He never thought he could make a promise like that to himself, and now that it was done, it felt good to be moving forward. He did not, however, think that Melenthia could be the girl to set his heart on fire for eternity, but there was definitely something there that he couldn’t explain.
He heard a voice and shook away the thoughts that were running away from him and turned back to his friend.
“Did you hear me, Dain?”
“I’m sorry, I was a bit distracted.”
Alek stared hard at him. “I told you not to go there. Leave it be.”
He put his hand up in defense, “Rest assured that I was in no way thinking that, Alek. I am intrigued only, especially with the preposterous notion of her being the “one”. I was not walking down the forbidden road I promise.”
“Good. I asked, who are you going to send into town? Taran?”
“Good Lord no. He’s too young and inexperienced; she’d eat him for breakfast.”
“Malak then?”
“Actually, if we’re done here, I was thinking about going myself.”
“Why?”
“Who better to show her around the king’s province than the king?”
“Do you think that’s wise, Your Majesty?”
“I expect her to be protected, and although I don’t doubt the abilities of my guard, I would feel even more secure if I took the responsibility myself. I made you and Kevaan a promise, and I will fulfill that promise. Besides, it would be a good time to get to know her a bit better.”
Alek stared again.
“Alek, you are going to give yourself an embolism if you continue to scowl like that. Relax. I made a promise and I meant it. I really don’t want to upset her. I would like to get to know her as a person, not necessarily as a woman. I find her intriguing. I have never been in the presence of a woman like her before. One who is secure in who she is, one who is not afraid to say what she feels. It’s purely plutonic, I swear.”
“Keep it that way.”
He placed a hand on Alek’s shoulder. “I will take Malak and Taran with me if that makes you feel better. God knows I don’t want to make you worry.”
“I don’t mean to have so little faith in you, Dain, but I’ve been with you for a long time. I know you better than anyone.”
“Yes, and for that I’m eternally grateful. You’re truly my only real friend. I’m sorry I have made things so difficult for you. I’m surprised you’re still by my side after all the punishment I’ve put you through.”
“I still have faith in you, Dain, faith that you’ll finally start down the right path and be the king I know you can be.”
“I know. Let me use this opportunity to restore that faith.”
Alek nodded. “Very well. Keep an eye on her, Dain. I don’t want to have to explain to her brother how she managed to slip from your sight. King or no king, he’d have your head, and mine.”
“We’ll be fine.” He turned to the doorway and called out. A servant scurried forward. “Please inform the stable hands to prepare the horses for Princess Melenthia and myself. We’re going out for the afternoon.”
He bowed. “Yes, Sire.”
The servant left to do what was asked. Dain turned back to Alekzand’r. “I wonder if anyone is loose lipped today. It’s such a lovely afternoon, I would imagine the streets of Eston are bustling today.”
“So, you do have an agenda for going yourself. Just not the one I thought.”
Dain smiled. “While we’re gone, send word to Kevaan and see what other developments he has to report. I’m sure he’ll have something more to say about Fallon.”
“Okay. If you give me a couple of weeks, I think can find out more. I’ll ride the countryside and see if there is anything to report. If Fallon is still looking for Melenthia then I think it’s safe to assume he’s going to start his crusade soon. If he’s hitting any of the cities just inside his border, you can bet he’ll be hitting some on this side as well. His anger at being scorned will definitely light his flame I would think.”
“Okay, just be careful. And try to avoid that God forsaken wood this time.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” He bowed to Dain and left the room.
***
Kevaan stood in his father’s throne room, gazing out the window, lost in deep thought. Melenthia was safe. He’d gotten word a few weeks ago that she was holed away in Drydon Keep with the king, just as Alek promised. His questionings in towns almost all the way to the southern border had resulted in the same answers. Fallon and his armies were riding through, enlisting men into his troops, and those that chose not to go were treated to beatings and fire.