Grumble

Now that I knew the way, I led my shadows to the council chamber in the royal wing. As we passed through the ornate doors of the royal wing, I looked over my shoulder at my shadows. I thought I could impress them with my ability to go where few were allowed.

My eyes met two expressionless faces. Had they been here before? Or was I the only one who was amazed to go beyond those doors? I heaved a sigh. Maybe there were other ways I could earn their esteem. I already regarded them both highly.

"Since it looks like we will be spending some time together, what might I call you?" I inquired as we neared the hallway that would lead us to the council chamber.

"My name is Finley, Sir Jacobson," The man with the rounded face and brown hair responded. I doubted he was past his mid-thirties. I'm just glad he did not treat me like a kid.

"I am Alejo, Sir Jacobson," The swarthy man, who seemed slightly younger than his counterpart, repeated my formal title and name. If they were sticking around a while, that would get tiresome.

"Please call me Jack. I insist," I added hoping that would satisfy the pinched lips of Finley. Why would that upset him?

"Although I deeply appreciate the thought, I'm not sure that would be appropriate in all settings, Sir Jacobson," Finley informed me as we reached the door of the chambers.

Oh. It was not my intent to get them in trouble. "My apologies. Can we compromise? At least call me Jack when it's just us," I offered, hoping I didn't sound too demanding.

The two men were clearly very comfortable with each other. They exchanged a knowing glance and smirked.

"You have yourself a deal, Jack," Alejo agreed for them both.

"I'm glad you both can speak, I was beginning to wonder." I laughed as I opened the door to the chamber.

Somehow I was the first one to make it to the room. I walked several steps in before I noticed my guards did not follow me, but stayed on either side of the door.

"Aren't you going to join us?" I inquired.

"We are not allowed in the chambers, but we will watch over you from out here." Finley responded as a matter of fact.

"Oh, thank you. It seems you know more than I do on the subject. It's much appreciated," I added. Maybe it would be best to ask the guards around here how to best be a royal.

Just then we were joined by Lord Garrison, Lord Bleddyn and my father. All the men looked as though they had just come off the practice field into the chambers. Training must have lasted longer than I expected.

We all greeted each other at the door before Lord Bleddyn and my father continued their conversation they were having down the hall. It involved something to do with horses.

Lord Garrison stopped short at the door to ask after my shadows. "Finley, Alejo, it's good to see you! Is the queen joining us today?" His mood was much improved from yesterday. I guess Gavin was improving quickly.

"Her Majesty said she would not be needing our services and assigned us to Sir Jacobson shortly after the parade, My Lord," Finley spoke up.

That was why my shadows seemed unphased by access to the royal wing. If they worked for Queen Valerie, they must have been back there more times than they could probably count. I felt silly.

"Very well. Her Majesty is very wise," He complimented the queen even without an audience. The clan of falcon seemed to always go above and beyond with the way they used their words.

I followed Lord Garrison past the doorway. Taking up the seat next to my father, I mulled over Alina's idea. It made sense that the Norads would be testing our borders covertly, but how could we know for sure?

My thoughts were interrupted by my father. "The men worked so much harder after you left." My father beamed in my direction. I don't understand why he was so cheery. I didn't realize I was such a distraction.

"I am sorry that I split their focus while I was there. I will attempt to better help them train in the future." I had no idea how to make that happen but I would try to make Ensis as prepared as it could be for a war.

"You misunderstand, Jack," my father continued. "I think your speech lit a fire in their bellies to work harder. Captain Gunnar never lost another match."

I did something right. Pride swelled in my chest for a moment. I might not be as useless as I felt.

The king swung open the large doors. In his left hand he held a turkey leg that he was devouring. The smell overwhelmed me. I want one or at least a bite or two.

King Caderyn looked around the room. The Swordsmen just came from the training field. I know they haven't eaten all day either. It seemed this fact had escaped the king's notice until this very moment.

"Councilmen, should I order some food to be brought while we work? You look famished." The King emphasized his point with a particularly large bite from his dinner.

"Only if it pleases you, King Caderyn," Lord Garrison answered in the most respectful way. Please bring on the food!

My stomach let out an audible cheer of a grumble, bringing all eyes back to me. "My stomach thanks you, My King," I tried to joke. The Swordsmen, for their parts, chuckled or smiled. King Caderyn, however, did not seem to find me humorous.

The king turned to open the door. He found a passing servant and ordered food to be brought to the chamber. It hit me. If he's feeding us, this is going to be a long meeting. At least there would be food