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

before each sentence. His words came out with a faint lilt, not quite an accent. Something in the thoughtful crease between Hawk's eyebrows reminded Razem that the man had probably spoken nothing but Strid for the past six years. Razem's own command of the language was barely passable, but many of the Kreyden officers spoke it fluently, and Hawk's file said he was a half-blood. He might have grown up speaking both languages in equal amounts.
    "Of course. I should have thought of it myself." Razem snapped his fingers for a servant. "Have the kitchen send up some rice and a mild flatbread." Before the servant could do more than bow, Razem added, "And send one of our healers."
    "I thank you, your highness, but I am quite well." Hawk's voice was pleasant. Razem wondered what it would sound like raised in command on the battlefield. "I was not mistreated."
    "Nevertheless, I should have had a healer waiting here to speak with you. Perhaps they will have some advice for readjusting to our cuisine." Razem smiled, hoping to put the man at ease and wishing Kho would relax, too. If nothing else, it would provide a good example for Hawk.
    Razem turned to the table, where another servant was waiting with a plate filled with his favorite sharp cheese and spicy meat. Razem nodded over the selection and accepted a glass of wine. Then he went to sit on the couch nearest Hawk's.
    "Sit, Commander Hawk. We shall be informal tonight. I think we have all had enough ceremony to last at least a week, have we not?" He tried a brilliant smile, which got him a faint one in response. It wasn't what Razem had been hoping for, but it would do for now.
    "Again, I thank you, your highness." Hawk lowered himself to the couch more carefully than he had stood. He did not spill his wine.
    "Perhaps we should also have a language tutor for the commander," Kho said. There was an edge to his voice. So he'd noticed Hawk's lilt as well. Razem wondered why it sat so ill with Kho. The man was usually so easy-going and slow to show his temper that his reaction made the prince even more curious than he would normally have been.
    "I think that will not be necessary, Emran," Razem said, injecting a note of humor to his voice. He looked at Hawk. "So, Commander. Let me officially welcome you home."
    Hawk gave him another faint smile. "Thank you, your highness. It hardly feels real, yet. Seeing familiar faces...helps." He didn't look at Kho as he said this, but Razem did, and was gratified to see the general wince.
    "I assume your possessions were placed in storage in Rivarden after your capture was confirmed," Razem said, "but regardless, I hope you shall rest assured that you shall not be left to want for anything. My father and I are both cognizant of the service you have rendered to the crown."
    "Again, I thank your highness."
    Razem gestured. "I said we are informal today, did I not? You may call me Razem in this room."
    He saw Hawk's throat move when he swallowed. "As you wish...Razem. Please call me Hawk, then. It is what I am used to."
    Razem nodded. "If you were given unlimited choice and resources, Hawk, what would you do now? You are home. What is the desire of your heart?"
    Hawk looked bewildered by the question. He stared at his wine goblet, but Razem wasn't sure if he even saw it. "I...I hardly know."
    "You have no family left, I believe," Razem pressed. "Is there a sweetheart? A girl--oh, or boy, I suppose--who waits for your return?"
    "I--no, your--Razem. I have never been in love." Hawk blinked, frowning. "I did promise myself that I would return to Rivarden someday, were it possible." He looked up, dark eyes searching out Razem's. "I promised only to myself, no other, but--"
    "Then you shall return to Rivarden," Razem interrupted, relieved that the man had asked for something he could grant. "My father gave me instructions to parade you through the cities and towns of Tamnen, celebrating you as a war hero and your recovery as a victory for our side. Rivarden,