Dark One Rising(65)

“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.

Her eyes immediately turned dark. “You’re wasting your flattery, Your Majesty. Just like him, I’m in no way interested in what you have to offer.” She stood to leave.

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.