Stormseer (Storms in Amethir Book 3) by Stephanie A. Cain

brother.
    Prince Razem looked over his shoulder. "Arisanat, Commander Hawk. Come. We have much to discuss."
     

Chapter 6
    Razem had spent weeks thinking of little else besides getting Jacin Hawk in his custody and surrendering the Deranged Duke. He had written and rewritten the florid speech he'd given to the people of Salishok. He had jotted down a list of questions to ask the man about the Strid and his treatment, as well as more mundane questions about his life before the war and his desires now that he was free. He had read the file on Hawk, such as it was, but that told him nothing about who the man actually was.
    Of course, before he managed all of that, he had to actually offload the duke. Commander Ayowir--who had turned out to be a woman, and what a shock that was--had brought a full complement of healers with her, prepared for whatever condition the duke might be in. Razem had agreed to accompany her to the duke's chambers, though he had to summon Baron Arkad's chamberlain to lead the way. In the meantime, he gave orders for Hawk to be given refreshments and shown to the sitting room that separated his chambers from Razem's.
    The duke was sitting up in bed when they arrived at his room, which was a distinct relief. Razem had been more than half afraid the duke would up and die on him before the Strid officially took custody, and he could only imagine the horror of war that would follow that particular tragedy. But the duke looked as hale as he ever did these days, his pale skin almost gray and looking like wrinkled onion skin, it hung so loosely around his face. His blue eyes were keen, though, and he turned them to his visitors the moment they entered.
    "Ah, Prince Razem. What new torture do you have in store for me today?" the duke asked. Razem swore mentally as he felt Ayowir tense beside him. She relaxed at the duke's next words, though. "Removing alcohol from my diet, perhaps? Or do you plan to have someone clean my bedsores while we chat?"
    "Duke Anyet," Commander Ayowir said, going to both knees in front of him. Razem tried to hide his surprise. That was more respect than any duke should command.
    "Ah. My apologies. I did not realize Razem had--" The duke broke off and stared at her. His eyes wrinkled at the corners and his lips trembled. "Elin, I think, isn't it? Sasha's girl Elin Ayowir."
    Ayowir's voice was even. "Yes, Uncle. I was given the honor of conveying you home."
    "Am I no longer in disgrace, then?" the duke asked dryly. "I was under the impression that Harkai was displeased with me."
    "He was displeased with you and his son both, Uncle. But it is clear that the gods have punished you far more harshly than the king would have." Ayowir spoke briskly, though both of her hands closed around the duke's thin, age-spotted one on the coverlet. "My mother died two years ago. She never gave up hoping to see you return."
    The duke coughed so harshly it shook his entire frame. He lifted his free hand to cover his mouth. Razem didn't miss the fact that the palm was red as he lowered it. He thought, however, that Ayowir hadn't noticed. Strangely, he found himself hoping she hadn't. And why should he give a damn about this Strid soldier who spoke so familiarly to a man who had massacred women and children?
    Angry with himself, Razem turned away. He would let them continue their reunion in private.
    "Prince Razem." The duke's voice was rough and wet, as if the coughing had torn his throat.
    Razem hesitated for a moment and then turned.
    "I would have you hear this from me. Once only, but I feel I may say it, as I shall likely not live to see the consequences." Ayowir was staring up at her uncle in confusion. Razem jerked his chin in an upward nod, watching the duke's face.
    Duke Anyet looked down at his niece long enough to cup her cheek in his palm. Then he turned his gaze back to meet Razem's. "I was wrong. I served as the tool of Anderlin's hatred. I knew there was no honor in killing civilians and infants.