it isn’t. Trust is a form of faith, faith in another human being. It isn’t founded in a cold reliance on absolute truth, but simply on the belief that the one you trust has your best interest at heart. That they can be relied on, even when they lie, to be on your side. I won’t sacrifice something so precious just for absolute truth.”
“Suit yourself,” said Lognion. “You have tomorrow to do what you will. If the infestation persists then I will proceed with my plans on the next morning.” Turning away, the monarch left the room without even glancing at the dead bodies. Someone else would be along to deal with them.
Will felt lost for a moment, and as he looked at Laina he couldn’t bear to wake her. The experience she had had was too fresh and he wanted her to be somewhere safe and pleasant when she opened her eyes. Anything to blunt the memory of the king’s savage cruelty. And my bloody response to it, he added mentally.
The spell was fresh, so he didn’t fear waking her. Bending carefully, he slipped his arms behind her head and knees and cradled her against his chest before lifting and carrying her from the room. It was all he knew to do.
Chapter 47
Out in the hall, he was immediately approached by another servant, but before the man could speak, Will addressed him, “Are Princess Selene’s old quarters still unoccupied?”
The man bowed. “The king has kept them maintained exactly as they were the day she left, sir.”
“I’ll be using them until morning,” said Will, putting as much authority in his voice as he could manage. “Please show my friends up to join us.”
“Should I get someone to carry her for you, sir?”
The look in Will’s eyes turned fierce, causing the man to wilt away, though Will didn’t mean frighten him intentionally. “No. I know the way.” He set off without looking back. The one place in the palace he knew exactly how to find was Selene’s old room.
Another servant fell into place a few steps behind, and when they came to the door, the man helpfully opened it for him. Will carried Laina inside and laid her gently on the bed. Then he went to the front room and looked out the window, remembering happier moments.
He frowned. They seem happy now, but at the time we were scared to death. Funny how time changes one’s perspective. He wished desperately that Selene was with him now. He needed her calm resolve. Having been raised by a madman, she always seemed unflappable.
A few minutes later, a knock came at the door. “Your companions are here, sir. Shall I let them in?”
Will grunted an affirmative, and Darla and Tiny came in. Darla looked past him and immediately became more alert when she didn’t see her ward. “Where is she?”
“Sleeping in the other room,” said Will soothingly. “Our meeting with the king was rather traumatic, but physically she is fine.”
“Physically?”
He gave them a quick description of what had happened, including the king’s bizarre games and cruel humor but omitting their philosophical discussion near the end.
“You put her to sleep?” asked Darla, seeming offended.
Will nodded. “I snapped. I killed all three and when she turned to me, the look of horror on her face… I just—I put her to sleep. She could have tried to resist the spell, but she didn’t.”
“You shouldn’t coddle her,” said the former assassin. “She will be a great lady someday, but death and killing are things she must become comfortable with.”
Not if I have any say in it, thought Will. Then he saw Darla head for the bedroom, and he moved to interpose himself. “Stop.”
“I will wake her.”
“Let her sleep. She’s been through as much as any of us. She may as well rest since we’re safe and she’s already out.”
Darla’s eyes measured him. “And if I disagree?”
“Then we’ll have words.” He pointed at one of the chairs. “Make yourself comfortable instead.”
She lifted her chin. “I will guard the door. I do not trust the king’s men not