With her room on a new floor, Riva felt that she wasn’t as limited as she had been before. She wandered the halls with abandon. Poking her nose here and there.If people were used to seeing her do so, perhaps they wouldn’t mind if she moved a little lower into the palace-
“Their army is moving steadily through Sealidan. Their goal is the palace here.”
Riva jolted to a stop and listened.
William’s voice muttered. “They don’t have a King or any kind of leader, will killed all of their officers. They can’t make it far. We’ve been harassing them every step of the way.”
“Even if they make it to the capital they’ll be surrounded and outmatched. We’ll crush them easily.”
“Good, thank you for the report. You may go back to your post.”
Riva frantically looked around, looking for a hiding spot. There were none to be had. Angrily she snapped at herself and stood up straight. Just like a Queen. She reminded herself. You belong here. With sure steps she strode forward to William’s quarters.
The messenger almost ran into her. He bobbed his head in apology. “S’cuse me, ma’am.” Then hurried off.
Riva watched him go and knocked on the door politely.
“Come in.”
A smiled spread across her lips more because it was what Riva the Bard would do than from actual pleasure at seeing him. At that moment, he was the enemy readying to crush her people in a mighty blow.
He looked up and a smile split his face instantly. “Riva! I see you found my study. How are you enjoying your new rooms?”
“Rooms? as in plural?” Riva asked incredulously.
He was pleased at her reaction, his grin only grew. “Yes, rooms. I’ll have one of the maids show you the others.”
She leaned against his desk curiously looking at what he was working on. “I came to thank you for your hospitality actually. Best night I’ve had in months.” She told him, a blissful expression on her face. It felt forced.
He burst into a laugh, taking her hand he kissed it tenderly. “I’m happy you are pleased. You know that you have but to ask and it is yours.”
Again a voice in her head whispered to ask, but she squashed it and just smiled. “You’ll spoil me if you continue this. Then all I’ll want is chocolates for breakfast and soft cushions for chairs. I’ll get fat and my poor Ettore won’t be able to carry me.”
Laughing long and hard William had to put down his quill. Riva felt a pang in her heart. He was beginning to love her. She could feel it in the way he spoke to her and touched her. He believed he loved her and she was going to have to tell him sooner or later how she truly felt and what she truly desired.
There was a knock on the door. “Enter.” William said breathlessly, still chuckling.
Riva recognized the drab cloth before William did. Quickly she turned her back to the messenger and hoped that he didn’t recognize her.
It was a messenger from the desert nomads.
She held her breath as adrenaline pumped through her veins. Her legs began to lose feeling and she clutched Williams desk to stay steady.
“Your Majesty, I have terrible news. Imad is dead and Racham has taken control of the tribes.” The messenger blurted out in a rush.
William froze. “Imad is dead!? I thought he was a shaman? How could he die on me?”
Riva could hear the messenger shake his head in helplessness. “I saw him die myself, your Majesty. He was destroyed by a witch of even greater power.”
Riva struggled to keep a loud cough from escaping her.
William rubbed his face in frustration. “The tribes were supposed to flank Alsteare when we made our move. Is there anything else?”
“No sire, I thought you should know about Imad as soon as possible. It took me a while to get away from Racham’s men.”
William swore quietly. “Thank you, you may leave. If you’re hungry you know where the kitchens are.”
The messenger left the room quickly and silently.
Riva let out a controlled breath very, very quietly. Remembering where she was she touched William’s shoulder in false sympathy. He took her hand and held it for comfort. She had to get Glen out soon, time was running out.
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