Damien paced in his room. Dinner would be served in the royal apartment soon, but he couldn’t get the previous night’s conversation with Karrie out of his head. He’d talked about it some more with Lizzy after the princess left, but she’d only say that whatever he decided was fine with her. He really wanted her to have a stronger opinion on the matter. He saw Lizzy’s point of view, though. Whatever they felt for each other, Damien’s life was just a moment in her eternal existence.

He barely restrained himself from punching the wall. What should he do? Part of him wanted to help Karrie out of her predicament. Another part couldn’t imagine being married with kids, living in the castle, ruling the kingdom together. It was too much, too big to wrap his head around.

Another problem was David. Damien had spoken to his master that morning and the sorcerer still hadn’t broken. Damien hadn’t thought he had that much willpower. Connor must really terrify him. The questioners were still working and would continue to do so until he broke. According to the archmage it was always when, not if.

Screw it. Thinking wasn’t getting Damien anywhere.

After dinner he’d just follow his instincts. His guess was they’d lead him away from Karrie, but who knew for certain. He left his room and made the short walk to the royal apartment. Nothing like an expertly cooked meal to take your mind off your problems. He knocked on the closed door.

“Come in,” Uncle Andy said.

Damien pushed the door open.

“Surprise!” Jen, Dad, Uncle Andy, Queen Audra, John and Karrie yelled together.

Damien grinned. “What’s all this?”

“A late name day party.” Jen hugged him. “We haven’t had a real party for you in four years. I think you earned this one.”

“He certainly did.” Uncle Andy came over and shook his hand. “You’ve done more for the kingdom in a year than some people do in a lifetime. And I’m not just saying that because you saved my life.”

“Thanks,” Damien said.

John was next in line. They bumped fists. “Karrie planned everything. She was very determined.”

Damien glanced at the princess and raised an eyebrow.

“It was John’s idea and he helped with the details. Were you surprised?”

“Yeah. Any more surprised and I might have blasted everyone.” She stared and he grinned. “I’m just kidding. I would have sensed if there was any real threat.”

She slapped his shoulder. “That’s not funny.”

The queen came over, kissed his cheek, and whispered, “Did you and my daughter come to an understanding last night? It would be nice to make an announcement at her name day celebration next month.”

So the queen was in on this as well. He couldn’t say that surprised him. “Nothing definite.”

She frowned a little. “Decide quickly. The sooner the matter is settled the better for continuity purposes.”

Queen Audra smiled and passed him off to the last person in line, his father. They shook hands. “I’m glad you came. All quiet back home?”

“As quiet as it’s possible for a fortress full of young warlords to be. I’ve read the reports on your missions. You’ve down well, son.”

Fredric pursed his lips and looked away. Damien had never seen his father so uncertain. “What is it?”

“I’m proud of you and I love you. I probably should have told you that long before now.”

Damien’s lip trembled. He hugged his father for the first time in seven years. “I love you too, Dad.”

When they parted everyone was watching. Damien cleared his throat. “Isn’t there supposed to be food and perhaps gifts?”

That brought a round of awkward laughter. “Dinner won’t be ready for a little while,” Karrie said. “So let’s do gifts. Me first.”

Karrie handed him a small box and Damien said a silent prayer that it didn’t contain a ring. Inside was a gold coin, an old one, marked with a scepter on one side and a sword on the other.

“It’s an Old Empire coin, to commemorate your adventure on the whalers’ ship,” Karrie said.

Damien smiled and pocketed it. “It’s great, thanks.”

Next came a flask from John filled with a healing potion he brewed himself. Uncle Andy and Queen Audra gave him a gold ring with the royal seal engraved on it. The moment he touched it Damien felt remnants of soul force stir in the depths of the metal. Someone had soul forged the ring.

“Amazing, isn’t it? The third ruler of the kingdom was a sorcerer. He left a bit of his power in that ring so no one could counterfeit it. Anyone who sees it will know you speak with my full authority. I can’t think of anyone, except your father, that I would rather trust as my agent.”

Damien’s mind reeled. With that ring Damien could command nobles, generals, even his master. Well, maybe not his master, but still it was a grave responsibility and one he didn’t take lightly. He’d have to weigh everything he said lest someone think he spoke in the king’s name. In fact it might be best to cover it with a glove except when absolutely necessary. One thing was certain, he’d never take it off. If someone got ahold of it they could cause a lot of trouble.

“I’m honored by your trust. I won’t let you down.”

Uncle Andy clapped him on the back. “I know you won’t. If I had any doubts I wouldn’t have given it to you.”

Dad came next with a harness of exquisitely tooled back leather. It had two loops, one for his sword and one for his dagger. “I know you’re a sorcerer, but sometimes steel is still best. It’s always better to have a blade than not.”

Damien smiled. That was such a typical Dad thing to say. “It’s perfect, thanks Dad.”

Last came Jen. She approached with empty hands and a sheepish look. “I couldn’t think of anything as great as the sword you made me and anything less seemed like an insult. I thought about it so long I ran out of time and now I don’t have anything for you.”

Damien hugged her. “I’m just glad you’re here. Best. Present. Ever.”