Chapter 11

R o was pleased that her gifts were well received. Ehlzar and Varyana thanked her numerous times and insisted upon trying the blackberry brandy immediately, sending a bottle to the kitchen to be decanted and served.

No doubt it would also be tasted first, to be sure there was nothing in it that shouldn't be.

King Ehlzar took one of the chairs, his wife the one next to his. Ro had settled across from him on a similar chair, while Uldamar and Gabriel had taken the couches. The royal guards positioned themselves behind her.

She smiled at the king and queen. "Your hospitality is much appreciated. Thank you for welcoming us."

"As I said, we don't often get visitors." The king smiled back. "Most are…intimidated by us, I suppose. As I'm sure you know, we are a solitary people. We don't mind being left alone. We prefer it, actually."

She nodded. "I can understand that. Outsiders, especially those who aren't wanted, can cause all kinds of problems."

"They can." He laced his fingers together. "I understand you were a bit of an outsider yourself."

She laughed softly. "That's true. I was. Probably, to some, I still am. But I am working hard to embrace my heritage and my new role as queen."

"That is all anyone could expect," Queen Varyana said. "How are you finding life in the realm?"

"I'm finding it wonderful," Ro answered truthfully. "It's beautiful here. The citizens of Summerton have been warm and welcoming. And understanding. I feel more and more every day like I am where I belong."

King Ehlzar raised his brows. "Are you brave? Or reckless?"

There was that straightforwardness that Uldamar had spoken of. "You mean for coming here? Probably both. But as I mentioned, I believe we are about to face a mutual threat."

The king nodded. "Tell me about that."

Before she could, footmen appeared. The first carried a tray bearing the brandy she'd brought, along with glasses and a bucket of ice. The second had a platter of little cakes, a third bore a large bowl of fruit, and a fourth, another tray with more glasses, carafes of water and some cloudy beverage that had bits of fruit floating in it. A fifth brought small plates and cloth napkins.

Once food and drinks had been distributed, and the footmen dismissed, the conversation resumed.

"This threat," the king said. "It's a person? Another kingdom? An illness? What are you speaking of?"

"A person. Possibly a kingdom." Ro sipped the fruit water she'd chosen. It was good. A little sweet and a little tart, like lemonade but more floral. "Summerton has a rival kingdom. Malveaux. We were once like sisters. Now, not so much."

Queen Varyana nodded. "We know of that history."

Ro explained to them about the return to Willow Hall, Queen Anyka, and Lady Cynzia's diary. They listened in rapt silence, sipping the blackberry brandy and nodding. Ro paused to take a drink herself, then continued. "Queen Anyka believes Lady Cynzia is still alive. And that she's taken refuge here, in the cloud kingdom."

Suddenly, she caught herself. "I'm sorry. Is it all right to use that name? Please tell me if it's not."

Queen Varyana laughed. "It's fine. We don't often call Hythe that, but we understand it's how others know us." She stretched her arms out. "We live in the clouds. There is no offense in the truth."

Ro breathed a little easier. "Thank you."

King Ehlzar settled back in his chair. "You think this Lady Cynzia would give Queen Anyka an advantage over your kingdom?"

"I do," Ro said.

"What makes you think Lady Cynzia would agree to that? From what you've told us, she might have escaped to be left alone."

Ro nodded. "That's very true, but I don't think Queen Anyka would give her a choice. And I believe would follow." She paused. "Which is part of why I've come here. It's my understanding that you have never allied your kingdom with any other. I respect and applaud that level of self-sufficiency, but if Queen Anyka takes over Summerton, she won't stop there. She's a very ambitious woman."

Queen Varyana glanced at her husband, but his focus stayed on Ro. "You think she would come here?" He smiled, clearly amused. "That she might actually act against us ?"

"Yes, I do. With Lady Cynzia's power behind her, she could attack you without ever setting foot near your borders."

His smile disappeared.

The magic was what scared him most, Ro realized. "It's well documented that Lady Cynzia killed off an entire royal family without laying a finger on any of them. Perhaps that doesn't worry you, but it does me."

She glanced at Uldamar, hoping he'd take the hint and back her up.

He cleared his throat softly. "What my queen says is truth, your highness. Lady Cynzia is a storied figure. Her abilities with the dark arts are unparalleled. There are valid reasons why she was incarcerated at Tenebrae."

King Ehlzar was silent for a few moments. "I must think on this."

"Of course," Ro said. "I would like to add that I'm not only interested in an alliance with the Wyvern. I would very much like to discuss trade with you, as well. I'm sure that would be mutually beneficial for our kingdoms. We produce beautiful marula wool, among other things."

King Ehlzar lifted his glass. "Your brandy is not bad, either."

Ro smiled. "I'm glad you're enjoying it." She was well aware that he hadn't said anything about whether or not Lady Cynzia was alive and living within his borders. To her, that was suspect.

"I'm sure you and your people would like some time to rest. We will dine together at the banquet this evening, then we shall talk more afterwards." He stood, so Ro got to her feet as well. Everyone else followed. "The footmen will take you to your accommodations. I hope you find them to your liking."

"I'm sure they'll be wonderful," Ro said. "There is one more thing I feel I need to tell you before we part. Queen Anyka has hired a tracker to find Lady Cynzia and we believe he's headed here."

King Ehlzar 's countenance changed, darkening with obvious anger. "You know this for a fact?"

"I do, your highness."

The king motioned to Hull, who came to his side. Ehlzar nodded. "Thank you for that information."

"You're welcome."

The king left with the queen trailing him and Hull at his side, the two deep in conversation.

A footman appeared before them and bowed. "Your highness, I would be pleased to escort you and your party to your rooms."

The rooms weren't as grand as Willow Hall, but they were large, well-equipped, and more than adequate. Ro's was the largest, so she gathered everyone there after the footman left.

She looked at Uldamar, tapped her ear, then circled her finger in the air as she looked around.

He nodded, understanding that she wanted him to make sure they weren't being listened to.

He sent a few tendrils of magic through the room. The tiny threads of pale light coasted along the walls, ceiling, floors, and windows, returning to him in a matter of seconds.

"We are alone," Uldamar said.

She exhaled and took a seat on the couch beside Gabriel. "Good."

He looked at her. "You did well today."

"I agree," Uldamar said. "You represented Summerton with poise and intelligence. You have much to be proud of."

"Thank you. You're something to be proud of. That display of magic was perfect. Thank you for that."

Uldamar shrugged. "A parlor trick, my lady."

He always said that. "I hope we get further in our next talk. We still have no idea if Lady Cynzia is here. Or ever was here."

"No," Gabriel said. "But our guards are being billeted with the Wyvern guards, and they may yet learn something."

Ro tipped her head back against the couch and sighed. She was tired. Worn out from traveling, worn out from being diplomatic, missing her family and her cats. Even rodent-crazy Wiggy. And despite the kind words from Uldamar, she didn't feel particularly proud of anything so far. "If they don't agree to the treaty, or to help us concerning Lady Cynzia, I don't know what we're going to do."

"We will figure it out," Gabriel said. "But not right now. We should all get some rest before this banquet this evening. They may expect you to perform again tonight, Uldamar."

Ro lifted her head, sitting up straight. "He's right, they probably will expect that. But that could work to our advantage."

Uldamar's eyes narrowed. "How so, my lady?"

"The same way you used magic to search this room, could you use magic to search this place for Cynzia? Or at least for the presence of her magic? You had your hands on her book. You must know her…magical signature, or whatever it would be called. Could you do something like that disguised as entertainment?"

"Brilliant," Gabriel whispered.

Uldamar steepled his fingers, resting them against his chin. For a few long moments, he said nothing. Then he nodded. "I can do that." He smiled. "Good idea, my lady. But it will require rest. If you would excuse me?"

"Of course, go rest. Thank you." Impulsively, she got up at the same time he did and hugged him.

"Oh," he said softly.

She let him go. "Sorry. I'm sure that wasn't protocol, but let's blame it on me missing my family and being very grateful that you and Gabriel are here with me."

Uldamar smiled. "You don't need to apologize for showing affection, my lady. Not when we're in private chambers, as such."

"Thanks. Have a good nap."

He raised his hand in farewell and slipped off to his own room.

She turned. Gabriel was on his feet. "Are you leaving, too?"

"No. I plan on napping right here on this couch so that I can protect you."

She frowned. "Do you think I need protecting?"

"I don't know, and that's all the reason I require for staying here. I'm not going to take any chances." He tipped his head. "Especially since we don't know the status of Lady Cynzia."

"Good point." She hesitated, momentarily considering asking if he'd like to share the bed. She meant in a platonic way but realized it wouldn't sound like that, so she kept quiet. Fatigue was getting the best of her. "You have to promise me you'll actually sleep and not just sit here, staring at the door."

"I promise. We all need to be at our best this evening."

"Agreed. Which is why I'm going to crash." She went closer, kissing his cheek.

His hands went to her waist, lightly settling there as if she were some delicate, breakable thing. "Crash?"

"Nap."

"Ah." He gazed into her eyes.

A smile bent her mouth.

Neither of them made any move to separate.