Requiem for a King [MxM]

Business As Usual

Jaredeth almost wept at the sight of his major domo. After days of ringing his hands, wondering what he'd do once he got to this critical point, it was nice to see a pleasant, trustworthy face. When they were halfway to Avaly, Quintus had asked him if there was anyone in the castle he could trust. The first person to come to his mind should've been his wife, but it had been his mother instead. He didn't want to drag her into this mess, though, especially if those who attempted to assassinate him were watching her.

Havers was his best bet. He had served the royal family for over thirty years with unwavering loyalty. But even more important than that, no one would question his comings or goings. He could fly under the radar, get Jaredeth the information he needed. And maybe even sneak him into the castle discreetly.

"Your majesty?" Havers went sheet-white and gaped at Jaredeth as though he was seeing a ghost. "How are—"

Jaredeth shook his head. "Not here. Meet us at the gazebo, and I beg of you, be discreet."

Havers answered with a nod, and Jaredeth grabbed Quintus' arm, dragging him deeper into the park. Hopefully, no one saw that. With at least one person knowing he was still alive, his mind was on edge. The people who plotted to kill him were still there, in his home. The thought made him want to retch.

"Gavrael," Quintus said. "I'd like my hand back, please."

"My apologies." Jaredeth freed Quintus' hand. "I... it was an unconscious gesture. 'Twas not my intention to—"

"It's fine." He stuck his hands in his pockets and slowed his gait to a stroll. "Let's just remember to keep this relationship strictly business, alright? You get your throne back, I burn down a cathedral and we go along our merry way."

Jaredeth hid his wince. "Of course."

Strictly business, why did that sting so much? They hadn't known each other that long, and yet the thought of Quintus not being around made his heart sink. He stole a glance and found Quintus looking towards the pond where the ducks swam or rested near the shore. What he'd give for him to smile again, or even tease him, lead him on in his vulgar way.

The gazebo sat in the middle of the park, surrounded by paths lined with rose bushes. The wooden structure was built in an ornate geometric shape with embellishments that resembled sunflowers and painted pale yellow. It was empty at this hour when most adults were at work and most children were at school.

As they waited for Havers, Jaredeth's mind turned to his daughter. He wondered if Jaliah was okay, if she wasn't fussing with Miss Rynn too much. If she was not only being well taken care of but well-loved, getting all the hugs and kisses she deserved. He couldn't wait to see her, to hold her, read her her favourite bedtime story. If he had his way, he'd never leave her again.

After about half an hour later, Havers came up the park path to the gazebo. He'd thrown a black coat over his uniform and a wide-brimmed hat on his head. He leaned heavily on his cane as he climbed the steps and released a long sigh when he settled on the bench.

Quintus leaned against the wood rail opposite them, admiring the ducks swimming in the garden pond.

Havers took off his hat and stared at Jaredeth for a long moment. "Is it really you, your majesty?"

Jaredeth pulled his mask down to expose his face and smiled. "It's me, Havers. You have no idea how happy I am to see you."

"And I'm even happier to see you, your majesty." He nodded towards Quintus. "Is this a friend of yours?"

Quintus snorted. "Far from it. Quintus Evander Sarahi. I saved your dear King's life and brought him all the way here."

"Saved his life?" Havers knitted his brows and looked from Jaredeth to Quintus and back. "Your Majesty, what happened?"

"We'll have to discuss it another time, Havers. I don't want to keep you too long and draw suspicion. Just know you are not to trust the High Priest, the council or even..." He hated to say it. "...my wife. What has happened in my absence?"

Havers took a hanky from his jacket and patted the sweat from his brow. "Two weeks ago, we received word from Tandridge that you didn't show up for the talks. Queen Anjali said they searched the coast and found the Valkyrie in bits and pieces along the rocky shore, but there was no sign of you or the crew, or the guards. You're the only one who's returned so far."

Jaredeth exchanged a glance with Quintus. "Is the search still ongoing?"

"To my knowledge, it is, but we have received no updates from Queen Anjali. And this morning I was told to begin making funeral arrangements."

"Told by who, exactly?"

"Your wife, and the Council," he said simply. "I'll admit, I haven't enjoyed the atmosphere around here since we got word of your disappearance. It's been very business as usual."

Jaredeth scowled. There was no more denying his wife was involved. "And what of my mother? How has she been faring through all this?"

Havers looked away.

An icy snake curled around Jaredeth's spine. "Havers... where is my mother?"

"I'm so sorry, your majesty."

His heart shriveled, and a sinking dread settled in his stomach. "Havers, don't tell me." He couldn't take anymore bad news.

"Your mother never returned from her trip, either. They found her carriage abandoned on one of the northern trails, but there was no sign of her. I'm not sure if the search party is still up there. No one's given me any updates."

Jaredeth fisted his shirt right above his heart. It should've been him. His mother was the quick, capable one, always a step ahead of everyone. She couldn't be dead. His mind refused to believe it. And yet grief tore through him like a thousand hot daggers, rending him asunder.

"That doesn't mean she's dead, Gav," Quintus said, actually sounding sincere. "If your mother is as smart as you said she is, then she probably expected this and prepared. You need to start thinking about your next move. The quicker you're back on the throne, the quicker you'll have the resources to find her."

Jaredeth took a few breaths to calm himself. "You're right, as always, Quintus. Thank you."

"There is one final matter I should inform you about." Havers said. Yesterday, I received an anonymous letter that suggested your disappearance was no accident. At first I thought it preposterous, but given what you've told me..."

Jaredeth frowned. "Do you still have it?"

"I do."

"Alright. I'll need you to bring it to me. Along with a day's worth of provisions." The cogs in his head were turning now. He couldn't just storm the castle and drag the High Priest out by his hair. "If I'm going to take back my throne, I'll have to assemble a new Council. One that I can trust."

Jaredeth stood and dusted off his pants. "As for my mother. I'll look for her myself."