“And what about you Samuel?” Elizabeth asked the young prince. His facial expression never wavered as everyone discussed the choices his kingdom would need to make in all of the planning. He inhaled a deep breath as he looked to Ryle.
“I will do whatever needs to be done to protect our Realm.” Samuel stated confidently. “I should like to be a leader the South can respect, and I should like to serve the Realm in any way I can.”
Alayna smiled at Samuel’s eagerness and willingness. She exchanged a pleased and relieved smile with Ryle.
“Then it is settled. We shall start our planning.” She beamed across the room. “Tomorrow, Clifton and Ryle will travel to the boundary line and attempt Ryle’s crossing as well as informing Edward of our plans. We will move forward from there. Coronations are at weeks end. Our trip to the South for Samuel’s coronation shall give us insight into the status of his guard there and the weaponry at our disposal.”
Samuel nodded.
Elizabeth raised her hand.
“Yes, sister?”
“What happens if Ryle is not able to cross back into the Realm? What if it is not bloodline that makes Clifton able to cross?”
“If I remain stuck in the Lands, I will still continue as planned. Clifton will then be the carrier of the weapons, and I will train the forces on the other side and everything will continue smoothly.”
“Yet, we have no idea if the boundary disappears with Lancer.” Clifton clarified.
“It will.” Ryle and Alayna stated at the same time with equal confidence.
Alayna stood slowly. “I think that is all for tonight. Rest up everyone, the next few weeks shall be busy.”
∞
“And what are your thoughts on this?” Elizabeth asked Clifton as soon as the door to their chamber closed. Mary quickly made her way towards Elizabeth behind the changing boards to ready her for bed as Clifton sat on the edge of the bed listening.
“I have my hesitation, but it seems the plan is underway regardless.”
Elizabeth poked her head around the divider and stared at her husband’s weary face. “Something is troubling you.”
Clifton glanced her direction and smirked. “Stop spying on me. You are to be changing instead of giving Mary a difficult task.”
Elizabeth playfully stuck out her tongue as she retreated back behind the dividers.
“I am just struggling with all the new information in regard to my mother. I hate that she felt abandoning her own family was the right decision.”
“Well look at Lancer.” Elizabeth stated. “Would you want him visiting you all the time?”
Clifton’s mouth tilted into a small grin at Elizabeth’s blunt assessment. “I guess you are right. Though it saddens me she did not have a sibling to love.”
“But she had a chance at love with your father, and once she had her own children I am sure her own losses paled in comparison to the joy she found in her new family.” Elizabeth emerged around the side of the changing boards, her arm around Mary’s shoulders as Mary helped her hop towards her husband. She sat down beside him and lightly rested her hand on his thigh. “It is hard for me to fathom too. Even when Edward left us, I still could not let him go. But we see who Lancer is now… and if your mother knew the hatred and evil lurking within him then, then I believe she was only wishing to protect us all from such a man.”
“I believe you’re right. She loved this realm. I never knew she was from another realm other than this one. My parents never spoke of their betrothal. And I never asked.”
“You’re a man. Men never would ask about that.” Elizabeth replied playfully.
Clifton chuckled. “I supposed you are right again, love.” He ran his hands through his hair as he sighed. He nodded towards Mary and Elizabeth glanced up at her attendant. “Oh, that will be all for tonight Mary. Thank you.”
Mary bowed and obediently exited the room.
Elizabeth rubbed a hand over Clifton’s back and watched as he stood and began to pace. “We need to be careful, Elizabeth. Edward is our friend now, but my concern is that the darkness is getting to him. Should we seek all his help in aiding us in this battle, I am ashamed to admit, that I am afraid he will turn against us and tell Lancer. I fear we will be ambushed.”
She reached out her hands and he took them. She stood to her feet and looked up at his eyes their color like spring grass. “Be watchful then. Should you begin to feel his allegiance shifting, you report it at once to the council. To the council as a whole. Not to your brother. Not to my sister. To the entire council. I fear Ryle and Alayna have teamed together to present this plan in a way to present a united front, however, I think their secret planning has also put us all in a whirlwind of agreement before we are ready. Everyone trusts your judgment. Isaac will too. Isaac, by nature, is suspicious of everyone, much less Lancer and potentially Edward. Take him with you and Ryle tomorrow and let him observe. He is keen on observation.”
“You are right. Isaac would be insightful. I believe all of us will go.” He watched as hope bloomed in his wife’s eyes. “I mean, the princes.”
She frowned, and he chuckled. “Sorry love, you are not ready to ride a horse just yet.”
“I know.” She briefly pouted before easing back onto the bed and sitting. “Though Arnos believes I should be able to attach my falsie by weeks end. The coronation will hopefully be a standing affair for me.”
“That is good news.” Clifton agreed as he turned down the covers. “Just—”
“Don’t overdo it. I know.” She finished his sentence making him laugh and then smiled as he kissed her goodnight. Clifton turned and blew out the lantern next to the bed.
“And Clifton,” Elizabeth whispered in the darkness.
“Yes, love?”
“Please look out for Samuel in all this as well. Do not let him feel bullied or overwhelmed.”
“You know I will.”
“Yes. I know.” Her voice grew quiet and Clifton heard her even breathing as she slept. He lay awake for another few minutes until exhaustion finally overcame him.
∞
“It would seem you have a letter, Princess Katarina.” King Abner walked slowly up the castle steps to the awaiting line of princesses as the Western Kingdom carriage remained out front. Katarina had hoped Isaac had returned but tried to hide her disappointment when her father mounted the steps alone. He handed her the letter. “I wish to know its contents.” He stated firmly as she slid her finger under the Western seal.
She smiled at the sight of her name scrawled in his regal handwriting and could not help the small flutter in her chest at the thought of him thinking of her.
Dearest Katarina,
I apologize once more for my abrupt departure from your kingdom. I had intended and now wish I could have extended my stay so as to speak with you more. However, my own Realm currently needs me. I will keep my letter brief and to the point so as to encourage a swift response. I sent a carriage in hopes that you might accept my invitation, and that your father would be willing to part with you for a few weeks.
The coronation of Princess Alayna of the Northern Kingdom and Prince Samuel of the Southern Kingdom are to take place at week’s end. I had hoped… nay, I had wished for you to join me in my Realm to help celebrate. I know we briefly discussed my Realm, and I hoped you might wish to see it for yourself.
Please extend my regards to your father and the rest of your family.
Isaac
Katarina read the letter again, only aloud to her father as he paced the entry hall of the castle. She watched him closely as he pondered the invite.
“You will accept.”
Her face split into an excited smile. “Oh thank you, Father.” She rushed towards him and hugged him tightly.
He pulled her hands away and held her at arm’s length. “On one condition, Katarina. You must learn everything there is to know about this Realm. I want to know their plans, their wishes, and their structure. Everything. I realize you are at
tracted to the prince, but you must not allow this attraction to interfere with my plans. Understand?”
She nodded, though she hated the idea of spying on Isaac and his realm. However, she knew it would be the only way her father would let her leave. And leave is definitely what she wanted to do. She could not wait to see what life was like outside their castle walls. Had she ever ventured outside the walls? No. Not that she could remember. How nice it must be to see different lands.
“I will do whatever you wish of me, Father.” She stated calmly, earning the satisfied smile she knew would come.
“Very well. You leave tonight.” Abner signaled Rupert to give him his response and to ready the carrier for his daughter. Rupert sent a message back to Prince Isaac and awaited Princess Katarina. He knew Isaac would meet him at the boundary between Abner’s Realm and Alayna’s to intercept Katarina as a welcome. He also prayed that King Abner would allow them all to depart without hindrance, fearing a repeat of their last journey.
CHAPTER 8
Dawn came quickly and before he could fully stretch away his slumber, Ryle found his feet hitting the floor and ready for the day’s events. He was nervous, yes, but he knew that if they did not attempt his crossing the boundary line, their plan would be delayed. His main concern was leaving Alayna. Should he not be able to cross freely like his brother, he dreaded not seeing Alayna every day. He would be trapped in the Lands like Edward. Forced to gaze upon his family from a distance. No. He shook his head. There was no room to think of such things. His crossing would be successful. He clasped the buttons on his tunic as he straightened. Emerald. The colors of the Northern Kingdom. Colors he wore proudly as his post as Captain of the Royal Guard for Alayna. Though different than the pale blue he was familiar with, Ryle knew he would wear whatever colors he needed to if it meant serving Alayna. He heard a light knock on his door.
“Come in.” His deep voice echoed through the room.
Clifton poked his head into the room. “Ready?” He asked quietly, knowing the remainder of the castle still slept.
Ryle nodded and grabbed his sword on his way out of the room. He and Clifton followed the back stairwell Princess Elizabeth had often used prior to her father’s knowledge of her visits to the boundary line and her brother. They quietly made their way out of the castle and towards the stables. Prince Isaac and Prince Samuel awaited them, ready and in their saddles.
“It’s about time.” Isaac baited. “Samuel and I have been here for hours.”
Samuel shook his head to contradict the false statement and the Eastern brothers smirked as they vaulted onto their own horses.
“Remind me again why we need him.” Ryle stated to Clifton, his younger brother chuckling as they all set out towards Elizabeth’s clearing.
When the familiar tree line emerged before them, all princes dismounted and eased through the brush to the other side. Edward was not present yet but a woman with golden hair emerged on the other side. Cecilia. She smiled in welcome, her gaze traveling from one man to the next and she nodded appreciatively at the sight before her. She disappeared for a few minutes and then Edward emerged, Cecilia by his side. His eyes widened in surprise at the sight of all the princes coming to see him. He bowed towards the boundary line and waved a hand for Clifton to cross.
Clifton turned to his friends. “I will be back shortly. Let me check the conditions first.” He easily stepped through the veil and Ryle watched his brother closely. No signs of anything amiss, it seemed. Perhaps it was not painful to cross.
Edward greeted Clifton with a hand upon his shoulder. “I am glad you have come. I am glad to see all the princes so united.”
“Yes. We have much to discuss with you.” Clifton nodded his greeting towards Cecilia. She smiled warmly and waved him and Edward towards a log to sit upon as they spoke. She eased onto a boulder near them and listened closely as Clifton began telling Edward of the possible plans for assault against Lancer.
“So Alayna wishes to utilize the Uniters?” Edward asked with glee. “I am so glad. I am amazed at the young prince of the south offering his armories to us as well.”
“Yes, Samuel will be most instrumental. Most of your Uniters are former Southern guards and Samuel feels somewhat responsible for their fate. He wishes to supply them with what they need to aid in their rescue.”
Edward clapped his hands and hopped to his feet as he began to pace. “So your brother will cross daily to work with the guards and myself in our quest to defeat Lancer with a surprise attack?”
“Yes. That is the plan.” Clifton confirmed.
“And does my sister have an idea of a timeline of when she feels this assault should take place? Lancer’s weakened power may not last for long.”
“The coronations will take place in a few days.” Clifton added. “I imagine a week or two to ensure the guards are fully trained and a military strategy iron clad enough to pass the approval of the entire council. Then I imagine it will happen rather quickly. Do you think this plan is possible?”
Edward nodded. “Yes. Definitely. Lancer will not suspect a thing. He’s too focused upon himself at the moment to even think about the boundary line. Especially since he gave me the task to spy across the line. I will report to him only what we want him to know.”
“Very good. I am afraid it places you in quite a precarious position. You will need to lead Lancer’s army without a hint of suspicion. Do you think you will be capable of this?”
“Yes. I know I will.” Edward confirmed. “This is what we have all been praying for all these years.” He squeezed Cecilia’s hand in excitement and she grinned as he kissed her heartily on the lips. Clifton smirked as he stood and walked back towards the boundary.
“Well then, I guess it is time for us to test my brother’s ability to cross.” Clifton stepped back through the boundary into Elizabeth’s clearing and laid a comforting hand on his brother’s shoulder as they stepped towards the foggy line.
∞
“Will you please stop pacing?” Elizabeth cast a tender smile towards her sister as Alayna darted from one end of the room to the other with her arms wrapped around her waist and her eyes boring holes in the floor. “Ryle will be fine.”
Alayna’s brown gaze shot to her sister. “We do not know that. What if he is not able to cross back over? I… we…” She trailed off and then shook her head. “You’re right. He will be back.”
“You were so confident last night in his crossing, why the sudden change of heart?” Elizabeth asked, though she could tell her sister possessed feelings for the Eastern prince, she also knew Alayna was too stubborn to admit the fact.
“Well, it wasn’t real then. It is real now. He’s actually going to cross right now. I guess it just didn’t hit me until now.” Alayna worried her hands and then walked over to a floral arrangement in front of the main window. She fluffed the flowers all while her gaze travelled outdoors and towards Elizabeth’s clearing.
“He will be fine.” Elizabeth repeated. “Ryle is of Lancer’s blood. He will be able to cross freely.”
“She is right.” King Eamon’s voice drifted into the room as he entered with a warm smile. “And how are you my dear?” Eamon leaned down and kissed Elizabeth’s cheek as she smiled. “I’m doing well. Alayna is the one we should be worried about at the moment.”
Eamon chuckled. “Ah, a woman’s worry. I can spot it a mile away. Come dear, sit.” He waved Alayna over to a free sofa as he sat as well. “Everything will go smoothly today, just you wait and see.”
“You are not concerned?”
He shook his head. “Not at all. If Cliff believes Ryle can cross without complication, then so do I. Besides, Ryle will serve us one way or another. Whether he remains in the Lands or in the Realm, he will always wish to serve the Realm. To serve you, Alayna.” King Eamon’s voice held a tone of recognition. Alayna felt her cheeks flush before she turned away to focus on anything besides her feelings for Ryle. Was it that obvious to everyone? She rolled her shoulde
rs back and stood. “I think I will await the men at the stables.”
“Alayna.” Elizabeth sighed in frustration and pointed back to the sofa. “I am not worried. King Eamon is not worried. You should not be worried. Now sit. Keep us company. Perhaps some conversation will distract you.”
“I doubt it.” Alayna admitted. “But I will try.”
“Good.” Elizabeth and Eamon stated at the same time making them each smile.
“Is King Anthony out and about?” Alayna asked.
“I believe he went to the markets this morning with a few of his attendants.” Eamon explained. “I do not expect he will be gone long.”
“And Melody? Did she leave with him?”
“No.” Elizabeth’s eyes held a thrill. “She is walking the gardens with as much worry as you… only her thoughts are with Samuel.”
“Samuel?” Alayna’s brows rose in surprise.
Elizabeth nodded emphatically. “I think there is something brewing between the two.”
King Eamon chuckled at her excitement.
“But he is only sixteen.”
“And she only eighteen.” Elizabeth added. “It’s not that large of an age difference, Alayna. Besides, Samuel acts more a man than some twice his age.”
“That is true.” Alayna acknowledged. “How does Anthony or Isaac feel of this budding romance?”
Elizabeth shrugged. “I think Isaac suspects something between the two, but he doesn’t seem concerned. And King Anthony,” Elizabeth playfully grimaced, “I pray he finds out in the most delicate of fashion.”
Eamon laughed at Elizabeth’s response. “I am sure Anthony will be quite pleased.”
“Are you sure?” Elizabeth asked curiously. “He seems quite… insensitive at times.”
“Yes, Anthony can be a hard man every now and again, but he wants the best for his children. As do we all.” Eamon cast a pointed glance at Alayna and she diverted her gaze.
“Well then I look forward to seeing how the two young ones interact.” Elizabeth rubbed her hands together playfully.
The Unfading Lands The Complete Set Page 46