But clearly, he has many worries. I hesitate. “It can help to talk about it. Sometimes, solutions reveal themselves when you lay out your problems.” My mother always used to tell me that. I wonder if she’s still alive. I’ve heard of tributaries keeping in touch with their families, but Lord Danthrin never allowed it.
Atticus turns to give me his full attention. “You wish to help solve my problems for me?” A sly, crooked smile curves his lips.
My cheeks flush from embarrassment. “I mean, not me, of course. I don’t know anything of politics and kingly duties. I’m merely a mortal baker—”
“The eastern lords are plotting to divide Islor and claim those lands as their own,” he says, cutting off my stammering. “Lord Adley of Kettling aims to establish himself as the new ruler.”
“New ruler.” My jaw drops. “But that is treason! And why, when you are already marrying his daughter? She will be queen of Islor.” Fates help us.
“I would hazard Adley knows the plans of the east are too far gone to be stalled. He would rather rule both halves than only one, and he is feeling the pressure to ensure that happens.”
“How can he do that? You are the king. You command the armies.”
“Armies with soldiers who seemed keen to follow me when I was on a horse in front of them. Now that I’m a spectator over the lands, they follow others.” Atticus studies the onyx stone in his crown. “I can see now why my father named me, his son, commander and sent me out there to lead. Unfortunately, I do not have a son of my own to send, to trust,” he says, more to himself. “Lord Adley is adept at spinning stories. Who knows what sorts of lies have infected the ranks of the eastern soldiers, about the future of Islor with this poison circulating.”
“What can be done to stop this?”
“Things that my father and brother were unwilling to do. Things that may add to the turmoil gripping Islor at a time when we cannot afford more.”
I can’t fathom what he may mean, but I doubt it bodes well for these eastern lords. “And if this Lord Adley answers for his crimes, I imagine someone else will quickly take his place.”
“See? You do know something of politics.” Atticus flashes a dimpled smile that makes my heart jump, despite the topic. “And you are already lightening those dark thoughts of mine, just by being here. Come, the rain is about to fall.” He guides me into his bedchamber with a hand on the small of my back.
My heart races under his touch.
“How was your visit with the priestess?”
I study the mark on my hand. “I was glad to see her. Surprised, but glad.”
“Did she say anything of interest?”
“Just that she was happy to be of use again.” It’s what she didn’t say that struck me. I can’t shake the look on her face when she checked Suri for ailments. She was hiding something from me. I don’t know what, but I don’t want to cause her unnecessary problems by mentioning that to Atticus. “I was even more glad to see Sabrina.”
“Yes, I’m sure I will hear about my decision to release her before long.” He tosses his crown onto a side chair as if it’s a common hat. “But she was tainted because she was my tributary. How could I execute her for it?”
“You’re the king. You could have, very easily.” He has time and time again. I haven’t been outside the castle walls since I arrived, but I’ve heard the terrible rumors, of the corpses that hang in warning to all. “If it means anything, I am so happy you showed her mercy.” I hesitate. “Thank you, Atticus.”
“If I’m being honest, it was a selfish decision on my part. Now you have someone to help mind those children of yours when you are otherwise indisposed. Especially that mischievous boy.”
“He will have her running through the entire castle before long,” I joke, but his words catch. When I’m otherwise indisposed.
He closes in with measured steps, to collect my hand and study the mark. “It is not as obtrusive as I thought it might be.”
My pulse races. “No, though I imagine it will take some getting used to.”
His thumb strokes over the lines. “Why are you so troubled, Gracen?”
Of course he can read my anxiety. I focus on his lapel. “Because I know why you’ve summoned me here.”
“And you do not wish to give it to me.” It’s a statement, rather than a question.
“It’s not that, it’s just …” My words drift.