It’s almost nighttime, and the air is much colder, but both of us wear warm jackets. We walk to the nearby observation spot, where couples and families have come to watch the sunset. We sit down on one of the benches.
“It’s beautiful,” I say. The sun slowly disappears on the horizon, casting long shadows from the faraway mountains.
“Yeah.” He sounds more tired than impressed.
I lean my head against his shoulder. “We’ll figure it out. Whatever it is, it’s temporary.”
“I don’t think it is.”
“You’re too pretty to think. Leave that to me.”
He snickers and kisses the top of my head. “You’re the right amount of pretty.”
“Lyla suspects that the king is hiding something,” I say quietly. “She said he has been acting strange and has no intention of joining us against the Raiders.”
Caden nods. “No offense, but I sort of figured this whole thing would be a diplomatic waste of time. If the king of High Hope hasn’t made up his mind about the Raiders after all these years, why now?”
“Because they’re a bigger threat now with Hector and those lizards.”
Caden shrugs. “They were pretty dangerous before. Maybe he needs to see some of those lizards climbing up his mountain to wake the hell up.”
“Are you Finn from Unity?”
I turn to see two approaching guards. “Yes.”
“The king would like to see you, but he said that it can wait until tomorrow if you prefer.”
It might be wise to wait until I’m well rested, but it feels rude to make the king wait because I’m tired. “Now is fine. Can Captain Anderson join me?”
“If you wish.”
We follow the two guards until I hear, “Finn!” Otto hurries toward us. “Where are you going?”
“We’re taking them to see the king,” one of the guards says.
“Oh. Um, I see.”
I clear my throat. “Otto is also representing Unity. I’m sure the king would like to meet with him as well.”
Otto smiles in gratitude, and the guards don’t seem to care either way. We follow them onto a paved road, which takes us away from the streets and between two rows of apple trees thatlead to the palace’s massive iron gate. The structure itself is carved into the mountain, as if it’s trying to push through the rocks. We walk past the beautiful royal gardens, then up a flight of stairs made of shiny marble. The main hall has a massive chandelier hanging from the ceiling and sculptures as tall as me. There’s no part of Unity that looks close to this palace. The Hive was built for longevity, not to impress, and I prefer it that way.
“Good, you’re here.” Remy walks toward us with a warm smile. I remember him arguing with Lyla when we just arrived, so I’m not sure if he’s trustworthy. “I know it’s late, but the king has found time in his busy schedule.”
“We appreciate it,” I say.
Remy leads us deeper into the palace, our footsteps echoing between the tall walls. We arrive in a wide room, and the rich and musky scent is the first thing I notice. There are animals all around: birds, monkeys, lizards, and even some rodents. Those who are not in cages walk around freely between the vegetation. I wonder if this is a new addition to the palace, since I don’t remember seeing it the last time I was here.
The king stops feeding a large, turquoise iguana who is sitting on a tall wooden stand. “Finn! Good to see you again, my boy.”
I walk over to face him. “Hello, sir.” On my last visit, he asked me not to call himYour Highnesssince it was redundant. He’s wearing a leather vest and a long-sleeved tunic, with a simple golden crown on top of his short, gray hair. The golden staff in his hand is more for show than for walking. He’s as tall as Caden, stocky and broad in the shoulders, though he has gained weight since I last saw him. His face is round and smooth, and his eyesconstantly dart around the room, even when he’s speaking with you directly.
“Did you have a safe trip?” he asks in his baritone voice.
“We had some trouble in a little town called Rifle. It was taken over by Raiders.”
“Oh my, how dreadful. Captain Anderson, I assume?”
Caden straightens. “Yes, sir.”