It was starting to rain, the light summer drops tapping against the windows as Tarren tried to settle in for the night. It was hard to relax though, with so much on his mind. He’d watched the Ball and he’d watched Eryk closely. Eryk had done his duty, danced with all of the ladies and made small talk. But the only one who had made Eryk smile, the only one he’d wanted to be with, was Aislynn. That could make all of this very, very complicated.
Tarren had spoken with Collin before they had both retired for the night, and he knew that Collin really wanted Eryk to choose Alexius. Admittedly, that would make things considerably less confusing and difficult, but Tarren wasn’t convinced that Eryk would be happy with that decision. He really did want his son to be happy.
Collin was sure that Eryk would come to love Alexius in time and that he’d be happy with her. He wanted to send Aislynn away, to be sure that there wouldn't be a problem. He was concerned about a “conflict of interest” if Eryk chose Aislynn, but Tarren knew that the pact prevented Aislynn from going anywhere, regardless of Eryk’s choice. Besides, how could there be a conflict of interest when both bodyguard and queen would want the king to remain safe?
It was a lot to think about, but Tarren was tired, and he eventually drifted off into a restless sleep.
The King's Assassin Page 15