Loyalty Or Honour (Book 3)

Chapter Ten

Vote ~ Comment ~ Enjoy!

"Lord Wolfe Usani, I have heard reports of how he rules his lands. I would appreciate your opinions on the matter. Do you find him to be a good and fair Lord?"

Hunter allows himself to smile a little. "Yes, your Highness. He is exactly what the people need. I have not yet met a man who provides for his people or his lands with such efficiency or care." The Crown Prince looks a little nonplussed by the edge of humour in Hunter's voice. He cannot help but wonder why it is there. If only he knew that Orion had blatantly lied to him. He would then know with a little prying that Hunter and Wolfe are half-brothers.

"That is a glowing description. However I cannot claim to have heard anything negative as of yet about the man. His wife, on the other hand, appears to have a multitude of faults." The Crown Prince muses out loud in response. Hunter clenches his jaw and shifts slightly. Zandar pats him on the shoulder snatching his attention, reminding him to not become offended. The Crown Prince does not miss such a gesture. "Would I be correct in saying she is the youngest of the Iceni's? It was a surprising match to all of us here."

"Your highness, if I may?" Jasper speaks before Hunter or Orion can. The Crown Prince inclines his head agreeably. "Lady Sparrow Usani is a remarkable young woman and her faults are not as many as you have been led to believe. She will fight for her people and make sure they are loyal to her and to you."

"Very good." He smiles warmly at them all. "I have no doubt it has been a long, tiring journey. You may all retire and compensation will be delivered in the money for your troubles." They all bow their heads to him and turn to leave. "Orion, I would appreciate if you would remain."

"Of course, your highness." Orion meets Zandar's eyes and receives a small nod in return. He relaxes slightly as they all trail out. He knows that Zandar will keep Hunter within sight until he can go and get him. The last thing he wants is for Hunter to try and find their mother without him. He needs to be there to protect her if necessary.

The Crown Prince waits until the doors have been shut behind the group and they will have covered a fair distance. He then slumps in his chair and runs a hand through his hair with a tired chuckle. "I apologise for my tardiness. My father's advisers wished to discuss unimportant matters with me. I tried to get away but you know how my father reacts when I appear to be ignoring his counsel."

Orion collapses into a chair and tips his head back. "And here I thought you were teaching me a lesson for not having sorted out the Ricell situation sooner and returning."

A loud laugh erupts from the Crown Prince's throat. "If you truly believed that then I think we need to reconsider our friendship," he says through his dying laughter. Orion straightens up when a silence fills the room for several minutes. The Crown Prince has returned to being serious once again. "So what really happened concerning the Ricells?"

"Theodore." Orion groans.

"Did you truly expect me to believe that bandits killed Jasiel Ricell? He was an extremely talented warrior and I believe at least one or two would die before he could be defeated. This was a surprise attack at the very least and someone he did not wish to hurt. Tell me the truth Orion."

Orion rubs his temples before sighing loudly. "It was an accident but Gavriel killed Jasiel. He covered it up by framing Logan Usani and he never intended to tell the truth."

Theodore scratches his neck and grimaces. "The purpose of your lie was to keep him in line to rule." He looks at Orion. "Was it not? I almost wish you had not told me."

"That was the purpose of the lie. Lord Ricell is dealing with the situation. The important details are that it was an accident. You do not need to interfere unless Gavriel turns out to be a dreadful liege Lord. Do not worry about it Theodore."