Chapter 165 - The Court Of King Daniel

The royal guards around the castle moved in close but they recognized the Adair carriage. Still cautious, they watched until the door was open and the Duke himself stepped out. It was easy to confirm the identity of the scarred man so they eased back again.

Vincent helped Delaney out before Ian stepped out and helped down his sister. The head of the guards came forward and greeted Lord Adair, welcoming him back to the castle and asking him who his guests today were.

"This is Captain Ilona Black and Captain Ian Black," Vincent announced, conveniently leaving off the title of pirate, "We're here to see my cousin."

"Of course your grace," the man bowed low, "I believe he was in the throne room the last I heard."

A guard could only question a Duke so much before he was putting himself at risk. They had to make quick judgments of these extra guests and then likely stay close anyway until they were proven to not be threats to the royal family.

Delaney looked at the Blacks and was surprised at the transformation she now saw. The pair of nervous siblings from the carriage ride was gone. They had replaced that worry with an appearance of confidence and calm. Delaney knew it was only skin deep but she found it impressive they were managing it so convincingly.

Looking up at her husband, she found his face had settled into the expression he reserved for situations he wasn't comfortable in. His serious, slightly frowning expression made him appear aloof and intimidating. She knew he wore it to ensure he wouldn't be approached or stared at for too long. Walking on his arm she was a beauty next to a man she found dark and handsome. She wondered how she had ever thought he was anything else.

Vincent led the way inside with his wife on his arm and Ian was beside him with his sister on his. Even though she had been here a few times now, Delaney was still in awe of the splendor of the castle and all the people in it. They walked down the main hall which was always littered with nobles, members of the court, and other wealthy people hoping for the favor of the royals. Once the first few had caught sight of the Duke and Duchess with their mystery guests, whispers and gossip began to fly.

Delaney lifted her chin a bit higher and stood taller as they made their way through the crowd towards the throne room. She wouldn't allow these people to make her nervous or self-conscience. Not with her husband beside her.

They made it to the two large doors that would give way to the throne room. The guards standing there took in the sight of Vincent and like the others, knew exactly who he was. They pulled open the heavy doors and a servant stepped into the room to announce them.

"Lord Vincent Adair, Duke of Edgewood, and Lady Delaney Adair, Duchess of Edgewood."

Everyone in the throne room turned to look at them as they strolled forward, including the King and Queen. Daniel and Sophia had been sitting in their thrones, leaning over to speak to one another, but when they heard the announcement they lit up.

Daniel was the first out of his seat, hurrying forward with arms open and a smile on his face.

"Vince!" he grinned before embracing his cousin, "I was hoping you would visit on your way back to Edgewood."

He hugged Delaney then and continued, "How was the ocean? I heard my brother invited himself to stay for the summer. I hope he wasn't too much trouble."

Vincent and Delaney both chuckled at that but didn't get a chance to answer as Sophia came to give them light hugs as well.

"Knowing Mason I'm sure he kept you all on your toes," Sophia rolled her eyes.

"He was a fine guest," Delaney assured them with a smile.

"And who are your guests now?" Daniel asked, looking past them to where Ian and Ilona had been waiting quietly.

Delaney stepped back, letting her husband make the introductions. She thought that would better show their value.

"Danny this is my wife and my very good friend, Captain Ian Black, and his sister, Captain Ilona Black. Ian, Ilona, I would like to introduce you to King Daniel and Queen Sophia."

Daniel's deep blue eyes lit up with intrigue and at that moment he looked so much like his younger brother.

"Black?" he asked curiously but quietly, "And captains? They wouldn't happen to be relations to Captain Luke Black would they?"

"They are his children," Vincent answered only loud enough for them to hear.

"Ah," Daniel chuckled, "Perhaps we should all step into one of the other rooms for a bit more privacy."

Vincent nodded and together they all followed the King and Queen through the room as the crowd parted around them. A servant opened a door to one side as they approached and they filed in before it closed behind them again.

The room here appeared to Delaney to possibly be a war room. There were maps on the walls and a big table in the middle with more maps and papers. To one side though there were couches and chairs so it was there that the group went.

Daniel sat on a couch and Sophia took a place next to him. Vincent stayed standing, as did Ian but Delaney sat down and quickly grabbed Ilona's hand to pull her down to sit beside her.

"Now correct me if I'm wrong," the King looked at Ian and Ilona, "But I believe the two of you find yourselves in the occupation of piracy do you not?"

"Piracy?" Sophia looked stricken and turned with wide eyes to the Blacks, "You're pirates?"

"We are," Ian answered evenly.

Beside Delaney, Ilona had grown tense.

"Vincent, why on earth would you bring two pirate captains into our castle?" the Queen demanded.

"It's alright dear," Daniel answered before Vincent could, "If they're here it's because Vince trusts them. Besides, Mace has had dozens of pirates in the castle to conduct business."

"Then he should be punished for that! It's not safe to have pirates here and not good for our people to see us socializing with them."

"And that is why I moved our conversation in here," Daniel answered, hurrying to continue before his wife could say more. "I am curious though Vince why you've brought them here. Surely not just for an introduction?"

"No," Vincent shook his head and looked at the king seriously, "A very important task has been given to Ilona Black and Delaney and I agreed to help her complete it."

"And what is that?"

They all looked to Ilona then and the woman's expression of confidence slipped away to reveal her nervousness again.

"Your majesty I was tasked by the King of the Red Lands to bring you this letter," she said as she stood and held it up for him to see.

"The Red Lands?" Daniel repeated, "I have no business with the Red Lands."

"I know," she answered, "I think this letter is an attempt to change that."

The King frowned, "How is it a pirate Captain came to be tasked with the delivery of such a letter?"

Ilona took a deep breath then before telling the story to the King. She started with how the pirates had been banished and told of the trap the other King set. She finished by explaining this was so important to them because their younger brother and sister had been taken and the King had said he would never release them unless Daniel agreed to his letter.

As she talked Daniel looked surprised and then unhappy. He frowned and leaned back in his seat, crossing his arms. When Ilona came to the end his expression had changed to one of anger.

"So let me make sure I understand. He will keep your younger brother and sister in his dungeon, possibly for life, if I do not agree to his requests in that letter?"

"That is it exactly," Vincent answered for her, "That is why Delaney and I wanted to bring them to you ourselves."

"And what does the letter say?"

"I don't know your majesty," Ilona answered, stepping forward to hand it to him, "It was sealed and written specifically to you so I didn't dare open it."

Daniel smirked as he took it, "Well you're better than me. I probably would have ripped it open the second I was out of his sight."

Ilona blushed and dropped her gaze. Everyone held their breath and watched as Daniel stood. He broke the seal and unfolded the letter. As he paced and read with a grave expression, Delaney watched him, hoping to see that expression change. It never did.

At last, he stopped walking and slowly folded the letter back up. Everyone was on edge as he stood, staring at it in his hands. The seconds of waiting felt like ages and Delaney joined them in standing, taking Vincent's hand.

Finally, Daniel looked up and his gaze landed on Ian and Ilona.

"I'm truly sorry," he said quietly, "I can't agree to these terms."