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  Is his death in connection to the threat against you? Does it have anything to do with the fire in the lab? Marcus asked.

  It is a logical assumption they could both be connected. Ryad’s agreement sounded irritated.

  I hated myself for what I was going to do, but did it anyway. I forced my will to override theirs through the oath bond. Ryad, you will head up the investigation into this. I motioned my hand around the room and turned to Marcus. You and I will return to my father’s office and discuss our next steps.

  I held my breath, waiting for them to argue, but neither one did. I allowed Marcus to take my hand and we walked toward the group of guards still by the door. “Take us to our office.”

  The guards nodded and led the way. Marcus placed his hand on mine as it rested on the crook of his arm. By hanging back a bit, I tried to let him think he was in charge and was doing this of his own free will. I pushed the tiny thought of compulsion away. I was nothing like Shander. This was for the good of my world.

  I hope Ryad will send information soon about the investigation. We need to be kept up to date on everything.

  Marcus nodded as if distracted, then lifted the communicator to his lips. “Captain Ryad, we expect information as soon as you discover anything.”

  I contented myself with that bit of success and turned my attention to mentally composing a letter I would have to write to Nexleen. I had to let them know of Itury’s death, and our sorrow. It would be a delicate matter. One I hoped I was capable of doing right.

  Back in the office, I started the letter immediately, but until we knew more, I couldn’t complete and send it. The longer it took to inform them of what happened, the more we would look guilty. And if someone from Rommader had done the deed, I would have much to answer for. Only a huge offering would pacify them toward us.

  I paced the office and finally stopped in front of the large windows that had been replaced with stronger glass. The city sprawling before me below looked peaceful and I hoped it would remain so. Marcus joined me at the window, but didn’t speak.

  I returned to the desk and angled my screen to Marcus, allowing him to read the letter to Nexleen. “Any suggestions?”

  I hated not feeling sure. I hoped Marcus would have an idea of what to say that would ease the horridness of this communication.

  “I don’t know what I would say differently.”

  I nodded and leaned away from the desk. What else could go wrong?

  Chapter Twenty

  Oath Holder

  Ryad entered the office and held his hand out, palm up, with a small piece of stone in the center. “I found this in Itury’s room.”

  “What is it?” Marcus asked.

  “Niamon.”

  “Where did you find it?” I reached forward and picked the piece up between my fingers. It wouldn’t be enough to make a Traveling medallion on its own, but if it was blended with the other materials in the formula, it would be enough to create many.

  “On the floor under the desk Itury was sitting at.”

  “Do you think he held it before his murder?”

  “It’s possible. It was in a location that could have easily been the result of falling from his hand.”

  “Was there anything to indicate Itury or anyone from Nexleen was aware of what this was?”

  “The fact it was in his room indicates plenty,” Marcus said and Ryad nodded.

  “Where would they have gotten it? Those mountains are off-limits to anyone not authorized to be there. And this piece would cost more than two million.”

  “Nexleen could afford that.”

  “Are you searching for information on who gave it to him? Who was recently paid a huge sum?”

  Ryad nodded. “That’s not the only thing. When I was in there, searching for any indication of who could have killed him, I felt a signature of someone not connected to the Nexleen party.”

  “Who?”

  “What?” Marcus asked. “You felt a signature?”

  Ryad leaned closer and spoke telepathically to Marcus, but allowed me to hear as well. I am able to locate people I search for if I have something that belongs to them. At first I thought it was coming from the bit of niamon, but it wasn’t. Apparently, the niamon never belonged to anyone long enough to develop an ownership imprint.

  I lifted the piece up closer to my eyes. There was nothing interesting or beautiful about this chunk of ore. But the power inside it was immense. I looked back at Ryad. “Do you know who you felt?”

  He frowned. “Someone from Kas.”

  Marcus sat up straighter. “You think Kas is involved in the murder of Itury? Were you able to discover who exactly?”

  Ryad nodded. “I’ve questioned her. And she was very distraught. Apparently, they had a secret romance building. She is now in a medically induced coma since she went into shock and tried to take her own life. I’m still not sure if the attempt at suicide was prompted by her feelings for him, or if she was involved in his death and guilt drove her to it.”

  “Will she survive?” I asked.

  Ryad shrugged. “It’s too soon to tell. The Healers are doing their best.”

  Marcus reached for the niamon I still held. I passed it into his warm hand and watched as he examined it. “How do you think he got this?”

  Ryad shook his head. “I don’t know. After that earthquake we felt a few weeks ago, there has been a lot of speculation on someone searching for this.”

  I turned to him. “Who is speculating? This ore should be virtually unknown to anyone not immediately connected to the discovery. Are people talking about this?”

  “I haven’t heard of anyone,” Marcus said.

  Ryad crossed his arms over his chest. “Not actual discussion, but there have been a few things whispered that indicate people know something huge is possible.”

  I bit my lip then said, “The delegate from Dempka asked me about something that allowed people to disappear. It’s possible he meant the niamon used for Traveling.”

  “What did you say?” Marcus asked.

  “I told him it would be fantastic if there really was something to turn a person invisible. I tried to make it sound far-fetched and impossible. But it took me by surprise. I don’t know if I covered my shock well enough.”

  Ryad started pacing the room. “I believe we can safely assume the news of Traveling is out there. May not be completely understood, but it is not a secret.” He turned to me. “I also think it’s fairly obvious someone wants it bad enough to be willing to commit murder. You are not safe. We’ll need to double your guards. Make sure you are never in a position to be alone. Guards will do a search for weapons on anyone who meets with you.”

  I shook my head, but Ryad just continued to plan a defense. “Marcus or I will attend all of your meetings with any delegates from here on out. No more meeting with them in private, even with us outside the door as guards.”

  “Can I use the restroom or shower on my own, or will one of you accompany me there?” I asked sweetly. Marcus blushed and Ryad blinked in surprise.

  “Of course you’ll have privacy.”

  “Ryad, I understand you are doing your job. But I will not be turned into even more of a prisoner. We will continue on as normal. I agree to the extra guards and a few more precautions, but we have to still be able to function.” I looked at Marcus. “Besides, as king, Marcus is in as much danger as I would be. Why isn’t he surrounded by guards at all times?”

  “Amira,” Ryad said, “you have the mantle. Marcus is the king, sure, but you are the rightful heir with the full authority to rule Rommader. If you are killed before the mantle can be passed to your heir, Rommader will cease to function as it should.”

  I shook my head. “The people will be fine. They voted Marcus in for a reason. We will show a strong front. I will make sure whoever is coming after people in my care are apprehended and punished. But I will not hide while it’s being done.”

  “But what if someone knows you have Traveled from R
ommader? What if they come after you to get the information? You can’t—”

  “I can. I am not the only one to Travel. And if you plan to hide me, you’ll have to stay hidden yourself, as well as Delilah and Marshal. And if the four of us disappear, that will put more questions in the minds of the people. We have to go about our lives as normal. We will find who murdered Itury. You have the ability to do so. I charge you with that. You are officially no longer my head bodyguard, and will not be reinstated until Itury’s case is solved.”

  “You can’t do that!” Ryad shouted.

  I put my hands on my hips. “Of course I can. I am your queen. I am also the oath holder. You will do as you’ve been assigned.”

  His face turned red and I knew he wanted to argue with me, but I could feel him fighting the oath bond I held, looking for some way to get around my command.

  I smiled at him. “It’s annoying when someone tells you something you don’t want to hear. Even if it is for your own good.”

  He glared at me. “I never used my side of the oath bond to manipulate you.”

  I felt his anger at me deep within my mind. “I appreciate that, Ryad. I will follow your advice. I will stay with my guards at all times. I will never allow myself to be alone except in my own apartments for privacy. I will even allow you and Marcus to plan my protection. But I am serious about wanting you to find Itury’s killer. You have the abilities, and now you have the motivation. If you want to return to your station of guarding me and keeping me safe, you must find the person behind this threat. Until then, no matter what you do, I’ll never be safe.”

  Ryad turned to Marcus as if looking for help. Apparently seeing there was nothing he could do besides obey me, he took Marcus to the side and they planned out my security detail.

  I prayed they wouldn’t keep me hidden down in the safe house. I needed to be out among the living. I had to do what I could to solve things on my end. But I wouldn’t demand anything more from Ryad. If he insisted I stay there, I would take that as my punishment for forcing him into that assignment.

  I returned to my computer, seeing a message from Delilah. Finally. Delilah’s note sent a wave of shock through me. I glanced up at Marcus and Ryad as they continued to discuss telepathically. I could wait until they came to a conclusion about my guards, or I could give them this piece of news that might make them dig in their heels even harder.

  Knowing it was only right to tell them, I stood and cleared my throat. The two lifted their heads simultaneously, one dark, one light.

  “There’s been another murder.”

  Chapter Twenty One

  Decisions

  Marcus paced the floor this time and I leaned back into my chair, staring at the monitor and the words from Delilah I’d read a hundred times.

  Dr. Salb dead. Body found near the door to his personal lab near his home. Looks to be a mugging gone wrong.

  I couldn’t understand what was happening on my world. This was not common for us. Healing provided for most people to live through almost anything. But that only worked if you were close enough to a Healer. And violence against individuals was rare. My perfect world really wasn’t perfect.

  Ryad left the second he heard the news and had been gone for over two hours. He would need to carry my instructions to the investigators and detectives working the case. I allowed my attention to drift from the dead men, to the man in front of me. Marcus’s head was down, and he looked deep in thought as he continued to move back and forth across the room.

  “Marcus?”

  His head jerked up at my voice and he looked around the room as if searching for danger. I knew it would be hard to convince him to allow me to go back to my normal routine.

  “What should we do?” I asked softly.

  My question seemed to surprise him because he blinked and shook his head. He walked around the desk and looked over my shoulder at the message from Delilah.

  “Has she sent anything else?”

  I closed the message and looked for more. “Nothing.”

  Marcus leaned over me and took control of the computer; his presence felt comforting and I appreciated the support I felt from such a simple act. He did a search on the news sites. “There is nothing on there yet. I doubt it can be kept quiet for long. I’m surprised Itury’s death hasn’t been mentioned either.”

  Trying to be cautious, I spoke gently. “I wonder if it would be best for us to go before the people and let them know what has happened. If we try to keep this secret for too long, they will think we are trying to cover things up.”

  Marcus turned to look at me, and the indecision in his eyes made me nervous. I wanted someone who could offer a good suggestion. An alternative to my idea. Something to help us solve this problem.

  “I agree we need to inform the public, but I’m not sure how. What do we say?” He shook his head. “There hasn’t been a murder of this type in years. And now in less than a day there are two.” Marcus took my hand and led me to the door, continuing, “We have to get a head start on this. You’re right, if we don’t speak to the public now, before the news spreads, we’ll look like we’re covering it up.”

  “Should I send the message to Nexleen?” I looked back at the computer.

  Marcus stopped and nodded. I took my hand out of his and returned to the computer on my temporary desk. I reviewed the document, looking for anything to change. If I didn’t word it right and promise to find the killer and put them to justice, I could easily start a war with Nexleen. My father had been very diplomatic and clear headed in all his communications that I’d been privy to see. Would he approve of this message?

  Marcus seemed to agree with me it was to the point and indicated we would do all in our power to bring Itury’s killer to justice. But until we knew the specifics of the murder we couldn’t give them more.

  “Do you think they will declare war on us the moment they receive this message?” I asked.

  Marcus shook his head slowly. “I honestly don’t know. I hope not, but we should be prepared for it just in case.”

  I sent the message with the promise to keep them updated on the search for the killer. I crossed my fingers for luck like Holly had done on Earth and joined Marcus at the door.

  Ryad may have our heads for this. Marcus placed his hand on the knob and opened the door. The guards there blinked in surprise to see us.

  For now, Ryad is no longer in charge of us, I said. Not until the killer is found. He can fuss all he wants, but we have to be free to move.

  “Forgive me, Your Majesty, but what about the threat against you?” The guard on the outside kept his weapon ready, though I knew he’d never use it on me.

  I lifted my chin. “If we don’t act now, there will be a war as the result. I will charge you with keeping us safe. I have faith in my guards.”

  The guard swallowed and bowed his head. “As you wish, Your Majesty.” He turned on a communicator tucked into his ear and called for backup.

  Marcus winked at me. I hope you know what you’re doing.

  I smiled at him, looking confident for the sake of the guards, and spoke aloud. “I know exactly what I’m doing.” Inside, my gut was telling me this was a dangerous gamble.

  Chapter Twenty Two

  Delilah

  Ryad met us at the end of the hallway, his eyes full of fire, but I ignored it and waited for his tirade. He was smart enough to not speak where they could all hear, but I felt his anger through the bond.

  This has to be the stupidest thing you could do.

  Next to me, Marcus tensed and I knew he heard Ryad’s communication as well. I ignored the animosity and instead asked. What did you discover about Dr. Salb?

  He was roughed up pretty bad in the process. Looks like his attacker was after something besides information. Salb had three broken fingers on one hand. We found skin samples under the fingernails. But unless that DNA is in our system we won’t know whose it is.

  I looked at Marcus and Ryad. Do we have a database wit
h DNA?

  Ryad shook his head. There was never a need to catalog everyone. We do however have family lines. The subjects could be narrowed down that way. Or we’ll discover if they are even Rommaderian.

  Did anyone see anything? Marcus asked.

  Nothing, Ryad said.

  How long ago was the attack? I touched my side where I had been stabbed. My skin there under the dress was flawless. With healing, there could be no evidence of anyone having been clawed.

  Five to six hours ago, Ryad answered.

  I shook my head. That gives the attacker time to be healed or flee the planet. Have you checked all the outgoing flights?

  We’ve halted all leaving of the planet. I spoke with flight traffic controllers and they have people on that right now.

  Do the other dignitaries know of Itury’s death? I asked.

  I don’t believe so. But we can’t keep this secret much longer. I hate to admit it, but you must go before the public and announce what happened. Show you are in control before anyone can say otherwise. Ryad didn’t look at me, but I forced myself to hide the smile of vindication. But I think we need to go back to your office and make a plan as to how much to reveal.

  I felt the pleading in his words and nodded. Marcus took my hand and I let him turn me around and lead me back.

  Marshal stood at the door arguing with the replacement guards stationed there. He turned around quickly when he heard our approach.

  “Your Highness—” Marshal ran forward. The guards between us reacted quickly and knocked him to the ground, pinning him there.

  He didn’t fight the guards, but shouted up at me. “She’s gone. I can’t find or feel her anywhere.”

  “Who’s gone?” I asked. I motioned for the guards to let him up. They had already cuffed him so they gripped him under the armpits and hefted him to his feet. Tears streamed down his face, disappearing into the short beard he’d grown out since returning home.

  “Delilah is gone.”

  Only the grip of Marcus’s hand on my arm kept me from falling. “How long?”