The Royal Wizard Read Free

him.
    Nia poured wine into two goblets and gave one to Nico. “It’s strong. I think this should be a day of celebration.”
    “Wisely said,” Nico praised, bringing the goblet to his thirsty lips. He ached. In his body as well as his mind. For Nia’s sake he had stayed longer than he should have. He wanted to be there to present her at court as his successor. Nia should not have to face that on her own. But the effort was taking a toll on him. It wouldn’t be long now.
    Glancing at his apprentice, he felt at peace. Not because his worries left him, but because Nia exuded serenity. She was the calm in a raging storm. She would do the same for the prince and help him lead the kingdom. Nico had chosen well when he’d brought her under his care. At the age of nine, small and starved, an orphan with no recollection of where she’d come from, she’d proven herself capable of much more than either of them had anticipated.
    “They’ve not yet hung the mistletoe,” he remarked absently.
    “They will do it before the prince’s arrival,” Nia told him. “Would you like to see?” As with any ritual at Midwinter, the hanging of mistletoe would be a celebration all on its own.
    Nico shook his head. “Not tonight,” he said, closing his eyes to hide his sorrow. “I think I will rest awhile before the prince’s banquet.” Before he would present Nia. As much as it pained him, he could not wait any longer. After tomorrow, Nia would no longer be his charge and he would no longer be needed.
    Nia kissed his brow. “Sleep now,” she said, covering him with a blanket. “I will wake you when the time comes.”
     
    * * *
     
    “Stable the horses,” the cloaked rider said, and without waiting to see his orders obeyed, he ran up the stairs into the great hall. The guards changing shifts grew wide eyed when they beheld him. He smiled in greeting and held a finger to his lips to silence them.
    It was good to come in from the cold. The sun had set not long ago, but when it did it took all warmth and comfort with it. Stripping his gloves and cloak, he paused by a hearth to warm his hands. The journey had wearied him. He glanced at the chair nearby, wanting nothing more than to rest awhile, but he knew he’d be asleep the moment he sat down and there was important business to attend to.
    Shaking off some of the winter’s chill, he continued on his path, up the stairway and to the royal wing. A long hallway stood dark before him, all the torches extinguished for the night, but he could see well enough by the light of the moon. He traced the tapestries with a reverent hand as he passed, recalling fond memories of hiding behind them. The servants always pretended they couldn’t see his feet poking out.
    At the very end was a set of double doors. The guards who stood watch before them during times of war and unrest were gone, no longer needed now that peace had been restored. He grasped the handles and shoved the portals open.
    As he’d suspected, the chamber was lit with candles and the king himself paced before the hearth, tugging at his beard.
    “What weighty business troubles your mind, my king, to furrow your brow this late at night?” he asked, deepening his voice and biting back a grin.
    King Manfred started and spun around to stare at him, but the moment recognition dawned, the ruler of Wilderheim rushed forward to embrace him. “My son,” he cried. “My boy!”
    Ceremonies were for kings. There would be time enough for them tomorrow and the next day, and the next. After ten years, this was all Saeran had wanted. To embrace his father without crowds of witnesses watching their every move and gesture.
    “I’m home,” he said as his father wept with joy.

 
    CHAPTER 2
     
    It was late. Nia was exhausted, but she couldn’t sleep. Tomorrow the prince would arrive and Nico would present her at court as his apprentice. He would expect her to stand tall before them and be worthy. Worry gnawed at her. What if they