Alex rushed into the Council Hall and threw the doors open. "Father!"

King Klaus raised his gaze from a scroll and looked up at him in surprise. Then he frowned, his expression hardening again. "Why are you shouting?"

"Sven said it was urgent. I…"

His words died on his lips. He glanced around; the chamberlain kept his gaze lowered, his cheeks red with embarrassment.

His father let out a deep sigh. "There's no reason to barge in like a madman."

Alex clenched his jaw. He had feared something had happened, but worrying about his father was pointless.

William slid up beside him, silent as shadow, and gave a clumsy bow. "Your Majesty, how may I serve you?"

The king dismissed the chamberlain, and once he had left, handed a scroll to the mage. "I received a message from the royal gamekeeper. This morning, he found several dead deer on our hunting grounds, but it seems predators didn't kill them."

William read the message and furrowed his brow. "A disease?"

"Maybe. Or magic. Could it be the effect of a spell?"

"Technically, yes, but why would anyone kill the deer?"

"A spiteful act. Or—"

"Or a message," Alex interjected. "The stag is on our family crest, and it is an animal protected by royal decree. Killing them within the royal hunting grounds is punished severely."

William shot him a sidelong glance and returned the scroll to the king. "Shall I conduct an investigation?"

"Yes. My son will go with you."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"Because you are a skilled swordsman. William may need assistance."

"It is not necessary, Your Majesty," the mage said. "I am quite capable of handling this task alone."

"No, you two will go together; that is an order. You leave tomorrow." He gestured toward the door. "You may go, William. I must speak with my son in private."

The mage nodded and took his leave, his clothes rustling.

Once alone, Alex shot his father a sharp look. "There's more, isn't there?"

The king approached the window and looked out over the land. "Indeed."

"Why not tell the mage as well?" Alex gave a cheeky grin. "Don't tell me you don't trust him."

"I trust my mage and his judgment, but I don't yet know the boy."

"And doesn't that seem contradictory that I should trust him enough to bind myself to him?"

His father turned to face him. "You're right. That's why you will go too. Perhaps working side by side will ease the tension between you. And then…"

"And then you think it's a trap, don't you?"

"Someone may have killed those deer to lure us into an ambush."

The smile faded from Alex's face. Was his father trying to get him killed? "Then, if you fear it's a trap, why take the bait?"

"Because it's the only way to find out who's behind it. You can act like an idiot all you want, but I know you're smart and reliable."

Alex crossed his arms and grimaced. "You're really ordering me to throw myself into an ambush where I could be killed?"

His father glared at him. "William needs protection. Or would you prefer to see him killed?"

That was a low blow! He couldn't stand the mage's ways, but he didn't want him to die. "You know I would never allow that."

"I know. And honestly, I hope this makes you realize that William is the one best suited to stand by your side."

"I doubt that will happen." Alex flashed a grin. "Especially since I have a feeling the mage won't remain here long."

"Your mother won't be helping you this time."

"It hurts that you don't trust my abilities, Father."

His father exhaled deeply, his blue eyes darkening. "Try not to get yourself into trouble."

Alex stifled an annoyed sigh and left the chamber. Though he'd turned twenty-two months ago, in his father's eyes, he was still a spoiled child, always causing trouble. Would the day ever come when he would be considered an equal?

"Good. Now I'm in a bad mood."

Maybe he could clear his head with sword training. When he wielded one, he ceased to be the Crown Prince—his father's disappointment—and was simply a man.