Читать книгу Aelethia's Hope - Leandra Martin - Страница 7

The guards on top the parapet wall could see the riders approaching from the distance and yelled down to the gate keepers to prepare for entrance. The Captain of the Guard, Alastair, snapped to a squire standing watch inside the gate. The squire approached and saluted his captain. “Yes, sir.”

“See that Emerick and the staff are prepared. The princess has returned and is about a half hour away.”

“Yes, sir.”

The squire, who was new to the king’s ranks, taking the place of Henri who was on quest with Alek, ran up the stairs and into the castle. He inquired the whereabouts of Emerick and made haste to bring him the message.

Emerick received the message and put his staff to work, making sure everything was in order for the princess’ return. Her apartments were ready, and the dressing chests refilled with newly made garments.

He was excited. She had been gone many a month, and he wasn’t sure how much longer Dain could take it. He kept himself busy with war preparations and troop movement, but at the end of the day, his melancholy mood always came out. He missed her more than even Emerick had imagined he would, and he was pleased about it. He hadn’t so much as batted an eyelash at another woman since her departure, and there had been ample opportunity, the castle full of nobles coming and going again, the women doing their best to turn his head. It wasn’t common knowledge that Dain was in love, so the women were frustrated by his lack of attention.

Emerick smiled largely as he busied himself with other duties. He would be glad to have the light in the castle again. Emerick thanked the maker that Ruan had decided to surprise Dain with his presence. Emerick suspected it was the only reason Dain didn’t go crazy awaiting her return; he had Ruan to distract him and keep his mind on task.

A half hour later the arrival bell sounded, and Emerick went through the main hall to greet them. He was a bit upset that Dain had not yet returned to the castle; he had gone into Tarun for business and was not there to greet her. Well, he thought, at least he would come home to a surprise.

When Melenthia climbed the stairs, Sol and Tomaz following, Emerick took her hands in his when she reached him and smiled down on her. “It’s so very good to have you home again, Your Highness, safe and sound.”

She smiled back at the kind old man who had so slyly hinted about Dain’s love for her. She was very fond of him and was happy to see him in return. “Thank you, Emerick. It’s good to be home. I’ve been away much too long.”

“She’s safe, but not completely sound,” Sol interjected, a slight smile on his face. Melenthia glared at him.

Emerick looked to Sol, then back at Melenthia. “What happened?”

“We ran into a few of Fallon’s guards halfway between Mercer and here, on the Elanorrah Lake road. They ambushed us.”

His eyes squinted in alarm. “How many?”

Tomaz answered, “Seven.”

He glanced at the elf then once again focused on Melenthia. “Are you hurt?”

“Not badly. I got hit in the rib cage with a broadsword. I have a cut which is healing up after Tomaz’s application of medicinal herbal paste, but the left side of my rib cage is pretty sore. It hurts to breathe in too deeply, and the up and down motion of the horse was to say the least, uncomfortable. Please don’t say anything to Dain. It’ll just make him worry.”

“All right, but if you don’t feel better in a day or two, I will. Although I’m sure he’ll figure it out on his own eventually.”

“Thank you.”

“I’m afraid he’s not in the castle at present. He had business in Tarun today and hinted he would return before sunset. Perhaps his business kept him longer than expected.”

“It’s alright, Emerick. I would really love a hot bath before dinner. This dust is coating me three layers thick.”

“Your rooms are all ready and waiting for you, Your Highness. And you’ll find a chest full of fresh clothes as well.”

“Again thank you, Emerick, but it’s Melenthia. No more formalities under this roof. What do you say?”

His eyes twinkled at her, and the crinkles showed under the bushy brows. “You’re different, Melenthia. I can’t put my finger on it, but there’s something different about you.”

She paused for a moment, a small frown of doubt crossing her features. “In a bad way?”

“Of course not. You’re as ravishing as always. I just see a light in you that was not present before. Knowledge? Power? I’m not sure, but I see it clear as day.”

“I hope Dain will not be disappointed.”

He squeezed her hand harder now. “Not at all. He will love you deeper, I suspect. He hasn’t been the same since you left. You put a light in his soul that without you he does not have. He will be relieved that you have come home. But come, let’s get you settled. Bianca will take you up and help you settle in. I know it’s been a long and tiring journey.”

Bianca approached her, and Melenthia embraced her. “Come, Your Highness, let’s get you out of these dusty clothes. I have something all picked out for you. I think you’ll like it. I know His Majesty will.”

They went up the stairs and left her companions with Emerick to settle themselves in as well. As anxious as she was to see Dain and be in his arms once again, she was relieved he hadn’t been home. She knew he would see a difference in her, and although she wanted to believe he wouldn’t be disappointed, she wanted to make herself as lovely as possible to hide the changes she had and make his heart beat faster at the sight of her. She laughed inside. She couldn’t believe that she actually wanted to be in a dress, with her hair pulled up and her face made up. My, she really had changed. She never thought she would ever feel like this. They went into her rooms and began the ritual.

***

A couple of hours later, Melenthia came downstairs, bathed and dressed. She had on a cream colored silk dress with a gold velvet corset, freshwater pearls lining the low neckline and along the point of the sleeves on the top of her hands. She wore the necklace he had given her, with earrings that matched, Dallen’s necklace in safe keeping under her pillow. When she entered the hall, there were only a couple of people present: Tomaz, Sol and another man whom she had never seen before. He was a head taller than Dain and quite handsome, with jet black longish hair. He was wearing black woolen hosen and a rich maroon colored velvet doublet buttoned up the front and velvet ankle boots. He wore a sword at his waist in a scabbard, and he was talking with Sol.

When she entered the room, the man gazed in her direction and stopped talking. He looked at her, smiling with all his straight white teeth and it lit up his entire face. The way he smiled reminded her of Dain, which gave her stomach a lurch at the longing she had to see him. He was not present, so she assumed he still had not returned. The young man looked at Sol, who nodded and motioned him forward. When they reached her, Sol introduced them.

“This is Lord Ruan de Gracy, Melenthia. He is the Earl of Hallmar, and His Majesty’s cousin.”

The man bowed low and took her hand gently in his own, kissing her knuckles as he gazed into her eyes. When he stood erect again, he continued to gaze at her, evidently mesmerized, then spoke, “He was right. Your eyes are extraordinary.”

She looked to Sol confused, then back to Ruan. “Who?”

“My cousin, lady. He said they were mesmerizing, and he didn’t exaggerate. They truly are.” She blushed a bit, a small heat rising through her ears. He snapped out of his stupor and regained his refined composure. “Forgive me, lady, for my lack of tact. He just spoke of you in such fine detail that I feel I already know you.”

She smiled at him then. “Hmm, well he never mentioned you.”

He was taken aback, then laughed heartily out loud. “I’m sure not. I doubt he wanted the competition.”

Now she laughed, finally feeling less anxious. A servant brought her a glass of wine, and she sipped it as she talked to Ruan. He was quite charming and quick witted, and she was growing quite fond of him even in the few minutes that she had been with him. He was quite a rogue. He willingly told her of their childhood escapades and how Emerick had the insurmountable chore of trying to keep them reined in and raise them as well behaved men, which, he admitted, was almost a failure.

She had been sitting in the hall for about twenty minutes, and he was telling her another story of them as boys, when he suddenly stopped talking and glanced toward the door. She looked confused at his pause then noticed no one else in the room was talking anymore either. She turned and saw Dain standing in the doorway. She stood from her chair and started to approach him. He made no moves toward her so she stopped, wondering if he was unhappy to see her. He was not smiling. He just stared at her. She decided to go to him instead and face whatever emotions he was feeling. She got to his side, stood in front of him and reached up to touch his face. It was obvious that he had just come in, his riding clothes were dusty, and his woolen leggings were wet from the rain. The guards must have informed him that she had returned.

He put his hand on top of hers, looking at her face, gazing into her eyes. He seemed to be reassuring himself she was no figment he was seeing, but flesh. A look of relief and deep emotion came over him, and he grabbed her in a strong embrace, holding on tight, smelling her hair and feeling her warm soft cheek against his. The hug was killing her side, her bruised ribs screaming in protest, but she didn’t care. She didn’t want to ruin the moment, the moment that she had longed for for months.

When he finally let go, a tear was running down her face. He kissed her. Long and hard and passionately right in front of everyone in the room. He didn’t care who was watching or what they thought about this open display of emotion and love. He never wanted her out of his sight again. He was not the same while she was away, and he never wanted to feel lost again.

When he finally parted he was overcome with emotion, and his voice quavered ever so slightly. “Melenthia, I missed you. I can’t even begin to tell you how very happy I am to see you again and to have you back in my arms. I’m so relieved to see you safe. I never want to be apart from you again.”

“I missed you too, Dain. Thoughts of you and the memory of your face kept me going in hard times. I, too, am glad to be home.”

It took what felt like hours to compose himself enough to turn his attention away and acknowledge everyone else in the room. He took her by the hand and led her to the table, patting his cousin on the back as he went. After he was settled, her at his side, the others took seats at the table as well. Ruan smiled slyly at his cousin and in jest said, “I have been happily filling your beauty in on all of our wild escapades as boys and all the trouble we caused for Emerick.”

“I should’ve known.” He turned to Melenthia. “There are things that my dear cousin will always exaggerate on, you must understand. I cannot confirm or deny anything he has told you unless I know what it is that’s been said.”

She smiled at him, but looked at Ruan. “Rogues will always have secrets, I’m sure, but I’ll take what has been revealed and make my own assessment on whether it might be true or not. They were grand stories nonetheless.”

“Hmmm. I’m not sure if I want to know what over-exaggerations he has come up with after all. I’ll allow you to have secrets together, and I won’t press you about them. Obviously you have gotten under my cousin’s skin just as you did Emericks all those months ago. You just seem to have that gift, and I love you more for it.”

She blushed slightly as he gazed deep into her eyes. She was anxious for the time when they would be able to be alone. There was so much to tell him. She doubted she would have the strength to tell him all the tales tonight though, for the reunion in each other’s arms would be too hard to resist.

They ate dinner and talked into the evening, then Dain excused himself and Melenthia, sneaking off to be by themselves for the rest of the night. She waited for him in his rooms while he bathed, then as the door opened and he strode in, blond hair still damp, she ran into his arms. He held her tight again, the searing pain in her ribs forgotten for the passion in her heart. He kissed her eyes and neck. He pulled her away from him for just a moment or two to look her over. He didn’t seem disappointed at what he saw, but she could tell he saw something different.

“Tell me what you’re thinking, Dain. Am I that different?”

“No. I knew there would be differences in you when you returned. There wouldn’t be any way for you to leave for that long and train and not be different, physically or mentally. But what I see is still the most beautiful and sensuous woman I have ever laid eyes on. I love you more now than when you left. I didn’t think I’d make it without you in my arms. I missed your laugh and your fervor. I missed your smile and the joy I see every time you see something that pleases you. You exude your happiness from every pore, and I’m addicted to you.”

“I was afraid you would find me different in a way that was unpleasing to you.”

“Never, Melenthia. You are my life now. I sense and see a difference but it only makes me feel more passion for you and want to know all that you went through.”

“I’ll tell you everything, but not tonight. Tonight I want to feel your arms around me, your lips on mine and your warmth beside me. I need you.”

He swept her into his arms and carried her away to a place that she had longed for for months. A place she felt secure in and never wanted to leave. He paused briefly when he noticed the bandage and felt her quietly wince when he slid his hand down her side. He looked into her eyes and frowned. “What in the hell happened?”

“We were ambushed on the road. Fallon came to me in my mind again and knew I was out in the open. There were seven guards.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t want you to worry. I’m fine.”

“That wince of pain a moment ago didn’t seem like everything is fine to me.”

“I think my sensibilities are more damaged than my flesh. I should’ve never let that guy through, never let him get in a shot.”

“Even the best of us aren’t perfect.”

“It was a stupid miscalculation.”

“Obviously not. If it had been, a small scar and bruised rib would be the least of your worries. I’m proud of you. You rest now and tomorrow we can talk some more.”

“I don’t want to rest. I need to be with you. I don’t care about the pain, only that I keep you by my side for as long as I can.”

“Okay. I think we can do this without a lot of undue discomfort,” he said smiling sensuously at her.

They were awake most of the night and slept in until late morning. No one disturbed them. The staff knew that Dain and Melenthia needed the quiet time together because there may not be too many opportunities left. Soon they would all be wrapped up in war and strife. They needed to be wrapped up in each other while they had the chance.

***

The next morning, Dain opened his eyes and could tell by where the sun was hitting the window that it was late morning. He felt a warm body next to him, could hear her rhythmic breathing. He carefully rolled over so he wouldn’t disturb her and wrapped his arms around her. He buried his face in her hair and could smell the light scent of flowers. It caused his heart to beat faster, for he was truly relieved to have her home, to touch her skin and kiss her lips. He missed her so very much when she was away from him, and each day that passed, his longing for her warmth and love intensified. He thought toward the end that he would be consumed by it. Feeling her now, warm and soft next to him, he knew that he would never let her leave his side again. He decided that he would make it permanent.

After a few minutes, he felt her stir and heard her quietly sigh. She moved and wriggled herself closer to him. He tightened his hold on her and wrapped her up with him. He pulled the blanket closer and tucked it around them. She was staring at the window, and he could just see a ray of sun falling on her face from a small part in the heavy curtains. She looked like an angel, the soft glow lighting her features, gleaming in her golden red hair. He buried his face again and took in a deep breath, sighing. After a few more minutes she moved around to face him. He ran his hand down her side, being careful of her tender ribs, tracing the outline of her body with his fingertips. She smiled sensuously at him, purring her pleasure.

She looked into his eyes, leaned in and kissed him long and hard. When they parted she smiled. “I feel you next to me, your warm hands on my skin, but yet I feel like I’m dreaming. I wanted you in my thoughts every moment of every day, but when I had to put you aside in order to study, I felt lonely.”

“What happened while you were there?”

“I had to learn to use the power of my surroundings, all the living things of the earth, in order to have the strength and the power to fight. I will need this in order to win over Fallon and his evil.”

“I know things must have been difficult for you.”

“There is something you should know, something that I have only found out myself. My mother.. she was an Elvin princess.”

He lifted his head to look at her. “What?”

“I found out that my father married my mother with a special blessing by her father, the king of the elves. It was the first union between a human and an elf in over five hundred years. I have Elvin blood flowing through me.”

He smiled and touched her cheek. “That’s what makes you so extra special.” He kissed her.

“You don’t feel differently about me knowing that?”

“Why should I? It doesn’t change who you are. Besides I feel honored to have the love of an Elvin princess. You are very extraordinary, Melenthia.” He kissed her and paused for a moment to let the news sink in, then, “What else happened? What has you distressed?”

“While we were traveling Fallon came to me again, in my head.”

“You said as much last night. Tell me about that.”

“I was able to fight against his grip this time, to push through his hold. It was difficult. He’s getting stronger, but I finally overtook him and broke the connection. He will try again, I know. Why he hasn’t yet I don’t know. He told me things, terrible things.”

“Like what?”

“I fear most of the people at Lachlan Castle are dead. The staff.” She choked on her words. “Lucan, my dear friend, Lucan. The only person whom I could talk to when I was growing up. The only other person I trusted. Fallon said he killed him, that he went bravely, no whimpering or begging.” She let out a ragged sigh, a tear falling down her cheek. “How many people are going to die because of me?”

He lifted her chin to look into her eyes. “No one is dying because of you, Melenthia. They are dying because Fallon is evil and has chosen to sell his soul to the dark. You can’t prevent what’s happened so far. If you had been in the castle, you would be a slave for him, an aim for his scorn and rage, or worse, dead.”

She sobbed in his chest for a few minutes, realizing how much pain of the news of Lucan’s death affected her. When she calmed, she continued. “It was a long road and a heavy burden but with your love surrounding me now and the strength from the earth and all its life, I will endure.”

“I’m sorry it was difficult for you, but I know you can do this, Melenthia. Especially now, knowing who you really are and what your purpose is in this world. I have faith in you and in your strength. You will always have my love. That you will never have to doubt. In fact, there is something I want to ask you. I…” He was interrupted by a knock. He sighed. “What is it?”

A muffled voice came from behind the large doors. “I’m very sorry to disturb you, Sire, but there are five riders at the gate.”

“Can Alastair not handle it, or Emerick?”

“They are from Pembroke, Your Majesty, from General Thorne’s garrison. They request an audience with you.”

“General Thorne?”

“Yes, Sire, from his garrison. They have an update on the general’s movements.”

He looked at Melenthia, then called out, “I’ll be right there. Please ask them to wait in the hall.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

He frowned. “I’m sorry. I was hoping to never get up out of this bed except to eat, but it looks like I have business to attend to.”

She kissed him on the nose. “King first, lover second.” Her tears were dry now.

“If you need to sleep more, don’t get up. Your presence, except for my support, is not pertinent at the moment. Take your time. Rest your body.” He leaned over and kissed her again. She responded, and he found his loins coming awake again. It was hard for him to pull away. “As much as I desperately want to stay here wrapped up in the sheets with you, I have duties.”

“I know. I’ll join you within the hour.”

“Okay.” He swung his legs out of bed, then paused to touch her face. “I love you, Melenthia.”

“I love you too, Dain.”

He reluctantly got out of bed and quickly dressed to make himself presentable. Black leggings, royal blue velvet doublet, which brought out the vibrant blue of his eyes. There were slits down the sleeves of the doublet in order to see the white tunic underneath. He had on black boots and a small silver leaf coronet sat on his blond head. He kissed her one more time on his way out the door and went downstairs to greet his visitors. As he walked he wondered if there would ever be enough time now to tell her exactly how he felt, that his life will have no meaning unless she’s in it forever. He wanted to make it permanent but didn’t know if he’d ever get the chance in the next few months, or year, however long this war would wage, to ask her to be his, properly. He sighed. If they all perished from this ordeal, the point would be moot, but he felt that he would rather have a short time than none at all. He made a promise to himself that before things were desperate, he would make her his wife, and, just like his promise to stand by her and to be a good king for the people, he was determined to stick to that promise no matter what.

As Dain approached the hall, he saw Emerick come around a corner from another hallway. “Where is Ruan this morning, Emerick?”

“He has gone into town to send a messenger to Danyl for update on their readiness. He should return in an hour or two. He knew you would be sleeping in today and told all of the staff to leave you alone.”

“I appreciate that.”

Emerick looked at the man he had known for ages, the king that now ruled this kingdom, and he could tell there was something on his mind. “What’s troubling you, Your Majesty?”

“Do you want a list?”

Emerick laughed a little. “I meant at this particular moment.”

Dain stopped walking and turned toward his oldest friend. “It has been too long since I have done something that would make you and Alek, and my father if he were alive to see it, proud. It’s high time that I do.”

“We are proud of you, Sire. You have become the king I knew you could be.”

“I know, but there’s more. I…”

Emerick put a hand on Dain’s shoulder and looked deep into his pale blue eyes. “What’s troubling you, Dain?”

“I was trying to ask Melenthia just now to marry me.”

His eyebrows raised in surprise. “Before we disturbed you?”

“Yes. I couldn’t get the words out fast enough, and when we were interrupted, I felt the moment was no longer right.”

“I’m sorry we had to rouse you, Sire.”

“It’s fine, Emerick. I know, as well as Melenthia does, that issues of state are more important than our personal life right now. It’s just the way it is with being a king. But what if the moment never comes again? What if we lose this battle? What if I lose her?”

“I can’t say for sure that things will all be perfect in the end, but I have faith that it will turn out right. You’ll have time.”

“But what if I don’t? I’ll always feel like I missed an opportunity I should have made, instead of waiting for it to come.”

“If that’s how you feel, make the time, Dain. Tell her, as soon as you can.” He patted Dain’s hand and smiled at him. “I’m so very pleased that you have decided to.”

They continued walking again. “Thank you, Emerick. I’m glad to have you and Alek by my side. Have we heard any news from that party yet?”

“No, Sire.”

“Okay. Have Ruan join us when he arrives.”

“As you wish, Majesty.”

Dain entered the hall, and there were five men milling around, glasses in hands. There was a large warm fire blazing in the grand hearth. He was pleased to see that the staff had at least made them comfortable during their wait.

One of the men was old, gray hair messed from his helmet that was now sitting on the table, bushy gray eyebrows covering his beady eyes. Another had close cropped brown hair with just a bit of gray streaks throughout, a scar down his left cheek. Another man was heavy set, mostly muscle in arms and shoulders, but softer around the middle. His hair was black, and he had a neatly trimmed beard and mustache which matched his hair color. The fourth man was young with blond hair and no facial hair at all, except for a shadow of stubble which appeared, he assumed, during the days ride. The last man was hardly a man at all. He was not taller than Dain or the other men in the party, and he still had the plump cheeks of one who had not filled out yet. He stood straight and proud though, and Dain got a sense of pride from him by the way he carried himself. His hair was plastered a bit to his head from the bulk of the helmet, and he was talking to one of the other men in the group. Dain suspected this was the boy that Alek had sent into Pembroke with message.

Dain approached the group, and the men quickly bowed to their liege. “I’m sorry to keep you gentlemen waiting. I was otherwise occupied.” His thoughts quickly shifted to Melenthia naked and warm in his bed. He wished he was still there with her. Their reunion was not enough. He came back to the men. “I didn’t expect you for another day.”

The man with the gray hair spoke. “Yes, sorry for that, Your Majesty but we rode hard and rarely stopped. We felt it imperative to get here and update you.”

“I understand. To whom do I have the pleasure of receiving?”

The gray haired man, who had spoken to Dain first, introduced the rest of his company. “I am Eben Falk and these are my men: Daire Baldwin, Sabin Caldwell and Brion Jacey. General Thorne asked us to escort the young lad here and fill you in on his plans.”

“I’m honored to make your acquaintance. I have known General Thorne almost my whole life, and he is highly respected. For now, why don’t you rest yourselves. It’s been a hard trip, I’m sure. I will have the staff bring you some food and warm tea. I’m sure you’re cold and damp from the weather.”

They nodded. Dain called a servant, gave him instructions, the man disappearing again. Another servant came in and went to the hearth to stoke the fire more and add some wood. Dain motioned them to sit, except for the boy. He asked him to continue to stand. The boy bowed low then straightened to look at his king.

“You are young Maddon, I assume.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“I’m extremely happy to meet you, young Master Ellbert. I have been waiting for your appearance for months. What you have done for the people in your city and your success in getting word to General Thorne will not go unnoticed or unrewarded. I’m proud to have someone with your fortitude in my ranks. We may not have the time before things get hairy to officially swear you in as squire, but I will certainly assign you with a temporary ranking for the time being. I’m pleased to have you safe and sound, and I thank your escorts for making sure you arrived here unscathed.”

“Thank you, Sire. I’m honored to serve His Majesty in any way that I can. I’m loyal to the crown.”

“I’m sure.” He laughed lightly. “At ease, Maddon. Get some food in you and warm up, then we can talk state.”

They proceeded to eat and dry out, as the blazing fire finally started to really warm the room. Dain sat at the table with them and ate a small meal himself. Before they were done, Melenthia appeared in the doorway of the hall. Dain looked up and stood to greet her. He took her hand in his and walked her into the room to meet their guests. The men stood from their chairs and all of them took a knee in front of her. She glanced at Dain, brow furrowed. She was taken aback by their open expression of honor. She looked back to Dain and frowned, whispering, “Why are they kneeling?”

“You’re somewhat of an enigma to them; you’re the Chosen One after all. It’s best if you just get used to it now.”

“I will not! Stand. I will not have men in the ranks prostrating themselves to me on the battlefield. When we are at war, we are equals. And I am not your liege. He is.”

They stood, confused, and looked to Dain for clarification. “Um, Melenthia is unaccustomed to being a person of high respect. She only recently found out about her destiny in this world. She would rather remain unobtrusive.”

“As Her Highness wishes.” The older man said, then bowed quickly to her before returning to the table.

Dain took her hand and led her over to where Maddon sat. When he glanced in their direction, he stood. “Melenthia, this is Maddon Ellbert. He is the grandson of a very important military strategist from my father’s ranks. He was the one who was sent to Pembroke, by himself, to deliver message to General Thorne about Fallon and his movements. He helped protect the survivors of his city left behind after Fallon’s hordes came through. He’s an extremely brave lad, and I plan on honoring him with a squires rank when this is said and done.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Maddon. Alek mentioned you in passing. I’m very happy to finally be face to face with you. A rank of squire you certainly deserve.”

Maddon’s face turned a bright shade of crimson, and Dain smiled covertly behind his hand.

The boy bowed to her. “I’m honored to receive such high regard from someone such as you, Your Highness. Thank you for your words of praise.”

She smiled at him, and he blushed again. “You’re welcome. Now go, eat and get warm. I’m sure you’re tired and hungry as well.”

He went back to his place at the table; Dain and Melenthia left the room for a minute to talk.

“Are we feeling a bit surly today, my love?”

“No, I just don’t care to be treated as some high honored deity. I will be on the battlefield just as they will be, fighting the same war, fighting the same enemy. They are my equals, not my underlings. I feel they should get used to thinking that way.”

He kissed her. “You still don’t understand the importance of your part in this world, do you?”

“Yes, I know it. But that doesn’t mean I want to flaunt it. They should never give more honor to me than to you. You’re their king.”

“Okay, Melenthia, as you wish.” He shook his head smiling at her. He looked her in the eye. “You’re a special woman, Melenthia, and I’m honored to have you in my life.”

“And I’m blessed to have you in mine.”

“Let’s gather Tomaz and Sol. Ruan will return shortly. Let’s get filled in on General Thorne’s movements, then we can retreat after dinner to my apartments. I promised Ruan we would have drinks with him tonight. He’s dying to get to know you. Your short conversation with him last night wasn’t nearly enough. Like myself, he can’t get enough of you. He’s already enamored.”

Now it was her who blushed. “I’m not sure if I can handle two handsome rogues in one evening.”

“He’ll try to win you over, but just remember where your heart lie.”

“Don’t worry about that, darling. You are my one and only. Ruan will just have to find his own odd and awkward girl.” Dain laughed and went back into the hall to join them.