Dark One Rising
Page 19
The king frowned. “I was hoping that wasn’t what you were going to tell me. I hoped you could’ve avoided using that foul method. The thought of it gives me chills.”
“Yes, I would normally agree with you. Nevertheless, I will have to thank Sol for the use of it when I see him again. Without it, we would’ve been caught.”
“Using it, you risked getting lost inside that god forsaken place forever.”
“True, but we were not and escaping was my only goal, no matter the cost. Fallon is persistent in his pursuit, Your Majesty, and he will stop at nothing to achieve his goal, whatever that is. We may have lost him for now, but we won’t evade him forever. He will not stop until he finds her. She’ll be safe enough here for the time being, but I fear if darkness is on his side, he’ll find a way to break through. He will kill anyone in his way when he does, even you. You may have put yourself in more danger than you realize by agreeing to this.”
“Although I don’t know Kevaan as you do, his willingness to keep the peace and work together with me is enough. I feel I owe him something. If keeping his sister safe is helping him, I risk myself willingly.”
“You may not feel that way later. There are frightening stories all over, Dain, and I doubt they’re just local lore. There are things I have seen out there, things I have felt that I can’t explain. Although I don’t frighten easily, the things I have heard and seen certainly make me pause. I’m not stupid enough to brush them off as nothing. There’s something else you should know about, but it can wait.”
“I have seen and felt things too, and I’m glad to have you back,” he said, clasping his friend on the shoulder again. “I feel the winds are changing and are coming this way. I’ll need to have you by my side when they do.” He paused a moment, then continued. “There are things I have to tell you as well, but I think in light of all you’ve been through in the last few days, it too can wait.”
A voice from the door spoke, interrupting their bonding. “Why does Fallon think marrying me will gain him more power than he already has? If he wants to start a war, what do I have to do with that?”
Both men stopped short and turned. They looked at her with surprise, almost as if they had forgotten she was in the room. Dain smiled, and Alekzand’r cleared his throat, going over to her and motioning her forward.
“I’m so terribly sorry, My Lady, my manners have much to be desired,” Alek apologized.
“Yes, they do,” she answered, rubbing her wrists almost inconspicuously and glaring at him. He cleared his throat again and turned back to Dain, bowing.
“Your Majesty, may I introduce Princess Melenthia Eryn Breslin, daughter of King Randor Breslin at Lachlan Castle, liege of Aaralyn.
She curtsied, and Dain approached her, taking her hand in his and kissing it, while still looking into her eyes. She surprisingly felt her ears grow warm. He bowed then to her and smiled.
“Welcome to Drydon Keep in Azlyn, Your Highness. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”
“And you as well, Your Majesty,” she said politely, keeping her tone light. “Your reputation precedes you.”
Dain looked at Alek but he only put his hands up in defense. “Not from me, Your Majesty.”
“Hmmm,” he said, his tone conveying amusement. “That doesn’t bode well for me, for any stories relayed by anyone other than my friends cannot be flattering in the least.”
“Stories tend to be exaggerated, Your Majesty, especially by those who talk only to hear the sound of their own voice.” She didn’t know about the other rumors yet, but the descriptions of his extraordinary good looks were certainly true.
He looked at her for a moment, then laughed. “Well said, Princess. Perhaps you speak from experience.”
“Perhaps.”
He looked down at the sword and stood still, gazing at it. “Is that the legendary Tanith of the prophecy?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“May I?”
She looked to Alek who nodded. She drew it and handed it to him. He examined it in the firelight.
“It’s quite extraordinary.” He handed it back. She put it away. There was silence for a moment or two as he gazed at her some more, then he spoke again. “Now it’s me who has forgotten his manners. I’m having the servants bring up some food and warm tea. Is there anything else I can have brought for you? Fresh clothes perhaps?”
She looked over toward the high-board. “Warm tea would be fine, unless you think you could spare a glass of something stronger. I have one hell of a headache,” she finished.
“I like this girl, Alek. Come, sit by the fire. Warm and rest yourselves.”
Alek tried to be polite, hoping to calm her anger at him. He motioned her to one of the comfortable chairs in front of the fire, then sat down next to her in the other. The king brought over two glasses of ale and handed one to her, then another to Alek, but he shook his head.
“I’m weary enough this night. I’m afraid that would cause more trouble for my addled brain than I’d like.”
The king shrugged and sat down across from them. He looked at his friend with concern. “You do look especially weary tonight, Alek. Why don’t you turn in. God knows you’ve earned it. No more do I require of you this night.”
“I need to get word to Kevaan that she’s fine.”
“No need. I’ll send Navak with dispatch to Kevaan that his sister has arrived safely. Tired but in one piece.” He looked at her, almost as if he were waiting for her to say something, but she remained quiet.
“Are you sure, Your Majesty?”
“Yes, I’m sure. Your job is finished for now. Go, rest.”
Alekzand’r rose, looked at her and bowed. “How about you, Your Highness? Anything further you require of me this night?”
She rubbed her wrists noticeably. “You’ve done enough, Alekzand’r.”
He glared at her now, annoyed with her for constantly reminding him of his error in judgment. He would like to say she deserved it, but he knew she didn’t. No matter what she said about being able to take care of herself, she had been scared, and he let her fear, and in saying so, her behavior because of it, get the better of him. He lost his temper, but she really didn’t deserve to be tied up. He would let her cool off, then apologize profusely, again. She changed her tone then. “Get some rest. I’m safe.”
“For now,” Alekzand’r said looking in the king’s direction and giving him a nonverbal warning. She was already unsettled, and it wouldn’t help to have the king attempt to woo her. If that happened, she would never trust him. She needed to be able to trust both of them. The king nodded subtly, acknowledging his friends warning.
She didn’t notice the exchange and added, “So unless I have something to fear from this rogue, I’m fine.” She glanced at the king and smiled. Alek winced to himself.
“See, Alek, she’s fine. I’ll make sure she’s tended to.”
Alek was not sure it was a good idea to leave them alone, but then recalled her feistiness at his campsite. He decided she probably could take care of herself. He sighed. “Very well then. I’ll call it a day.” He bowed to the king, then to her. He left the room and closed the door behind him. The room was quiet except for the sounds of the fire crackling in the massive stone hearth.
She let the warmth of the fire and the ale soothe her; she closed her eyes for a few minutes, allowing herself to be carried away into relaxation. She was still very sore and her head still throbbed, but the ale was starting to calm her anxiousness and soothe her achiness. After a few minutes she could feel him looking at her. She opened her eyes and looked toward him. “What?”
“I was just pondering the question you asked earlier. I too am wondering why the duke is so infatuated with you that he would stop at nothing to have you. ”
She shrugged.
He continued. “I mean, aside from the obvious reasons. One, you are a princess. And two, your beauty is intoxicating.” He stopped for a moment and peered over at her inconspicuously.
He stood to stop her. “Wait. Please, I meant no offense, Your Highness. It was a general compliment, nothing more.”
“I don’t need or want them, and I’m intelligent enough to understand what a man expects in return for those compliments. Despite what you or my father and brother think, I’m well read enough to know when things are not as they should be. I’ve been all over my father’s province and have seen what happens when someone has delusions of what their importance means.”
“Your fiancé does seem to be more trouble than anyone would have guessed.”
“He is NOT my fiancé!” She seethed. “He is a barbarian who thinks he can take what doesn’t belong to him, and that includes me. I’m no one’s property, least of all his.”
He had really angered her now, and it was really not his intention to do so. He suddenly felt guilty. “Please forgive me, Your Highness, I didn’t mean to make you so angry. I’m just as puzzled by his behavior as you are. You’re correct. You are no one’s property, and he has no rights to you if you don’t want him, treaty or no treaty. However, it confuses me as to why he would choose you. A girl like you would certainly make trouble for someone like him.”
“Very astute, Your Majesty. I certainly would.” Her arms were crossed over her chest.
She was indeed fiery. He smiled again, and, trying to lighten the mood, said, “So the talk about you is true as well?”
She did not answer.
He sighed. “Look, you’ll be here for some time I suspect, and I don’t want to start out our relationship this way. I in no way meant to imply anything. You can trust me, and I would like us to be friends.”
She glowered at him. “You should know, Your Majesty, that men and women cannot be friends without other things implied, especially men and women of nobility.”
“I’d like to believe otherwise. Apparently you are more jaded about relationships than I. With good reason, I suppose, in light of all that has happened. Give me some time to belay your doubts. I would like to prove that you and I can be friends, with no expectations of anything else. Sit back down, please. Let’s talk some more. I’m not ready to let you go just yet.”
She looked at him and pursed her lips, then decided it would be rude to turn her back on him just yet. He did offer his home and his protection after all, and Kevaan would want her to give him a chance. She would. For now. She sat back down. He smiled at her, his straight white teeth evident in the firelight against his tanned skin. His pale blue eyes regarded her with interest. He seated himself.
“I’m sorry I overreacted, Your Majesty. I’m just tired and sore from my trip.”
“I know. There’s no reason for you to apologize. It was I who was out of line.”
They were both quiet for a bit, then he said, “I’m sure in time we will learn what all of this trouble is about. For now, you are my guest. If there is anything, anything at all you require from me, don’t hesitate to ask.” He looked at her under his eyelashes now.
She was still not convinced that he wouldn’t be trouble for her later, but his laid back attitude and genuine smile calmed her for the time being. She didn’t fear that he would do anything to harm her, but she didn’t want any unwanted attention either, king or not. After another half hour of casual conversation, she started to nod off, her eyes heavy and her limbs stiff.
“Thank you for your hospitality and company, but I’m getting a bit tired now. It’s been a long and troubling ride. I think I would like to turn in.”
“Of course,” He stood up and went over to the window and pulled the cord. In a few minutes, a servant opened the door and came in, bowing.
“Please see that the princess finds her way to her quarters, and make sure she has all that she requires.”
He bowed again. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
She stood to follow him, and Dain said to her, “Good night, Princess. I hope you sleep well.”
She curtsied. “Thank you for the drink, Sire.” She turned to leave, but he stopped her.
“Princess.”
She turned to face him again. “Yes.”
“I really would feel honored if you’d call me Dain as my friends do. I sincerely hope we will be friends after all this is done.”
She looked at him for a time, then smiled warmly. “As you wish, Your Majesty. Dain it is.”
He nodded to her, and she followed the servant from the room. He sat back down in his chair and finished his drink.
***
She awoke in the morning with a warm sunbeam hitting her face, the sun streaming through a part in the heavy curtains. She had slept well, better than she had in days. The soft bed, and warm down filled spread, made her feel cozy and secure. She was still sore, and her head still throbbed a bit, but the comfort of the soft bed had allowed peaceful sleep. She sat up, yawned and stretched, the blankets falling down to her waist. She twisted her body, trying to loosen all the kinks that had bound her up in the last week. When she faced forward again, she suddenly noticed someone sitting in the large overstuffed chair to the left of the bed. She was startled and quickly pulled the covers back up to her chin, covering up the thin, see-through material of the shift she wore. When she recovered and found her voice, she glared at her intruder.
“What are you doing in here?”
The king was sitting in the chair haphazardly. He had one leg tossed over one arm, the other was on the floor. He was sitting back quite casually and was staring at her. He knew he shouldn’t be here. He knew he shouldn’t rile her, but her fervor the previous night intrigued him. Never had he met such a beautiful women with such a fiery temper. He couldn’t help himself.
“My castle. I go where I want, when I want.”
“And that gives you a right to intrude on a guest, while she’s sleeping, without even knocking?”
“I apologize for startling you. I was just sitting here trying to decide what I should do with you.”
“Excuse me?”
“You’re in my house now, but I have no idea what I should do with you. I have a few ideas of course, but I doubt they would be looked upon as appropriate.”
She glared at him more now.
He flashed a dazzling smile. “I’m just kidding, Your Highness. You really ought to lighten up.” He swung his leg over the arm and placed it on the floor with the other. “You are perfectly safe here, and I’ll be a perfect gentleman,” he said bowing. “Breakfast is ready; I’m sure you’re hungry for more than cold rations.”
“Yes,” was all she said, glancing down at her nightgown, shifting on the bed uncomfortably. He was silent for a moment, looking at her, the sunlight streaming down on her curvy form. She was a beauty, with that there was no doubt. Her emerald colored eyes were mesmerizing and held captive, he would bet, anyone who looked too deeply within them. Her thick golden red curly hair, although cut short, was shiny, and her red full lips would make any man want to kiss them. He wanted to kiss them. Beautiful women were always his weakness, but this time it was more than that. He could understand why men were drawn to her, but he could also understand why they shied away when she opened her mouth. She was petulant and had a temper. She was too much to handle for most men, he gathered, but, he wasn’t most men.
He knew she was uneasy and didn’t want to further that feeling, so he smiled kindly. “I will leave so you can dress. I had my staff bring you some things.” He pointed to the wardrobe beside the washstand. “I believe you’ll find something more befitting a princess than riding pants and tunic in there.”
“I happen to like my riding pants and tunic.” She looked around the room, searching for them. “Where are they?”
“I sent them off to be cleaned. The dresses are only temporary. Once this is all over, you can go back to dressing how you please.”
He stood to leave. A servant came into
the room and waited just inside the doorway until beckoned. “Bianca is here to help you.”
“I don’t need help. I’ve been dressing myself since I was four years old.”
“I don’t doubt that. I’ll bet you’ve been doing a lot of things by yourself since you were a youngster. It would explain a lot of things.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
She crossed her arms over her chest again, the blanket falling and uncovering her once more. This time she didn’t notice, but he did. He casually looked her over again. The sunlight made the material of her gown see-through. He quickly looked away, feeling oddly embarrassed for himself. He shook it off.
He put up his hand in defense. “Again, I meant no offense, Your Highness. I was simply making an observation. I just meant that you’re perhaps one of the most independent women I’ve ever met.”
“Well, that’s the way it should be. The problem with women is, they depend too much on men.”
“Perhaps, but most women like to have a man who’s strong and who will protect them and their honor.”
She snorted. “Their honor? Men are hardly honorable when it comes to women. And most women are helpless and can’t even think for themselves much less protect themselves.”
“Yes, well, not everyone has a brother like yours who cares enough to teach them.”
“My father isn’t at all pleased with it.”
“And there lies the beginning to this little problem. Your independence puts you at a disadvantage with men, I would assume. That’s why you haven’t found one who will accept you the way you are, because who you are is not what they are used to.”
“Yes.”
“If men would try harder to be open minded, perhaps they would find many traits in you that are unique, which I’m sure are likeable. It’s too bad, but unfortunately, princess, you and I are much alike. We both struggle to be who we are. I can assure you, one day we will both find that one person who sees us for who we are, not what they want us to be. Not all men think in this manner, you know.”