Rowena Daniells - The Ursuper

Byren felt guilty, caught ignoring his betrothed. 'Fyn, can you escort Isolt up to her room? I don't want Palatyne's sympathisers trying to kidnap her. Set a guard on her door. Better still, stay and guard her yourself.'

Fyn opened his mouth, then closed it. 'Yes, my king.'

'Oh, I'm not king yet. I still have to reclaim Rolencia.'

Fyn strode from the feasting hall with Isolt at his side, then realised he was making her run to keep up and slowed his pace.

'My pardon, Queen Isolt.'

'Fyn?' She stopped at the base of the long curved stair. Servants had lit scented candles and the flickering flames sculpted her face.

He feared to meet her eyes in case she saw what he could not hide.

'Don't call me queen. We've been through too much together to — '

'You are my brother's betrothed and rightful queen of Merofynia, what else could I call you?'

'Friend?'

Fyn swallowed and managed to smile. 'You are right. My pardon — '

'So formal.' She rolled her eyes.

Fyn laughed but his heart was heavy. 'Come, you must be tired.'

They walked in silence up the curving stair. Isolt led the way into her chambers, pausing at a window that overlooked the Landlocked Sea. It was dusk now and still raining. Fyn could just see that Palatyne and the king's bodies had been removed from the terrace.

'So the board is cleared, ready for another game of Duelling Kingdoms,' Isolt said.

Fyn's Affinity tingled as if something was on the edge of his perception. He frowned, trying to make it clear.

'What was that?' Isolt asked.

'Nothing.'

She sighed. 'Well, I am glad it is all over.'

'Yes, my queen,' Fyn said. But his Affinity told him otherwise.