Daughter of Ice and Fire

Twenty

"You sent for me, Father?"

"Have a seat, Averit." King Vesterfahl pointed to the empty chair in front of his desk. Averit slipped into the room, his senses on high alert. Gazing about, his mouth thinned when he noticed Sir Rillson standing behind his father's chair. On the right. In his spot.

Sir Rillson noticed his look and let the corners of his lips lift slightly. Averit shot him a murderous look before taking a seat and returning his gaze to his father.

"Why is he here?"

"Sir Rillson is my most trusted advisor. What I have to say is important and I may need his opinion later."

"I prefer we not discuss our business in front of him." Averit's face was hard and at this moment, he didn't care how much he angered his father.

"Who said this is a family matter?" King Vesterfahl said innocently, spreading his hands and affecting a questioning look.

"I'd be very surprised if it wasn't. You've never shown any inclination to include me in the governing of the realm. The sudden change is surprising as well as a little concerning."

The King's face closed, and his eyes took on a menacing look. "Are you questioning me? Or are you accusing me of willfully shutting you out?"

Averit bit back the retort that sprang to his lips. Fighting with his father never ended well.

Sir Rillson couldn't hide the gloating look even though Averit could see he was trying. Giving the Noble more fuel would only make things worse in the long run, especially since his prior suspicions appeared to be justified. He softened both his face and his voice, hoping to keep his father from flying into a rage.

"No, Father. I am to blame for not being involved. I have not shown enough interest before, even though I should have. After all, I am the heir." The words tasted foul and he shot a quick glance at Sir Rillson, noting the smug look had fled.

The King sat back, his color returning to normal. Averit noticed he was toying with something, and he fought the urge to lean forward and see what it was. His father noticed his interest and smiled slightly, continuing to play with the object while keeping it hidden from Averit's eyes.

"It has come to my attention that your Captain, Gauthier, has not been seen for several weeks. Is there something you wish to tell me?"

Averit tensed, sliding a glance at Sir Rillson. The Noble seemed inordinately interested in the topic and Averit measured his words carefully before answering.

"Gauthier is confined to his quarters. No visitors except for me."

"And what did your Captain do to deserve this?"

Averit knew he was treading on thin ice. If he wasn't careful, his father would remove Gauthier as the Captain of his guard. Another quick glance at Sir Rillson told him the Noble was somehow behind this. Returning his gaze to his father, he leaned forward and lowered his voice.

"Gauthier needed a lesson on what his responsibilities are and where his priorities should lie. I confined him for one month and advised him the next time he takes advantage of our personal friendship, he will no longer be a member of my guard. Or any guard, for that matter."

King Vesterfahl stopped playing with whatever the object was, slipping it into his pocket and then tenting his hands. Averit got the distinct impression his father was looking for a reason to take Gauthier away. His father had not been happy when he had requested his friend be made Captain of his personal guard. He had only managed to convince the King to allow it by pointing out that the two had been friends since Gauthier had been rescued from the streets, and there was no one who would be as loyal to the Prince of Vesterfahl. His father had ultimately agreed and he had found out later that it was simply because the King had expected Gauthier to report to him on his son's doings. Gauthier had complied, to a point, and up until today, there had been no further issue with Gauthier's placement.