The Shattered Way (Champions of the Crystal Book 7)

Chapter 7.1

Ford was waiting for Sabrina when she got to her apartment in Palace Royal that night. "How did it go, sweetheart?"

She gave him a quick greeting kiss. "Well, we're in much better shape than last time. That's not saying a lot, I know, but it is a huge relief to know I'm not going to have to worry about luring trading partners here to make sure everybody gets fed."

"Not being at war helps."

"Tremendously," she agreed, sitting down at the dining room table. "Wow, this is service."

"It helps to have an early warning system," Ford grinned.

Sabrina took a bite and made an approving noise. "How did it go with Ranja?"

"Well, I think. Obviously she has to talk to her husband, and I did dump rather a lot on her. But it's not a bad career move, I'll make sure the pay is attractive, and she is fond of you. I think she'll do it."

"Did you warn her about—"

"Yes, about everything: regency, assassins, bad-tempered princes, and all."

"The link?"

"Yes. The fewer mysteries she's trying to figure out, the better," Ford said. "She didn't seem shocked. I imagine it cleared up a few things she'd been wondering about."

"I bet it did," Sabrina sighed. "Did you tell her I was sick?"

"I think the word I used was fragile," Ford said. "But of course I can't tell her why until I've gotten her security clearance upgraded. I told her that."

"Great. Now you've got her curiosity working for you. Ford, I warn you, if she starts treating me like an invalid—"

"Nonsense. Anyone can see you're not. At the moment." He frowned at her plate. "But if you don't start eating, you may end up back in the infirmary eventually."

"Stop it. I can hardly eat and interrogate you at the same time," Sabrina said, pointedly taking a bite.

"In other words, if I talk, you'll eat?" Ford grinned. "Okay. I was as honest as security allowed with Ranja. I promise you, I didn't downplay the bad side. But I also made it clear I wanted her for the job, and I'm prepared to make the deal as attractive as it needs to be. Oh—and she said if she didn't take the job, she'd find your betrothal dress for you as a wedding present."

"Bless her," Sabrina said fervently, picking up her goblet and taking a long drink.

"Then I met with my chamberlain about what I'll need for the ceremony. My costume, you'll be glad to know, is actually more complicated than yours. You're allowed to wear normal daywear, since this is theoretically a surprise, but since I'm making a premeditated appearance, I have to be official."

"Ooo—does that mean I get to see you in a crown?"

"I'm afraid so. Not the big one though. But I could wear it to bed sometime if you want."

Sabrina nearly choked on her food, spluttering with laughter.

"Not doing it for you, eh?" He chuckled.

"I can't think it would be anything but a massive inconvenience!" she gasped out.

"I agree. We also got started on the guest list. Oh, that reminds me: I know Aurora, her parents, the Commander, Therenden, Justek, and Éllina Haaron. Anyone else?"

"Rassir, if he'll come. And all your family, of course."

"Naturally. I haven't finished figuring out which of my siblings are currently on the planet, but I estimate about eight of them will come."