“Yes, but don’t take too much or you’ll end up back in here as sick as a dog. One vial after breakfast, no more.” She pouted at him as she spoke.
Merrick put an arm around him and ushered him out of the room before Naoko could demand anything else from them.
They walked down the corridor and out into the rear garden of the castle. It was a chilly morning, but the sun was clearing the horizon and there was little wind. The green shrubbery had all its flowers in bloom. It reminded Elijah of when Princess Sienna and Prince John were out here. He shuddered at the thought of how they nearly lost her.
Merrick stayed silent as they walked through the centre and seated himself under the gazebo. Elijah hesitated to walk up onto the platform until Merrick pulled him over. “What’s the matter with you, get up here and sit down with me.”
Reluctantly, Elijah stepped onto the platform and sat down. A few moments later, King Roderick and Queen Valerie showed up and seated themselves. Merrick and Elijah stood as the royals walked in and sat only after they had.
“I’m glad to see you up and about Elijah. You had us all quite worried.” The queen squeezed King Roderick’s hand as he spoke. “Thank you for saving our daughter. We owe you a great deal.”
“I couldn’t stand there and let you all debate on whether my life was worth more than hers. It’s mine to give for the princess, and that’s what I did. I wouldn’t change it.”
“That’s very noble of you, Elijah, but know it wasn’t necessary. We wouldn’t have let her…”
Eli looked over the king’s shoulder. “Where is Sienna?”
“She’s in her room, recovering. We thought it best to have this conversation without her. In case..” Valerie looked at Roderick, who nodded. “In case you said no.”
“No? No to what?”
“Well, our daughter is safe, but I now have two potential heirs to the throne, one needs to be removed. I’d like a solution that works for everyone.”
Elijah gulped. Does he mean to kill either Ivan or me?
Merrick chuckled. “Don’t look so scared, Elijah.”
Elijah’s hands were sweating. Shifting his position to get comfortable, he was unsure if he was going to like where this was going.
“We would like to offer Sienna’s hand in marriage,” King Roderick announced. Elijah’s eyes widened. “To you, Elijah Kane.”
“Well, say something then,” Merrick said as he lightly punched Eli on the arm. Scowling at him, while rubbing the place he had just been hit, Elijah thought about what to say.
His heart was pounding in his chest, but the only question that came to mind wasn’t about either of them. “What about Ivan?”
King Roderick smiled. “We will keep him on at the castle, a useful decoy. He looks very similar to you so we will use him as your double.” Elijah gulped. “He will live a lavish life in the castle and in places where we feel that you would be threatened, he will go in your stead.”
Clicking his fingers together, a servant came running over to the king with a box. He placed it in King Roderick’s hands and then turned and scurried off to wherever he had been standing. Elijah couldn’t see anyone else, but he knew there must be guards and servants dotted around.
“Do you know what this is?” King Roderick asked, putting the golden box on the table. Elijah shook his head, even though he had seen a similar one in the North Tower. “This is where all important papers come for royalty to deal with. Three days ago,” Roderick reached inside and pulled out a parchment. “This letter found its way into my box. It’s from Hector.”
“How did a letter from Hector get into your box? I thought he was dead?” Elijah asked, a glimmer of hope igniting in his chest.
“We believe one servant who survived and was loyal to your father carried it with them until now,” Queen Valerie answered. “It could be that they were asked to hand it in once you had returned.”
“Your father made deals with some very important people, but they will only be upheld as long as you are in your rightful place.”
Queen Valerie leant forward. “Will you accept? Will you marry Princess Sienna and keep both bloodlines on the throne?”
Although not the proposal he thought he was going to have, at least it was with the girl he wanted to marry.
“I will accept, on one condition,” Elijah answered.
“Name your terms,” the king countered.
32
A Royal Engagement
Elijah started pacing outside the stables. How long does it take for a Princess to get ready for a horse ride around the castle? He had been outside waiting for an hour already. Maevine said they wouldn’t be long, but it was long enough for Eli to question if he was doing the right thing.
Aelea was inside the stables, but she was tending to the Royal Stallions and Eli didn’t want to leave Keela in case Sienna showed up.
He despised waiting. After having the King agreed to a proper proposal, which Sienna could reject, the ring that was inside his pocket felt like it was burning a hole through his trousers. He was so nervous, and now he was concerned she wouldn’t be turning up.
Much to his surprise, it was Princess Sienna’s ladies that drew his attention to the path leading around the back of the castle. They were laughing and giggling as they walked towards him. Only two of them were there, Maevine and Mary, but he could just make out Sienna’s brunette hair bobbing along behind them.
Once they reached him, Maevine and Mary split to let Sienna walk between them. She looked beautiful. Her hair was down, with two braids either side, tied around the back of her head. Boots over the knee which could be seen by two slits in the front of her skirt, which led up to a tight corset and long-sleeved top, all made from leather.
“Are you going to say anything, or just continue to gawk at me?” Sienna asked, raising her eyebrows. The two ladies laughed and then turned to leave.
“Apologies Your Highness, you just look…” Words escaped him.
“Wonderful, thank you for the compliment,” she huffed as she went inside to grab a horse. “Aelea, is Eros ready to ride,” Sienna called as she went inside the stables.
Elijah slapped himself on the cheeks to awaken him from the daze. How could he be so stupid?
“Princess Sienna,” he started as she came out of the stables with a black stallion. “Apologies, I meant, you look absolutely beautiful, and it took me a little by surprise.”
“It surprises you that I am beautiful?” She threw back.
“No, no. I just meant, you,” he paused. “You took my breath away,” he said, looking down at the floor. How embarrassing.
Princess Sienna smiled. She was teasing him; he could tell by the way she was looking at him.
“Well, now we have that cleared up, shall we get on with our ride? Where is it you are taking me?”
Elijah fought the urge to roll his eyes. “It’s a special place, you’ll have to follow me. I don’t want everyone knowing about it.” He laughed to himself. There was a spot down by the river inside the Castle walls which had a small area of land, surrounded by rocks, that would make for a perfect picnic. But Elijah wanted to keep it a surprise. He knew she would love it the second she saw it.
Sienna climbed atop her horse and frowned. “You expect me to just follow you blindly? How do I know…” Her words died before she finished her sentence.
“I expect you to trust me. I offered my life willingly in exchange for yours,” he said. Keela neighed as he urged her forward. “I know, she will follow. Come on, girl.” Keela started to walk and then broke out into a canter. “Hurry up, Princess, or can’t you keep up?” he shouted back, teasing her.
It was a quick ride to the river. When Elijah stopped, he looked back, checking Sienna was far enough away. He grabbed the blanket from the back of Keela’s saddle and placed it on the ground.
“Sahab,” he whispered. “Sahab, where are you?”
His friend appeared with a basket, two glasses, and what looked like a canter
of wine. “Here you go.”
“What is this?” Elijah asked, holding up the liquid.
“It’s Elven Wine from Kedaeniel. It’s delicious,” Sahab said. “Princess Sienna will think it’s divine, and you can thank me later.”
Elijah laughed. “I have no idea what you are on about. Now get out of here before she turns up.” Her horse, Eros, was heavy-footed and his loud stomps could be heard before they could be seen.
“Go, now.” Elijah shooed his friend off. Sahab chuckled as he disappeared around the rock.
“I forgot how well you could ride. It’s been so long since that first time,” Sienna said as she appeared, making him jump. She swung her legs to one side.
“You’re not too bad yourself,” he replied, reaching up to take her hand and help her down. “At least you didn’t fall this time.”
The scowl she threw him lasted only a second as her eyes landed on the picnic in front of her. “This place is beautiful.” She took off her gloves and stepped forward.
“I’ll bring you back in the warmer months. The flowers that bloom cover this place in colour.” Elijah moved his arm over the green grass as he spoke. “Can I get you something to eat?”
Sienna sat herself down on the blanket, as the sun broke through the trees. Its light brightened their little alcove and gave Elijah a good feeling about what he was about to do.
“Yes please, what have we got?”
Elijah smiled but refrained from answering. In truth, he did not know what Sahab had packed into this little basket for them. He trusted his friend, but Elijah made a mental note to ask what he’s packing if they ever have a picnic again. Inside the basket was a selection of sandwiches, biscuits and cakes.
“Any preference sandwiches?” Elijah asked.
“Cheese and ham please,” Sienna said, taking the food from him. “So,” she started again, “what have you brought me out here for, Prince Kane?” Her cheeks flushed as she put the food down and took a sip of her drink.
He shivered. The name still felt foreign to him. “Honestly, I thought you would already know.” She shook her head. “Thinking back to, you know. There was a moment where I was lying on the ground, watching you leave where I thought I would never see you again.” He took her sandwich free hand in his, which thankfully was her left. “And it made me realise that I never want that to happen. So,” he reached into his pocket, his heart beating like a drum in his chest. His fingertips were sticking to the cold metal of the ring. “I spoke to your father.”
Sienna moved, so she was sitting on her haunches.
“And he gave me this,” Elijah presented the ring to her. “Sienna Cadeyrn, will you marry me?”
Silence fell between them. With only the rush of the river flowing, Elijah could feel the tension rising. His throat wanted to speak again, but he wasn’t sure if he should. Oh gods, she’s going to say no.
“You want to marry me?” Sienna questioned. “Honestly, my parents didn’t put you up to this because you saved my life? Because you’re the heir to the throne my father sits on?”
“Sienna,” he said, reaching forward to take her hand. “If I didn’t want to do this, I would have refused. Whether he is the king, or I am the heir. If I didn’t at least like you, I would have said no.”
Sienna looked to the ground. “So, he has offered you my hand.”
“And I told him I wanted to make a proper proposal,” Elijah cut in before Sienna could say more. “Here, we are just two people who like each other. If I could have stopped you marrying Prince John, I would have.”
Her hand squeezed his. “I’m glad I don’t have to marry him, though…”
“It would have been better if he wasn’t… dead.”
She nodded. “Not exactly the proposal I thought I would get.” Turning her head, Sienna looked out to the trees. “Aren’t we supposed to court each other first?” she asked, not looking away from the river. “That’s how normal people get married, isn’t it?”
“We aren’t normal people,” Elijah said, reaching for Sienna’s chin to turn her to face him.
“I will marry you on one condition.” Elijah laughed at Sienna’s words. Mirroring what he had said to her father. “We must have a long engagement and get to know one another better.”
“That, I can wholeheartedly agree too.” Elijah slipped the ring onto her finger.
Sienna smiled and reached forward, embracing him in a hug. Elijah nuzzled her with his nose and leaned forward for a kiss. As their lips touched, sparks ignited inside his chest. He felt heat on his lips, and he wanted to stay like this. His hand moved to her neck, then up to behind her ear, entangled in her hair. Leaves rustled and alerted Elijah to another person’s presence, but as Sienna didn’t move, neither did he.
“Ahem.” Sienna pulled away from Elijah and standing next to them was Leon.
“Did you forget to tell me something, Elijah?” Leon asked. He was leaning against the side of the rocks with his arms crossed. A cheeky smile was across his face and Eli jumped up.
“You’re out of the infirmary?”
“Nope, I am a figment of your imagination,” Leon said, not moving.
Elijah laughed. “That, my friend, would be a nightmare. What are you doing here?”
Leon’s expression darkened a little. “I came to escort you back to the castle, Your Highness.” He bowed slightly and lifted his head to reveal a cheeky smile.
Epilogue
Buisan ducked into a dark alleyway, avoiding any eye contact with the local villagers. His business was private, and he would need to keep it that way. Checking behind that no-one from the castle had followed him, he scurried along to the end of the road. Looking both ways, he scurried into the tavern once he was sure it was clear.
Bursting with life, the tavern’s occupants took no notice of a hooded man walking in and taking a seat at the back. Buisan placed his stool against the wall and sat down, his back against the cool stone. Looking to the bar, he noticed another hooded man ordering two drinks.
Tapping the table three times, he watched as the man at the bar turned his head and repeated the taps on the bar. Indicating he was who Buisan was meeting.
“I thought you wouldn’t show,” said the hooded figure as he slammed both ales on the table, sloshing liquid everywhere.
“I almost didn’t, Maegar, but if we don’t do something, we will be stuck like this forever.” Buisan gestured to himself.
Maegar sat down and pulled back his hood. His pink tousled hair stood out in the tavern. Apart from the barmaid with red hair, he was the only person with a strange colour. Everyone else inside had either brown or blonde hair. “Don’t even say it.”
“No need to snap at me,” noted Buisan as he picked up the ale. As the smell reached his nose, he grimaced. “I don’t know how they drink this.”
Maegar laughed and drank his own. “If you do it in one, you don’t get the smell. The taste isn’t so bad.” He smiled as he looked at Buisan from the side. “You’ve grown soft up there in your castle.”
“I have been watching for the return of the prince. We agreed for twenty years of protection from the day that boy was born, we still have a year left.” Buisan pushed his ale towards Maegar. He wasn’t in the mood to drink. “We need to gather the council.”
A deep growl came from Maegar’s throat, a warning to Buisan to be careful with what he said next. The table next to them had stopped talking and one man turned to look at them. Maegar’s pink hair and orange eyes weren’t exactly inconspicuous. They both stood out like sore thumbs.
“Uzinmwana Mzalabise,” Maegar snapped with a low hiss.
“Apologies,” Buisan said to the man staring at them. “He is feeling unwell. Ogre Cough.”
With a roll of his eyes, the man turned back to his table. It was too loud for Buisan to hear what they were saying, but two of them stood up and walked over to them.
The first man was larger than he first appeared, broad shouldered and had little muscle on his arms.
His deep brown hair reaching his shoulders was curled. The second Buisan recognised from the castle, he was a guard at the gates, Thomelc.
“Come on Buisan, it’s time for you and your friend to go.”
Looking around, the whole Tavern had now gone quiet. “Yes,” Buisan agreed. “I suppose it is. Lets go, Maegar.”
Eyes watched them as they left the tavern, and Buisan was certain someone spat on the floor as he passed. If it was on his boots, they would get marked. Such a disgusting habit.
Outside in the cool evening air, Maegar let out another growl before settling himself down. Buisan forgot he was the only one around humans long enough to suppress his natural instincts.
“You need to learn to control that, brother,” he said as they started to move away from the building. “Promise me you’ll gather the council and we will have a meeting. The boy needs to know about our protection, about his father’s agreement, about his part in all of it.”
“Why must he know? Our agreement will be over soon, and he won’t be king before then.” Maegar never was one for being optimistic.
“He may feel differently about us than Roderick does, and if Eltoris comes for the boy, our race may be in more danger. We are already in hiding Maegar, do we really want to be extinct?”
The pair of them were silent, the only sounds were the crunching of stones beneath their feet. Maegar sighed. “No, we don’t want to be extinct, but we also can’t keep making deals with humans, Buisan. We are a proud race, and we deserve to be treated as such.”
“He’s a Dragon Lord, we will have to obey him anyway,” Buisan noted.
His friend’s eyes widened. “A Dragon Lord, you’re positive?”
“Can’t you feel it?”
“Only the dragon tied to the lord can feel it Buisan, or have you forgotten? You are both very lucky, Eltoris tried to wipe them all out to control us. He even learnt our tongue. Do you think this boy…” Maegar paused for a moment. “Do you think he is the one that can set us free?”
Kingdom of Lies (The Kane Saga Book 1) Page 25