Blood & Bond by Laura VanArendonk Baugh

Author:Laura VanArendonk Baugh
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: epic fantasy, epic fantasy series for adults, fantasy series, fantasy series for adults, second world fantasy, fantasy, found family, fantasy king war, epic fantasy trilogy, mage, wizard, quest, heroic fantasy, military fantasy, sword and sorcery, action adventure fantasy, adventure fantasy, action adventure
Publisher: Æclipse Press
Published: 2019-09-25T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

SHIANAN WAS TIRED AND faintly sore from a full day of drilling, but a note from the prince-heir was not to be ignored. When Ethan opened the door, Shianan gave him a weary smile. “Hello, Ethan. Your master sent for me.”

“Yes, your lordship. Please come in.” Ethan took the cloak Shianan shed and gestured toward the sitting room. “His Highness will come shortly. Please make yourself comfortable.”

Shianan eyed several wide leather chairs, grouped together for conversation. The leather was glossy and new on all the chairs but that nearest the door. Shianan chose a gleaming chair and sat low, resting his head against the back. He was tired. The royal review was in two days. No new reports of Ryuven raids had come in, but there was no explanation yet for the previous ones.

“You look something like I feel,” came a voice, startling him. Shianan blinked and jerked upright, embarrassed that he’d missed the prince’s entry. He was halfway to his feet when Soren waved for him to remain where he was. “Keep your seat, Becknam. I won’t tell.”

Shianan hesitated and then straightened. “It’s not about appearances, Your Highness.”

Soren smiled tiredly as he dropped into the scuffed chair. “You have nothing to prove to me. But I appreciate your conscience.” He waved Shianan into his seat again. “I’m sorry I’m late, and for my own invitation, too.”

Shianan lowered himself, eying the fatigued prince. “Your meeting did not go as smoothly as expected?”

“You could say that.” Soren glanced over his shoulder as Ethan brought a tray with drinks. “I wanted to finish that trade agreement, but as soon as the duke recognized I was anxious, he became more demanding.” He sighed, taking a cup. “We had to work out new percentages and shares, new rates of exchange... I have no skill for that sort of tight accounting.”

Shianan accepted a cup, wine cut with unfermented juice. “Nor I. My earnest sympathies.”

Soren gave him a skeptical glance. “This from the man who single-handedly uncovered years of bookkeeping fraud?”

Shianan silently cursed his slip. “Not single-handedly,” he allowed.

Soren smiled. “I’m pleased. I’d thought I had one more thing to resent about you.” He grinned. “Your secret is safe with me.”

“Resent?”

“If you excelled at accounting as well? You’re already the demon commander, admired leader, esteemed fighter, and the hero who found the missing Shard.” Soren ticked items on his fingers. “Do you know how they speak of you, the man who gave himself to the Court of the High Star to flush the real thieves?”

“But—but...” Shianan did not know how to protest.

“What I would give for your charisma,” Soren said mildly.

“You have it, whatever there is of it,” Shianan answered, hiding his self-consciousness with a half-grin. “I have sworn all of me to your service.”

Soren gave him a serious look. “And that is something I cherish. I think of that, sometimes, when I cannot guess how I’ll manage. At least someone believes I have a good chance of muddling in the right direction.” He sighed. “Still, I wish I had your gift.

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