Zarya curtsied to Darling. “Forgive our interruption, Your Majesty. There was a group of boys outside the gate who were tormenting her. They told her that her father was in here, being eaten by a monster. So she snuck into the palace, wanting to save her father from harm.”

He would laugh if it wasn’t so typical. “Maris?”

Maris came over immediately.

Zarya watched while Darling whispered something to Maris and Maris quickly left the room.

The girl’s father peeled her off his leg and forced her to stand in front of him. “Drus, you have to leave now. I have important business to attend to.”

The little girl sniffed and nodded. “I’m sorry, Daddy. I was just so scared you were hurt.”

Zarya moved to take the girl’s hand. “Come with me, sweetie.” But before they left, she led Drus over to Darling.

With those voluminous, official robes that obscured his entire body, and the cowl covering his face and head, he did appear scary and fierce. Especially since no one could see or read his expressions.

However, Zarya knew the truth of him and he wasn’t the minion of evil they feared him to be. “Drus, this is Governor Cruel. See what I told you, he’s not a monster. He’s just a man, like any other.”

Darling knelt down on the floor and held his gloved hand out to her.

The girl stepped back to hide behind Zarya.

Kneeling down to her level, Zarya patted her on the back and turned her around to face Darling.

His damaged voice filled with patience, he tried again. “It’s all right, Drus. I won’t hurt you. I promise. You know, you remind me of my baby sister when she was a little girl.”

Her eyes widened in awe. “You have a sister?”

“I do, indeed. Like you, she’s very beautiful, and very dear to me.” There was a smile in his tone as he spoke gently to her. “I also have a couple of very mean brothers, as well.”

That made the corners of her mouth twitch as if she wanted to smile, too, but was still too afraid to try it. “Really?”

“Really. They’re standing right there.” He pointed toward them.

Drake and Ryn appeared less than amused by his description. But neither said anything to refute it.

The girl giggled.

Maris returned with a small box. He bowed formally as he presented it to Darling.

“Thank you, Lord Maris.” Darling opened the box and pulled a small medal out that he held up for Drus to see. “Do you know what this is, Drus?”

She shook her head.

“It’s called the Recognition of Honor and Courage. We give these to the soldiers who show exceptional bravery while under fire. Men and women who stand up for others even when it’s really scary for them to do so.” He tied a small knot in the ribbon to shorten its length. “I would like to present this to you.”

Drus scowled at him. “Why?”