The Road Ahead

By morning, I had decided to go with His Majesty.

I had spent half the night considering other places to stay, only to return to the same problem. The warning from Silvercrest would reach most of them before I did, and Alden's reply could take days.

Elara helped me pack the borrowed clothes. I tucked my mother's hairpin into an inner pocket to protect its bent flower.

"You can have any letters forwarded to the palace," she said. "I'll see to it myself."

"Thank you. For everything."

"Thank me by getting that knee looked at again."

Outside, two carriages waited beside the escort. I approached the second, but Kael called my name from the first.

"Will you ride with me? The seats are more comfortable."

I glanced toward the soldiers, surprised by his offer.

"Would that be appropriate, Your Majesty?"

"I don't believe anyone intends to arrest us for it."

I couldn't tell whether he was teasing. He seemed certain I wouldn't argue.

The carriage accommodated my injured knee comfortably. I watched the trees pass while Kael reviewed his correspondence. Perhaps he'd invited me because of my injury.

"Is the northern road always this quiet?" I asked.

"Usually. The patrols have increased since the attacks near the border."

"I see."

He closed the folder. "You may ask another question, Miss Vale."

"I think I've asked you quite enough questions since we met."

"And survived every one."

His mouth curved, and despite my efforts to remain dignified, I smiled.

"I didn't realize I was being tested, Your Majesty."

"Neither did I. Though you keep addressing me as though we're standing before the council."

"How else should I address you?"

"Kael will do."

I hesitated. "Wouldn't that be rather improper?"

"I've already taken the liberty of calling you Seraphina."

"That's different. You're the king."

"I'm aware."

He said it so seriously that I nearly laughed.

"I think I'll keep to Your Majesty," I replied.

"As you wish."

He returned to his correspondence, still smiling faintly.

I turned toward the window before he could see mine.

Among the pines, the road narrowed. As we rounded a bend, the wheels struck a deep rut.

The sudden jolt pitched me forward.

My hand caught the front of Kael's coat, and his arm came around me before I could strike the opposite seat. For a moment, I found myself leaning against him, my fingers curled tightly into the dark fabric.

"Careful," he said.

His voice was much closer than I expected.

I looked up, and for the first time I saw his eyes at such a short distance. They were a rich golden color, brighter where the afternoon light reached them through the window. A few strands of dark brown hair had fallen across his forehead.

I had known, of course, that the king was handsome. It was rather difficult to overlook. Yet there was something altogether different about seeing him like this, with his face only inches from mine and his hand steady against my back.

"Are you hurt?"

The question brought me back to my senses.

"No. I don't think so."

His gaze briefly dropped to my injured knee.

"Can you sit?"

"Yes. I'm sorry."

I released his coat, horrified to discover how firmly I had been gripping it. A crease remained where my fingers had been.

Kael helped me settle back into my seat.

"There's no need to apologize. The road has been in need of repair for some time."

"Then perhaps Your Majesty should have it repaired."

The words escaped before I considered how they might sound.

Kael looked at me.

I stared back, suddenly wishing I had remained silent.

Then he laughed.

It was a quiet, genuine sound, and somehow that embarrassed me more than if he had taken offense.

"A reasonable suggestion, Miss Vale. I'll see what can be done."

I folded my hands in my lap and watched the trees again, though it took several minutes before I could concentrate on anything beyond the warmth that still lingered in my cheeks.

By afternoon, the Northern Palace appeared beyond the hills.

Its pale towers rose above a broad courtyard lined with dark evergreens, and guards opened the gates as our procession approached. I had seen drawings of the royal residence in trade documents, usually stamped beneath official seals or printed beside declarations of royal authority. None had prepared me for its size.

The carriage slowed beneath a stone archway.

Kael stepped down first. A line of officials bowed as he approached, but instead of walking toward them, he turned back and offered me his right hand.

I hesitated.

Every eye in the courtyard seemed fixed on us. Some of the attendants remained composed, while several officials exchanged surprised glances. Accepting his assistance in private had been embarrassing enough, and now there were dozens of people watching.

Then I remembered the awkward height of the carriage step and the ache in my knee.

I placed my fingers in his palm.

His grip was warm and firm, and he stayed close enough for me to descend without putting too much weight on my injured leg. When I reached the ground, he released me.

The officials' expressions suggested they'd noticed every second.

A silver-haired man in formal robes came forward.

"Your Majesty, the council has assembled to receive you. We weren't informed that you would be bringing a guest."

"Then you may consider yourselves informed," Kael replied.

The man's gaze flickered toward my borrowed dress.

"Of course. Shall I arrange suitable accommodation?"

"The east wing has been prepared."

The official looked startled. Behind him, however, a maid was already waiting to escort me inside.

I turned toward Kael.

Prepared?

I had only agreed to come that morning.

"See that Miss Vale has everything she needs," Kael continued. "I will meet the council shortly."

The official bowed again, although he looked considerably less pleased than before.

The more I thought about it, the stranger his confidence seemed.

Had His Majesty expected me all along?