“The Order of the Northern Sword,” she said. “A band of mercenaries that’s roughly three hundred years old. Maybe older, but that’s the first time they made an appearance in the history books.”
“And they’re for sale to the highest bidder?” I asked.
She shook her head. “They only take causes they believe in.”
Anger vibrated in my chest. “And they believe in the cause of murdering my queen?”
She raised her hands. “Don’t kill the messenger.”
“Do you know how I might contact them?”
She shook her head. “They would only speak to possible clients, and you clearly couldn’t be one. Not as long as they are hunting your wife.”
“I could send an emissary.”
“Perhaps.” She shrugged. “I think they’d see right through that. Not that it matters. I don’t know where they are. Northern Sword is so vague, isn’t it?” She shook her head. “I hate when they’re vague like that. It makes the records so incomplete.”
“You’re saying they could be north of anywhere. Northern Europe, North America, Northern Africa. There are too many options.”
“That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
“If we could catch one, we could interrogate him,” Dain said.
“We could try, but it didn’t go well last time.”
“Suicide?” the historian asked.
“How did you know?”
“I just guessed. I don’t know much about them, but they’re clearly one of the most committed guilds. Those types usually take themselves out of the equation before they’ll give up their mission.”
It wasn’t what I wanted to hear, but I wasn’t surprised.
“I can ask around for more information,” she said. “I have some colleagues who might know more. It could take time, though.”
“We don’t have time.”
“I can’t offer any better.”
I nodded. “Then thank you for your help. If you learn of something, please let me know.”
“I will.”
I turned to leave, but she gripped my arm, stalling me. I turned to look at her. “What is it?”
“Your queen. Protect her.”
“Of course.”
“She’s more than just a pawn in all this. More than just a chess piece to be played.”
I frowned. “I’m aware.”
She shook her head. “Your history is long, King Lore. And cold. She is the fire that could warm you before you freeze straight through.”
“I dislike the heat.” I turned, pulling my arm from her grasp, and walking away.
Dain caught up with me. I could feel the interest coming off him and raised a hand. “Not another word.”
“Your royal command shit does not work on me.”
I gave a low grunt.
“She’s right,” Dain said. “You’re going to freeze into a solid block one of these days. No person can be alone for as long as you have and still survive. If there’s something special with Sia, you need to grasp it before you lose it.”
I glared at him. “Too many people have been telling me that. I’m not interested.”
“Of course you are. You seem more alive than I’ve ever seen you.”
“I don’t need to feel alive. I need to protect my people.” I pointed to the heavy clouds overhead. “The threat is here, Dain.”
He looked up at the heavy clouds. “I know. But you do protect your people. You just don’t need to do it alone.”
I clapped him on the back. “That’s what I have you for.”
“But you—“
Fortunately, we’d reached the castle steps. I took them two at a time, leaving him behind. I liked Dain. He was a good man. But he talked too much.
Not for the first time, I wished the Wolf were here. The creature didn’t tolerate train travel, but it would be good to have his company. Something to focus on besides my obsession with Sia.
When I entered our sleeping chamber, I caught sight of her immediately. She stood in front of the window, silhouetted by the dark clouds. Her red hair was piled on her head, and a golden dress flowed over her curves, the back unzipped to reveal a long column of smooth skin.
My fingertips itched to touch her. My mouth watered to taste.
She turned to look at me, her emerald eyes piercing me through my soul. I drew in a ragged breath, averting my gaze.
“Will you help me with this zipper?” Frustration sounded in her voice. “I’m about to tear this damned thing off and throw it in the fire.”