The Dance of the Keepers

Chapter 42 Lack of Gratitude

"Call the court physician immediately."
Ranen ordered a servant as we made our way back towards the King's chambers.

"It's fine, don't worry about me."
I insisted.

"Astrid, your wrist is bent backward and you took a nine-foot drop to a tile floor, you're in rough shape."

"The assassin cushioned my fall."
I said, the excuse sounding lame even to my own ears.

As we came around the corner we found Grayson, Kyle, and the King in a heated discussion.

"Ranen my boy! Thank goodness you're alright!"
King Valdimar cried upon seeing us.

For all his faults, it was obvious he cared about his children.

"And you're the girl from Servinius?"
He asked, his nose wrinkling at the sight of me.

"Yes, your majesty."
I replied.

"The one whose mother was a rebel leader?"
He continued.

"Yes, your majesty."
I replied again through gritted teeth.

"I hardly see how that is of any consequence, seeing as she just saved your life."
Ranen told his father brusquely.

"How do I know she didn't arrange the whole thing? That she isn't in league with the Coalition?"
The King retorted.

"Did you miss the part about her saving your life?"
Ranen snapped.

"How did she know there was going to be an assassin in my room?"

My brain scrambled for an answer that didn't incriminate me or my brother but it was Ranen who jumped in first.

"We were standing together after a dance when an informant of mine delivered a message saying a mysterious figure had been seen entering the palace. Knowing you were being taken back to your chambers because of a potential threat, I made the logical conclusion that your life was in danger. Astrid heard this and insisted on coming to help, going so far as to lend me a weapon."
He held up the short sword to illustrate his point.

The King's scowl didn't lessen any.

"Fine, see to it a physician takes a look at her and then get her back to the Magna Complex where she belongs."

"You can't seriously expect her to fight in Tournaments after this can you?"
Ranen asked incredulously.

I didn't need to be a mind reader to know what his majesty was going to say.

"She's a competitor Ranen, it's her duty."

"But she saved your life! And she's injured!"

The King shrugged.

"Life is cruel, boy, and unfair. You should have figured that out long before now."

Ranen looked angry enough to do something he might seriously regret and I noted Kyle and Grayson fingering their weapons. When it came down to it, their job was to protect the reigning monarch, if need be from his own son. I cleared my throat, drawing four sets of eyes to me.

"It was an honor to serve my country this evening your majesty. If you'll excuse me, I'd like to get this hand looked at."

"Well, at least one of you knows your place."
The King grumbled.

"Go in peace, I do wish you the best of luck in the Tournaments."
He muttered the pleasantry without much feeling.