“He’s drunk,” Regal declared. “Get him out of here.” I had never heard so much satisfaction in Regal’s voice. His guards reacted swiftly to seize me again.
“As …”–the King drew a deep breath in, obviously fighting pain–”I commanded.” He found a bit of strength. “As I commanded. Go now. NOW!”
I jerked my arms free from the astonished guards. “Yes, Your Majesty,” I said into the silence. I spoke clearly for the benefit of all. “That is, all warships dispatched to Neatbay, and as many of the fishing fleet as can be rallied. And all available horse to be sent overland, under Kerf’s command.”
“Yes.” The King sighed the word. He swallowed, took a breath, opened his eyes. “Yes, I order it so. Now go.”
“Some wine, my liege?” The Fool had materialized on the other side of the bed. I was the only one who startled. The Fool smiled a secret smile over that. Then he bent over the King, helping him to raise his head and sip at the wine. I bowed deeply, deeply, to my king. I straightened and turned to leave the room.
“You may ride with my guard, if you wish,” Queen Kettricken told me.
Regal’s face was scarlet. “The King did not tell you to go!” he sputtered at her.
“Nor did he `forbid’ it.” The Queen looked at him flatly.
“My queen!” One of her guard announced herself at the door. “We are ready to ride.” I looked at her in astonishment. Kettricken merely nodded.
She glanced at me. “You’d best make haste, Fitz. Unless you plan to ride like that.”
Burrich shook out the Queen’s cloak for her. “Is my horse ready?” Kettricken asked her guard.