AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Of course, Captain.”
Hence the summons.
“And their numbers?” Fadon asked.
“Still only four, my lord.”
At least it wasn’t a whole army, but even one was a headache. “How soon until they arrive, you estimate?”
“Unless they slow their pace, about three hours.”
“Should we send some men, Captain?” the other guard asked.
“Not yet. We still have time. I’m on my way to see Queen Alpha. I’ll let you know.” Fadon thanked them and rushed up to the war room, where Mari said to meet her.
He passed the guards in the hall and pushed both doors open with a punch that had them slamming shut behind him as he powered into the room. Mari sat primly at the head of the oval table, apparently not at all disturbed by her brother’s grand entrance. A glass of blood-red wine sat in front of her, untouched. She was alone.
“Captain.”
Fadon looked her over. “What in Ongar’s name is Lucius’ men doing here?”
She shrugged a shoulder. “Perhaps to send his best wishes to the bride and groom?”
Fadon made a sound. “Right, because the bastard has always been one for etiquette. You’ve received no message about this?”
“Not a word, no. Even my spies in House Dega have reported nothing. Besides, I believe he is still at sea somewhere. Now, sit down. You’re making me tired.”
He didn’t want to sit. “How many men should I send down to meet them?”
“Not a one. Let them enter the gates alone.”
“And wait three more hours to see what it is they want?”
She smiled. “Yes. We are the Royal House, Fadon. What kind of message would it send if we sit here and fret, assigning one of ours to inquire about their reasoning for coming? We would be showing fear, that they are important enough to worry over. No, we will have them come to us.”
He didn’t like it, but it was the best play. “Fine. We’ll wait.”
“I really do think they’re here for the ceremony, to show their bluster, that they are our equals. Just because they refuse to acknowledge the monarchy doesn’t mean I treat them any differently. I sent a message about Lysander’s nuptials and about the Fealty months ago.”
“Of course you did. But he’s never responded to anything we’ve sent. I find this latest development suspicious.”
“You let me handle that. Your job is to make sure our brother puts on a good performance.”
He decided to sit and pulled up a chair. “Meaning?”
“Meaning,” she said, taking up her wine, “make sure he continues wooing the princess and focuses on the ceremony.”
“So, you have had your doubts, too.” Fadon rubbed his face, suddenly weary. “I can’t understand him, Mari.”
“I do. He simply doesn’t want her.”
“He has no choice!” He didn’t mention that it had been at her command that their brother marry. But now that the bride was Omega…
She was quiet for a few minutes. “I have spoken with him, Fadon. At length. Already he is making an effort. As we speak, he and the omega are having a picnic. The more time he spends with her, the better, before I change the ceremony to tomorrow instead of two days.”
“Why don’t you?”
She shook her head. “We will abide by the customs of a traditional Ongahri wedding, Fadon. I’ve even invited some of Mother’s people. Father’s brother and his sons will be in attendance as well. I just hope they arrive in time.”
