go with them.

Lady Nawila was still sitting there with Pamuna, and King Stronex agreed to leave his guards behind in case they needed protection. Tor said he’d try to leave Beluna and Cavun as well.

“But Beluna probably won’t listen to me,” he told everyone cheerfully. “She has a mind of her own.”

Pel couldn’t help but smile. She definitely did, and she didnotlike plans that put Tor or Pel in danger.

King Stronex said, “We need people to watch over the bodies until we figure out next steps.”

Right. Because they had a dead king in here, amongst others. Pel had been carefully not looking.