She gave a curt nod. “We will make it a priority.”

She then moved to leave.

I fell to her side and she looked down at me, the astonishment back, her brows raised.

“I know you must have much on your mind, so truly, this is appreciated,” I told her.

“I am Nadirii, Silence,” she returned. “It is my sacred vow to be of service to all my sisters, be they Nadirii or not, for we believe all women are truly Nadirii.”

I shot her a smile. “That’s actually beautiful.”

And this did not astonish her.

It flabbergasted her.

I did not have time to ask after that.

We’d moved into and down the hall, and my husband was waiting for me.

He claimed my arm, sent a dismissive look to Serena that still managed to convey some respect (I had to learn how to do that), and he escorted me toward the grand balcony.

“What was that about?” he asked.

“It’s unimportant,” I lied.

“What was that about, Silence?” he asked again.

“We’ll speak of it later,” I lied again.

He sighed.

Meaning he gave in…for now.

This pleased me, perhaps irrationally.

Thus, even walking, I leaned some weight into his arm.

“She is not to be trusted,” he murmured his warning.

In my heart, I thought he was wrong.

But my mouth said nothing.

90

The Announcement

The People of Wodell

Grand Balcony, Southeast Corner, Birchlire Castle, Notting Thicket

WODELL

It was with deep astonishment that the citizens of Notting Thicket listened as their king announced his abdication.

Thus, there was stunned silence after Wilmer stepped away from the edge of the balcony, their new king stepped forward, and the heralds placed amongst the crowd who repeated the royal words so all could hear had ceased speaking.

And then their True spoke his first words as their king.

“I stand before you feeling no joy that I assume the mantle of your monarch,” he began.

The heralds spread these first shocking words.

“If I had come about this responsibility as is customary, that being at the loss of my father, I would feel the same way,” King True carried on. “I know this for I come about this responsibility after the loss of my mother.”

A sorrowful, but assenting ripple moved through the crowd at this sentiment.

“I fear you do not know,” King True continued, “for she was so very loyal, so very wise, so very adept in her service to this realm, just how much my mother gave to all of you. What I do know is that she would be proud she accomplished that. That through quiet toil, and in some important instances, great sacrifice, her service to our fertile green land seemed effortless.”

Another sorrowful ripple shifted over the throng.

“I also know she has taught me well. I will serve you in mind and in heart. I will vow to you that I will make it my life’s work to protect, defend and better the circumstances of every being in my realm,” True promised. “I will listen to you and I will serve you. And please, make no mistake about what I just said. I will not rule you. I will serve you.”