Chapter 17

Chapter

Seventeen

ORION

E veryone moves out of my way as I storm through the palace, nobility and servants alike. Most of the staff here are afraid of me, but today, my bad mood must be reflected on my face because everyone is staying out of my way. They usually avoid me purely due to my large size and constant frown. Joha says I look intimidating and I should smile more, but he makes keeping him safe so difficult that smiling isn’t something I do often.

I march through the hallways and out into the palace grounds, wincing against the brightness of the sun. I’ve been in countless meetings for too long, listening for hours as the council and Queen Mother went around in circles about Alyx and how they can use her against Jade Empire. I’m not surprised by any means, but they haven’t even waited for the dust to settle and they are already planning ways to use her.

Although I hate to admit it, Alyx played the role of betrothed princess perfectly. She has an air of expectancy about her that royalty tends to carry. They are so used to having everyone run to do their bidding that they automatically just expect someone to cater to all their whims. It seems like she might fit in despite my fears. Everyone appears to believe her story, and it’s been announced to everyone that the princess is officially betrothed to the king.

It’s all anyone is talking about, which partially adds to my sour mood.

Joha was excused from meetings after the announcement, which meant he disappeared as soon as he had the opportunity. Queen Mother and the advisors continued with these meetings, which I was allowed to attend. They didn’t use to let me, but I argued that if the king wasn’t in attendance, then I needed to be so I knew of anything that might affect his safety. They agreed reluctantly, but I’m not allowed to speak unless specifically addressed.

I hate meetings. Although they try to hide it behind veiled words, all they speak of is ways to run the country without checking with the king. Today was no different, except they have a new target to talk badly about—Alyx .

My bad mood has only worsened thanks to a comment Queen Mother made during the meeting. It was more of a passing remark, but I picked it up and filed the information away for later, registering it as a potential problem.

“One of my ladies-in-waiting told me that the princess enjoys frequenting the ale houses back in her empire. We shall have to make sure she is aware that will not be accepted here.”

Her prim, tight voice plays through my mind, only making my scowl deeper. Who started that rumour? I don’t know, but I’m determined to find the culprit. Rumours were always going to start about the mysterious princess that materialised out of nowhere, especially because she’s essentially taken the king off the market. Jealousy, hurt pride, and ego all lead to catty behaviour like this. However, this can be a dangerous combination and cause those rumours to spread and twist, growing into something different altogether. I’ve already overheard one of the young lords joking to his friends that he heard the princess is a partier. Rumours spread quickly here, since many of the nobles excel in gossip, not having enough to keep them busy. However, in this situation, it could quickly get out of hand. This type of gossip can ruin lives.

Rounding the throne room, I step out into the main courtyard, passing two young female courtiers. Attempting to remember some of my manners, I dip my head in acknowledgement, but neither of the ladies seem to notice me in the slightest.

Snorting, I shake my head, once again disparaging the nobilities’ entitlement, and continue my task of finding the king.

“Did you hear about the new princess?” one of the ladies asks the other, their heads close together as they gossip. Usually, I wouldn’t even dream of listening in, but the mention of Alyx has me straining my ears—not that they are even bothering to keep their voices down, probably assuming no one will overhear them in the courtyard.

Slowing my march to a casual walk, I try not to make it look like I’m blatantly listening into their conversation, even though I don’t believe they would care. I may come from a noble family, but at the end of the day, I’m a guard who’s barely better than a servant in their eyes.

“Apparently, her father cut her off to try and stop her from drinking,” she tells her friend, her voice becoming shrill. “So instead she sells herself to earn money!”

Her companion shrieks, her eyes widening as the two of them clutch each other, revelling in the juicy new gossip they can spread around the palace.

Fuck.

They are speaking of Alyx. Even if they weren’t, they can’t tell lies like that about a princess from another land. I doubt they even believe it themselves, but that doesn’t matter. They have their ammunition, and they are prepared to use it. Heat spreads through my entire body as I try to contain myself.

“How dare you speak about your future queen that way,” I snap, freezing in place and glaring at the two ladies like they are my new recruits. My muscles tense and bunch up around my shoulders, making me seem larger and more intimidating. It’s not something I mean to do, simply my body’s reaction to stress, but it doesn’t help with my rough reputation. All of my fury is aimed at the young ladies, and I know it’s probably not fair when they are just sharing what they heard, but I can’t seem to rein myself in. “You realise that you could be hung for treason spewing venom like that, yes?”

I don’t know why I’m so angry. Sure, I don’t want any of this coming back on Joha, but the idea of them speaking about Alyx that way has me seeing red.

It’s to protect the king.

Yes, it’s to protect Joha , I tell myself, feeling a little better about my overreaction.

The courtiers look afraid, their eyes wide and faces frozen with fear. They hold onto each other for comfort now rather than for companionship as before—not that I particularly blame them. I just appeared around a corner and started threatening them with death. I think I would be afraid too. Well, perhaps not, but I’m not a young lady who has little to no defensive skills.

Fantastic, now I’m scaring ladies who are barely into adulthood. Is that really what I want to become? They stutter and stumble over their words as they try to come up with excuses, but I just wave them off, my anger slipping away.

“Just go. Don’t let me hear you saying anything like that again.”

They don’t bother to stick around to see if I change my mind, spinning on their heels and hurrying away, darting scared looks over their shoulders as if they are worried I might follow them. Letting out a long, weary sigh, I rub my hands over my face. Today has been a long day, and it is only just past noon.

Grumbling to myself, I turn my back to the retreating ladies and start walking once more. I know exactly where the king will be, making my job easy as I stride across the grounds until I come to one of the tranquil gardens. The grassy area surrounding a large lake is hardly a garden, but who am I to quibble with the scholars who made it? Separate from the palace buildings but still within the protection of the walls, it’s one of the few places Joha can escape to without the constant presence of the lords and ladies who want the king’s attention. Most of them won’t come out this far in case they soil their outfits, making it the perfect escape. Sometimes when you’re here, you can forget that you are still on palace grounds.

Everything is so quiet and peaceful.

Cresting a small hill, I frown at the scene before me. Yes, the king is here as expected, but that’s not the problem. The cause of my frown is that the four guards who should be within arm’s reach of the king at all times are sitting on a grassy knoll several metres away from him. From there, it is impossible to protect him properly, something I demonstrate as none of them notice my approach. This only angers me more. Each one of them will be reprimanded and removed from this sought-after position.

Joha is sprawled against a tree trunk at the lakeside, book in hand. He looks peaceful, and for a moment, he could be any young lord enjoying a sunny afternoon, except he’s not.

He’s the king, and he needs to start acting like it.

“Your Majesty.” I know I sound more like I’m scolding him rather than greeting him, but I can’t help myself. Besides, Joha is used to me constantly being frustrated with him, so this is a fairly usual greeting for us.

The guards crap themselves, jumping up to try and get into position before I notice they broke formation, but it’s too late, I’ve already seen them. “You four will be dealt with.” Expression dark, I look them over with disappointment and shake my head. “Return to the barracks. I’ll find you when I’m ready to deal with your incompetence.”

Their faces show how disappointed they are, knowing this will cause them to lose the roles as king’s guards. The benefits of this position reflect the responsibility and trust they are granted, and they just broke that trust. The guards say nothing to try and convince me to let them keep their jobs. They know better than to try and reason with me. The king’s safety is their whole job and something I won’t compromise on. I taught them better than that.

Dismissed, the four of them begin their walk back to the barracks, leaving me alone with Joha. I’m breaking my own rules by leaving the king without four guards, but we all know I can protect Joha better than those four put together.

“You’re too harsh on them.” His voice is threaded with amusement.

Raising my brow, I turn to look down at Joha, who doesn’t glance up from his book. I swear he does this on purpose to mess with me. It’s either that or he genuinely doesn’t care about his own safety. The risks he takes are making me go prematurely grey, one of the reasons I keep my head shaved.

“They are your guards, Joha. You’re too easy on them! They didn’t even know I was here. If I was an assassin, you would be dead by now.”

Being alone, I don’t bother to hold back my frustrations. Right now, he’s my pain in the ass friend, and I’ll speak to him as such. He will always be my king, but there are occasions when he needs to hear the truth without it being brushed over with courtly, flowery language.

Lowering the book to his lap, he looks up at me with a grin, his eyes sparkling. “I guess it’s a good thing you’re not an assassin then.” He smiles and sits upright, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees. Taking in my frazzled state, he raises a brow and tilts his head to one side. “I take it this isn’t about my guards.”

Perceptive as always.

“Yes,” I snap back, crossing my arms over my chest. “Your betrothed . . . ,” I seethe, the words tasting acidic on my tongue. “There are rumours going around about her, and they are only getting worse. Queen Mother has already heard them. You need to sort it.”

Waving off my concern, he stands and smiles at me in a way I’m sure is supposed to reassure me. “Oh, they are only rumours. Don’t worry about it, old friend. Everyone will soon forget it, and I’m sure they will welcome her.”

Something about what he says suddenly triggers something in my mind, and a memory rushes to the surface. I’m in a similar position, except the male standing opposite me was the old king, Joha’s father.

He looks like an older version of Joha, the familial resemblance between the two uncanny. He squeezes my shoulder in a comforting gesture, his smile filled with kindness.

“I’m honoured that you think I deserve your protection, Orion, but I have my own guards.”

I had yet to join the guards, and Joha and I were practically joined at the hip. Due to this, I spent a lot of time around the king, and honestly, he acted more like a father figure to me rather than a ruler.

The previous night, I’d overheard a rumour about one of the king’s guards. After sleeping on the information, I’d immediately gone to see him the next day.

“I don’t trust them, Your Majesty. I heard that one of them is a thief from the city.” My young face is pulled into my signature frown, my body tense and full of nervous energy.

Realisation fills the king’s eyes, and some of the good humour leaves his expression. “I know the rumour you speak of, but I’m choosing to trust the guard in question. He’s worked for me for a while now.”

Startled by his response, I shake my head. “But?—”

He stops me before I can get started, squeezing my shoulder again and giving me a kind but firm smile. “Orion, you will make a brilliant guard one day, but you must learn to trust others.”

The memory fades away, and Joha’s face replaces that of his father’s. The old king was too trusting, and I had been right about the guard. Many priceless treasures were stolen, but thankfully no one was hurt in the process.

Joha seems to be following in his footsteps. It means that he’s a fair ruler, but he is also manipulated by others. He immediately trusted Alyx, an assassin nobody trusts. Then there’s me, who is at the complete opposite end of the spectrum.

Shaking my head, I cluck my tongue. “You’re just like your father. Too trusting.”

Joha’s eyes flash at the mention of his father, and I immediately feel bad for bringing him up, but he smiles, hiding his sadness. “Is that a bad thing, old friend?”

No. The old king was a great man and kind in a way that nobility doesn’t tend to be. He always saw beyond his own needs and genuinely tried to help his people—not just the lords and ladies in his court, but the workers in the city too. However, that’s not the point I’m trying to make right now, so I simply raise a brow.

“It is if you want to survive long enough to have this grand wedding of yours,” I point out.

Rolling his eyes, Joha turns and takes up his spot against the tree trunk once more, facing towards the lake. “Stop moaning and come sit down with me for a bit.”

Grumbling, I do as he says, mumbling my complaints under my breath as I sit beside him. This is exactly what I disciplined the guards for, but I’m constantly aware of my surroundings and who is close by. I may make it seem like a chore to be here with Joha, but I love spending time with him like this. It reminds me of a simpler time, when it was just the two of us.

I suppose with Alyx around, things will never be simple again.

Why does that thought send a thrill through me?