He did not need to say they would be more concerned for Rhy. Neria knew that and said nothing of it. Kell relaxed in increments and wrapped an arm around her back, and for a moment, she closed her eyes and tried to be still.

At his question, she shook her head. "No, you've told me enough. I'll need to simply allow the rest of it to happen." And she would need to trust that the King and Queen were not similar to the last king they had confronted. She believed Kell and put her faith in him implicitly; if he said it would be all right, then it would be. The rest was nerves and unpredictability.

Reluctantly, she stopped leaning so much so she could sip at her tea.

"How is Rhy?" she asked softly.