Nathan led Nicholas and me into a sitting room where the King sat upon a chair. All other chairs had been pushed to the back of the room. It was clear he meant for the rest of us to stand.
As we entered, the King narrowed his eyes in Nicholas’s direction. Nicholas lifted his chin.
“Nathan, I believe I was clear in my orders that Piper arrive alone,” the King said.
Nathan bowed his head. “My apologies, Your Majesty.”
“It’s my fault,” Nicholas said. “I refused to allow Piper to face you on her own.”
The King frowned deeper. “And if I ordered you to leave?”
Nicholas squared his shoulders. “You would have to have be forcibly taken from this room.”
The King and Nicholas stared at each other for a moment, as if in silent conversation. Then the King sighed, long-suffering.
“Stay then,” th
