The Spirit War(57)

Eli watched the swordsman with new interest. This wasn’t just bullheaded tactlessness. Josef was really worried. It was rather touching, actually.

“The whole castle would have heard if something had happened between Nico and her demon,” he said gently. “The fact that we were able to sleep last night is proof that she’s fine. She’s probably hiding somewhere, waiting for us to follow the plan and get out. My biggest worry is how we’re going to let her know the plan’s toast. Assuming, of course, you haven’t changed your mind since last night.”

“No,” Josef said, shaking his head. “I can’t leave. I told you that.”

“So you did,” Eli said, exasperated. “But you couldn’t have picked a worse place to have this fit of conscience. We’re wanted criminals, remember? The longer we stay, the more likely it is that someone’s going to put the pieces together and come after us, if they haven’t already. Staying doesn’t help anyone—not us, not Nico, and not your mother. You did your duty by showing up, so let’s cut our losses, find Nico, and get out of here before things get worse.”

Eli finished with a sinking feeling. Josef’s head was down, his hands clasped behind his neck. When he spoke at last, his voice was very calm and very, very serious.

“Eli,” he said. “I’m only going to say this once.” He looked up, and his eyes were the eyes of a swordsman who has bet his life on his next stroke. “I may be in disgrace, but Queen Theresa is still my queen, and she’s still my mother. I let her down before, and if staying here long enough to give her an heir is all she wants from me to make things right, then that’s what I’m going to do. End of discussion.”

Eli loomed over him, his mouth pressed in a tight, flat line. Josef glared right back, hands on his swords. Finally, Eli’s shoulders slumped, and he flopped back against the washstand with an enormous huff.

“All right, all right,” he said. “You win. When are you going to tell the queen your decision?”

“Right now,” Josef said, standing up. “And you’re coming with me.”

“Wait,” Eli said, holding up his hands. “Wait, wait, wait. Unless you’re planning to steal that lovely set of antique tapestries she has above her fireplace, I don’t have anything to do with this. For the next few weeks at least, you’re the crown prince of Osera. I’m still the most wanted criminal in the Council. I don’t care how forgiving your dear mother is, it’s not exactly a winning match. Actually, it would probably be better for all involved if I lit out for a while. Go steal something and get my mind off things until you’re done being a good husband.”

Josef shook his head. “You have to be here.”

“Why?” Eli said, truly mystified.

Josef looked away. Eli pursed his lips thoughtfully. If he didn’t know better, he’d have said the swordsman looked sheepish.

“Being prince means I have to go to court,” Josef said at last. “Court means politics and a lot of talking to people who can’t be insulted. I’m not really—” He stopped and took a deep breath. “You’re the one who’s good with that kind of thing, all right? You have to stay.”

“Josef,” Eli said with a growing smile. “Could it be? Are you asking me for help?”

Josef glowered at him. “Not if you’re going to say it like that.”

“No, no, no,” Eli said, placing his hands on his chest. “I’m flattered. I would be delighted to be your adviser.”

“Good,” Josef said, nodding. “That’s settled, then.”

“Of course,” Eli added, raising one long finger. “You’d have to say what I told you to say, exactly as I told you to say it.”

Josef grimaced, and Eli shook his head. “That’s the only way it works. You can tell me to stay all you want, but if you’re not going to listen to my advice, I’m not going to waste my breath giving it.”

“Fine,” Josef grumbled. “Just don’t get carried away.”

Eli flipped the edges of his golden wig. “When have I ever gotten carried away?”

Josef rolled his eyes and didn’t answer.

“Now,” Eli said. “Let’s get started. Normally, I’d say we should put off seeing the queen. Let her sweat a bit. However, seeing as she’s your mother, sweating would probably only make her more stubborn, so we’re going to go see her immediately. When we arrive, you’re going to tell her that you’re staying and doing your part as a dutiful prince, but only if you get to keep your friends with you, and as soon as a pregnancy is confirmed, you’re leaving. Also, you want full freedom of movement and all royal privileges for you and your entourage, meaning myself and Nico.” He shot Josef a smile. “No reason we can’t have a little fun while we’re stuck here. Does that sound fair?”