Kingdom of Dance: A Retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses (The Kingdom Tales Book 6) by Deborah Grace White

Author:Deborah Grace White [White, Deborah Grace]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781922636157
Publisher: Luminant Publications
Published: 2022-02-24T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

Obsidian watched Zinnia leave, the combination of the two guards flanking her and her generally defeated demeanor making her look like a prisoner on the way to the gallows. A glance at the king showed that any sign of anger had disappeared, giving way to the concern that seemed to always lurk under the surface when he looked at his sister.

King Basil’s gaze slid to Obsidian. He looked almost as weary as Zinnia. “Anything to add, Lieutenant?”

Obsidian frowned slightly. “I do have thoughts, Your Majesty. But I would be grateful if I could share them tomorrow, when they might be a little more in order.”

“Of course,” said the king, inclining his head.

He glanced toward his wife, who was still sitting, silent and thoughtful, across from Zinnia’s empty chair. Their eyes locked, wordless communication passing between them. Obsidian would have expected to feel awkward, but a different emotion shot through him, so unexpected he hardly recognized it. He couldn’t remember ever before feeling envious at the closeness of a married couple. While he wrestled with his confused thoughts alone, they would undoubtedly be talking the matter over in great detail, each helping the other identify clues they might have missed.

“We’ll all do better for more sleep,” King Basil added mildly.

Obsidian bowed. “I hope I didn’t err in insisting that we wake you immediately.”

“Definitely not,” the king said firmly. “You were absolutely right that I wanted to know straight away.” He rubbed the back of his neck, his voice suddenly softer. “Thank you, Lieutenant. For saving my sister’s life. I’m belatedly realizing that in addition to being foolhardy of me, it was also most unfair to place the sole responsibility for her safety on your shoulders.”

“No thanks are necessary, Your Majesty,” said Obsidian. After a moment’s hesitation, he added, “She was afraid.”

The king stilled, searching his eyes. “Tonight?”

Obsidian nodded. “After her narrow escape from the first man, she was so shaken that she curled into a ball in a back alley and stayed there for about ten minutes. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that she was terrified.”

King Basil’s eyes were so haunted, Obsidian felt guilty for inflicting further pain on him.

“My point is,” he hurried on, “she understood the danger. She wasn’t oblivious or childishly reckless. She knew what a risk she was taking, and she clearly had no taste for the adventure. And yet she was utterly determined to go on. From what I’ve observed of her, I’m convinced she would only do what she did with a compelling reason.”

The king nodded slowly, seeming to agree with Obsidian’s assessment.

“For what it’s worth,” the soldier added, “I’ve seen war. I know that when it comes to the sticking point, some people have the courage and the determination that’s needed to fight, and some people simply don’t. Your sister does.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant,” said the king softly. “I look forward to hearing your further thoughts in the daylight.”

At this dismissal, Obsidian quickly made himself scarce. No guards trailed him as

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