Free TheRedKing by Kate Hill Page A

but it’s something everyone contributes to in whatever
way they can.”
    “It’s a good idea.” Delia glanced at Echo. “It’s almost like
what the sisters try to do.”
    Echo nodded.
    “How can we help?” Delia asked.
    “In any way you like,” Alexa told her, seeming pleased by
her answer.
    “I gardened daily with the sisters,” Delia said. “And I’m also
a skilled healer.”
    “Healing skills are always useful, especially in the times
we live in. Each day I pray that it won’t be the day Zaltana attacks, but it’s
inevitable.”
    Delia glanced around, noting that many guards on horseback
watched the outskirts of the village. They also mingled within the city.
    “If there was only some way to call a truce,” Delia said.
    “Hippolytos, like the previous leaders of Zaltana, is a
conqueror,” Eli added. “The only way to defeat such a man is by overpowering
him.”
    “So sad,” Delia murmured. “It will cost many lives on both
sides.”
    What frightened her most was that unlike her father, Areus
rode into the front lines of battle with his men. He led their charges and his
blood spilled along with theirs. If he died, they would be lost to Zaltana.
    Not only did she fear for herself and the entire kingdom,
but she hated the thought of Areus dying on the battlefield before his time. In
just a few short days she had grown to care about her husband. She wanted to know
him better and the idea of bearing his heir wasn’t quite as distasteful as she
had once believed.
    “How is our situation regarding healers and healing
supplies?” Delia asked.
    “There are three capable healers in the city and two within
the castle walls. Many of the guards have good skills they’ve learned on the
battlefield. And right now Sir Rain is with us as well. Knights of the Ruby
Order are known as much for their healing skills as for their prowess in
battle. Also we have a large store of medicinal herbs and other supplies within
the castle. One entire wing between the barracks and the main castle serves as
a hospital.”
    “Echo and I will offer our services to the healers in charge
there,” Delia said.
    Echo nodded. “It will put everything we learned with the
sisters to good use.”
    Alexa studied Delia and her servant with a faint smile. “I
admit that I was a bit concerned at first when the king made the decision to
marry, but I see he made the right one. If I may be so bold to say, you’ll make
a fine queen.”
    “I second that,” Eli said.
    “Third,” Cyril added.
    Delia glanced around and nodded. “You seem like good people.
I realize we have much to learn about each other, but I look forward to it.”
    “Good luck with Seth, though,” Eli said. “He can be
crotchety when new people nose around his infirmary.”
    “Seth?”
    “He’s the chief healer at the castle. Once you get to know
him he’s a good man and quite skilled. He’s tended my wounds more times than I can
count and has saved many lives, including the king’s on several occasions.”
    “Then I’m already grateful to him and I’ll do my best not to
offend him.”
    “You won’t have much trouble getting around him,” Alexa said.
“Remember, you’re the queen. Oh, and if he does give you any trouble, just let
me know. Seth never has and never will intimidate me.”
    “Haven’t seen any man do that yet,” Eli muttered under his
breath.
    “And you won’t,” Alexa told him. Eli raised an eyebrow,
apparently surprised that she’d heard him. “No, despite my full head of gray
hair, I’m not deaf.”
    Eli glanced away from Alexa and lifted his gaze to the
heavens. Delia repressed a giggle.
    The older maid was still huffing, so to divert her
attention, Delia asked, “Shall we go to the city square? I’m eager to see more
of Lortia’s capital city.”
    “Excellent suggestion,” Eli said and kicked his horse
forward.
    Delia and Echo glanced at each other and grinned. Already Delia
liked her new home and the people in it.
    When