The duke shook his head. “They’re not here to complain, Heath. They have a proposition for you.”
Heath frowned. “Why does that make me even more nervous?”
There was a definite twinkle in his father’s eye as he gestured for Heath to join him. “Take courage, brave heart. The dragon is waiting.”
Heath sighed as he stood up. “If only. Will you think I’m a coward if I admit that dragons don’t frighten me half as much as people like Lord Niel?”
“I don’t advise you to let him hear you say that,” said his father mildly, as they left the room.
The visitors were waiting for Heath, kept company by Percival. Heath’s brother was watching Lord Niel with narrowed eyes, as though he thought the nobleman might make off with the good silver if left unsupervised.
The three of them were in the same receiving room where Lord Niel had admonished Heath on his last attendance at the manor. The memory of that encounter made Heath stand a little straighter, his resentment at the nobleman’s presumption overcoming his trepidation.
“Your Highness,” he said, bowing to Prince Lachlan. “We’re honored to receive you here.” He turned to the other visitor, inclining his head and speaking with cool politeness. “Lord Niel. I trust I haven’t kept you waiting this time.”
“Not at all, Lord Heath,” said the older man, inclining his head ever so slightly. “And since you have brought up the occasion of my previous visit, let me say that I applaud your wisdom in stepping back from such regular interactions with your dragon acquaintance.”
Heath froze, his astonishment quickly fading before his growing anger. Was he being watched, that Lord Niel knew he hadn’t seen Reka in months?
It was on the tip of his tongue to give a hot retort, but he glanced at his father, and hesitated. The Duke of Bexley’s neutral expression had hardened, so that it looked set on his face. Knowing his father well, Heath could tell that he was surprised by the information as well. And he must surely feel some level of anger. But as his eyes darted to those of his younger son, his expression held no fire, only a warning. Heath drew in a breath, trying to be as detached and prudent as his father. The duke was right, of course. The reminder of the scrutiny they were under should be cause for caution, not angry outbursts. Especially with the prince present.
“I understand you wished to speak with me, Your Highness, Lord Niel,” Heath prompted, deciding not to respond at all to the reference to Rekavidur.
“Yes, My Lord,” said Prince Lachlan formally. “We wish to offer you a position, on behalf of my father.”
“Me?” Heath said, startled from his anger for a moment. “What position would the king want to offer me?”
“That of spokesperson,” Lord Niel interjected pompously. Prince Lachlan shifted ever so slightly, and Lord Niel fell silent, deferring to his young companion with the tiniest hint of disgruntlement.
“Indeed,” Prince Lachlan said. “It has not escaped my father’s notice that the complexities of regulating the wielding of power might be particularly unsettling for those of our generation.”
Heath kept his face straight with an effort. You mean, the king is particularly unsettled by the power-wielders of our generation.
“He is of the view,” Prince Lachlan continued, “that it might be beneficial to have someone in our generation to act as a representative of the power-wielders, to communicate with the crown on their behalf.”
Heath blinked. “And the king wants me to take that role?” Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined receiving such an offer.
“That’s right.” Prince Lachlan inclined his head.
“But…” Heath was still struggling to gather his thoughts. “Surely there are better choices than me for the role.” Involuntarily, his eyes flicked to Percival, then back to the prince. “I mean, I’m barely nineteen.”
The prince almost smiled. “As am I. My father is offering the appointment to you. He believes that you are in a unique position to help bridge the gap between those who carry power and those who do not. Are you willing to serve in this way?”
Heath was silent for a moment, shifting uncomfortably from foot to foot. It was clear now why he’d been chosen. It was because he was part of the power-wielding branch of the family, but didn’t have any notable magic, and was therefore less likely to be met with hostility from the rest of the court. He didn’t look directly at his brother again, but he didn’t need to. He could feel Percival’s annoyance filling the space between them. But of course he wouldn’t be chosen for such a role. Not after the stir he’d made.
“Heath,” said his father unexpectedly. “A word, please?” He bowed to the prince. “If you will excuse us, Your Highness.”
Prince Lachlan nodded graciously, and Heath followed his father from the room.
“Did you know about this?” he demanded, as soon as the door was closed behind them.
“Not before today,” the duke said. His eyes searched Heath’s for a long moment.
“Do I have a choice about this?” Heath asked abruptly.
“Of course you do,” said the duke calmly. “It’s not a command. And I won’t push you to do anything. But I do want to advise you—don’t turn this position down just because you think Percival wants it.”
Heath looked up quickly, surprised by his father’s bluntness. “He’s welcome to it, as far as I’m concerned. I don’t want it.”