I worry about so many people, my thoughts flitter from one person to the next. The worst part is that I'm stuck doing nothing while they are in danger. It's not fair.
It's been hours since we found shelter in this room. Eldim sent a guard to check if things were calmed down or if it was still too dangerous to go out. That was a while ago. Is he ever coming back?
“We should go,” I say to no one in particular.
Eldim crosses the room toward me. “Your Majesty, I'm afraid it isn't safe.”
“I can handle whatever comes.”
“I know you're skilled, but even the most skilled person can't take on an entire crowd.”
True. That doesn't mean I want to stay here. “We can't wait forever. We need to know what's going on.”
“We will. It takes time.”
I'm sick of waiting. My people are probably rioting. The guard who was shot is probably dead. Stird's parents are probably being tortured in front of him. And Nash… he's probably dead.
I clutch the armrest of the chair to keep from crying out. Why did I allow my thoughts to wander there? I have to get myself under control.
The door bursts open, and my guards are on the move. Two of them flash their swords on the person entering.
It’s the guard sent to find out information.
“Stand down,” Eldim says.
They put away their swords, and the guard comes forward to face Eldim, Afet, and me. “Things have calmed down, Your Majesty.”
“So we can go.” I move forward, but he doesn't. “What's wrong?” I ask.
“It's not pretty. The people are still upset. I think it'd be wise if we stayed put for the night.”
Stay put? Not when there's so much that needs to be done. But can I ignore advice I should have been listening to all along? “What about the council? Are they safe? The ladies-in-waiting? And Inkga. I’d like here here with me.”
“All of them are safe, Your Majesty. You're the only one in danger.”
That's a relief. “Go get Inkga, and see if you can find Wilric. He should be back with Stird by now. I also need to speak with the other guards who went with Stird as soon as they return. I need to know his parents are safe.”
“Forgive me, Your Majesty,” Eldim says.
“I'm beginning to hate those words.” I pierce him with a glare.
He nods but pushes on. “It's just that the more people we have coming and going through here, the more people are likely to find out this is where you are hiding.”
“I don't care about my own safety over these things I’ve requested of you. They need to be taken care of.”
“Can you at least wait until morning?” Afet's voice is soft.
“No. I need them taken care of now. Especially Stird.”
The guard before me bows. “I'll do what I can to get everyone here discreetly, Your Majesty.”
He's out of the room before any more protests can go up—one thing to be thankful for. I drum my fingers on my leg and tap my foot. Normally, I wouldn’t allow such movements in front of others, but it doesn’t seem to matter right now.
“A game of Nako, Your Majesty?” Eldim asks.
“Is there one in here?”
“There is.” He pulls out the board from under a white sheet.
I grin. “This would be perfect.” I've been practicing ever since I lost to Nash in what little free time I have with different guards.
He opens the box and pulls out the pieces. Soon we are set up and playing. I win three out of four games while the night edges in. It's a good way to pass the time, though it feels fruitless with what’s going on outside these walls.
In the middle of the fifth game, there’s a knock on the door, and cautiously, two guards open it, weapons ready. I can’t help but be glad to see a familiar face.
“Your Majesty.” Inkga runs over to me, large bag in hand, and kneels on the ground next to me. “Are you all right? I've been so worried since I heard how the crowd was acting.”
“Please stand, I'm fine.”
She gets off her knees. “The guard said so, but I had to hear it for myself. What did you need me for?”
I can't say the real reason. I just needed a friend in all this chaos, but what excuse can I give? “Why don’t you put this room in order so I can spend the night?”
“Consider it done.” She takes a dress out her bag. “I also brought something for you to change into.”
I look down at the over-sized disguise I’m still wearing. “Thank you, Inkga.”
I change and watch Inkga work, trying not to fidget. She does a good job of keeping me company, but it's hard to focus on her words or do anything but wait for what comes next.
“Tell me what you know,” I tell Inkga as she flits from one place to the other.
“I'm sorry to say it, but the people are angry with you. The Kurah are upset because of their raised taxes. The Medi and Poruah are upset you keep changing things around, though I heard some say they’re grateful you were honest with them about why changes took place like they did. I don't think anyone expected you to explain yourself.”
Not even me, if truth be told. “Do you think they'll forgive me?”
“The Medi and Poruah will with time. The Kurah? I don't know. It's hard to say.”
She's wiser than I thought. I wish I’d asked for Jem too. I need to reinstate her as my Head Advisor.
Stird walks in the doorway, followed by an older couple and Wilric. I assume the couple are Stird's parents, but I don't get a chance to find out for sure. Wilric walks up to me and says, “I know where they're holding Nash.”