Mercy did not belabor it.

Bram went on, “There is no evidence of a link to the Go’Doan. But there is a solid trace of embezzlement. It’s indisputable. He’s been stealing for ten years.”

“The royal auditors?”

“I looked at the documents myself, Your Grace. They had no idea it was happening. Every chit is signed by the king. They could only assume each withdrawal was at the request of their monarch. Carrington could be forging his signature, and I am no expert, but I looked closely, and if he is, he has a skilled forger’s hand. Regardless, they are so true to the king’s own mark, if I were an auditor, I would not question it and not only because it’s not my place to question the king.”

Mercy drew in a delicate breath.

Then she nodded.

“In other words, all is in place. It is time,” she said.

“Yes,” Bram agreed, and she could feel him preparing to move with her.

She waylaid him with, “One thing.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

She hesitated, staring at the beauty of her realm, the gently rolling waters of the river. The winding lanes and jumble of quaint buildings. The hustle of carts and carriages, horses and foot traffic.

All her son’s.

All Mercy’s.

And soon to be…

All hers.

“Do you like her?”

“Sorry?”

She turned fully to her son’s man.

“Do you like her?” she repeated.

Bram studied his queen’s face.

Then he said, “Yes. She is funny, and she is kind. She is also savvy. Her grief for her mother was quiet and reflective, not dramatic and attention-seeking. However, it stated clearly she has a large capacity to love.” He paused before he stated, “And she loves him, Your Majesty. It is budding, but it is true. She looks upon him as if he is her whole world, and in a way, with the loss of her mother, he is. Even so, she gives in a way she does not wish to take. She makes him laugh.” Another pause before he concluded, “She is perfect for him, my queen.”

“And my son?” she whispered.

He gave her a small smile. “He’s been lost to her since Firenze.”

“She will make him happy.” It was a statement meant as a question.

“She will,” Bram confirmed. “But more, she will give him peace.”

That was what she needed to hear.

Therefore, she nodded smartly.

It was time to move on.

“Let us go,” she decreed.

It was Bram who nodded at that, stepped aside and allowed her to precede him.

This she did, even though he murmured, “He’s in the royal study, not his personal one,” as she passed him.

Of course he was.

Making a statement now.

He was king.

And would remain king.

Wilmer was correct about that.

He was king and would remain king.

But things were going to change.

Today.