The Hidden Princess: Kingdom's Fate (book three)

Chapter Thirteen: We'd Be Better Off With a Blind Dog

I sat frozen to the throne. Although my eyes watched the people dancing, my mind was elsewhere. Many times Queen Layann tried to engage me in conversation, but I had no words. A handful of times men approached seeking a dance, yet I could not pull myself to join the people. Morr-El was the most consistent coming at the end of each song. Each time he approached he looked more and more concerned. After what seemed like ages King Tathrow and Benedict walked in. I nearly lept to my feet and ran to them.

"Not here," King Tathrow said, halting my questions. He then motioned for me to follow. Benedict fell into step beside me. No words were spoken among us as we quickly made our way to King Tathrow's council chamber.

When we walked in King Syrus, his head guards, my head guards, my brothers, and King Tathrow's head guards were already gathered. My brothers all gave me concerned looks knowing the details of the past between La Fray and me. My hand dropped down to the scar that would always remain from my first encounter with La Fray. "Where is he?" I questioned. My heart sank at the looks I received.

"We're sorry, Sam, there was no sign of him anywhere," Alakay said stepping forward. My body started to shake again. Benedict's hand on my shoulder was all that kept me upright.

"We've sent our men to start questioning the guards around the castle and some of the guests. The reports so far have come to nothing. The few who saw Lord Hanson could not give us any details," King Tathrow's head guard said.

King Tathrow pounded his fist on the table causing me to step closer to Benedict. "He will no longer be referred to as that! He has lied to us all! Tricked us into giving him pity, when we should have been chaining him up and sending him back to face his consequences!" he declared. With a deep breath, he calmed himself and turned to me. "I can't apologize enough for all that has happened. This was to be a time of celebration. I promise you that I will give you my full support in tracking down this man and making sure he pays for all that he has done. My guards are ready to follow orders as you see fit. Nivetara stands beside you."

Tears stung my face at his words. To know that in this foreign country my brothers and I were not on our own was the strength I needed to continue. However, I knew that this was a task that was not meant for Nivetara. "I cannot thank you enough. To know that we have your support is more than enough. However, La Fray will recognize an army coming for him a mile away. We need to do this quietly and quickly," I said.

Nate cleared his throat making his presence known for the first time. "Samantha is right. My uncle will not be caught by a show of force. He has been hiding from armies longer than Samantha has been alive. I know we still have much to decide. However, I do know that we could use someone with knowledge of not only this land, but also of the power players around," he said.

"We have Rowen," I spoke quickly.

Nate shook his head. "Nothing against you, Rowen, but you have not been here for years. Things have changed, power has shifted. We need someone who knows the details of the current Nivetara," he said.

King Tathrow nodded in understanding. "That is a smart move. I believe I have the man for the job," he said, going to send his guard to locate someone.

Before the guard could leave Benedict stepped forward. "I too thank you for your support. However, the events of the past few hours have worn heavy on all of us. We will not make good decisions, but rash ones. We need to rest for the night and come together tomorrow," he said.

I spun on my brother. "We need to act now! La Fray can't have gotten far. We need to end this," I cried.

Benedict nodded. "I know that. I know that we need to end this. Sam, listen to me," he said taking my hand in his. "We have all been through shock tonight, you most of all. That is why we need to rest. We need to process all that has happened and come up with the best plan, not the quickest," he said.