“Are you going to try and stop him?”
“Unfortunately I can’t be in more than one place at a time. I will have to rely on my loyalists to relay information as I need it and keep me ahead of Fallon if possible. We will wait a bit to see what more information can be gathered, then I can decide what actions to take. I’m waiting to hear from Alek as well, and I have men on their way to Yarden to speak to the dwarves on my behalf. Hopefully I’ll have news soon from them as well on agreement of allegiance. If they’ll join. At least I know that he has begun to move. It looks like he will start his campaign with or without you in his possession.”
“What are the odds he will give up on me?”
He looked at her, eyebrows raised. “Not high. He will continue to look for you. You are somehow a part of his plan, and if I know one thing about the duke, it’s that he hates to lose. If I were to guess, he probably intends to try and take Lachlan Castle so that he can solidify his position. No one of importance will follow him if they don’t think he can win this war. If he has Lachlan, winning will at least be possible. I will send word to your brother that Fallon’s troops are on the move.”
“Do you think the castle is really in danger? Is my father and brother in danger of losing their throne, or worse, their lives?”
“Your brother will make sure the city and castle are adequately fortified. I don’t think Fallon will move in that direction quite yet. He has more work to do in order to have an army strong enough. We have some time.”
She changed the subject. “Do you think he knows I’m here?”
“I haven’t had any news to make me think he does. He would have tried to get to you by now if he did. He probably thinks you’re holed up in some city in Aaralyn. I’m sure he has spies searching for you, but until I have proof that he suspects, I won’t worry just yet.” He looked at her hard. “I won’t let him have you, Melenthia, at any cost.”
She breathed in deep but frowned. “I don’t want anyone to be in danger because of me. If he wants information he will force people to talk.”
“It is inevitable, Melenthia. You are a member of the royal household of Aaralyn, and your safety is more important than others.”
She raised her voice, clearly offended by his comment. “I don’t shrug off the importance of my people as easily as you. Without them there is nothing to rule over. We live to protect them.”
“Calm yourself, Melenthia. I meant no offense. My people too are important to me, and I understand the value of them. I just meant that the people will do what they feel is right to insure that the royal lineage will go on into the future. Without you, they have no future.”
She calmed a bit. “Should I be doing something?”
“No. Your safety is number one priority for me and for your brother. We don’t make any moves concerning you until we have to. For now, we wait.”
“I feel helpless, not to mention useless.”
He smiled slightly. “I’m sure you do, but I hope that you’ll just be patient awhile longer. I know you must feel uncomfortable here and miss your home, but I know soon we’ll have the answers we need.”
“I do miss home, but I’m not uncomfortable here. I enjoy your company.”
At that he smiled larger. “I’m so very glad. And I yours.” She blushed a bit so he continued. “If you would like to send your brother a letter, I will be sending out a dispatch in the morning. I can add it to the delivery if you’d like.”
She perked up at that. “Yes, I would.”
“Why don’t you go and write it and bring it down at dinner. I will make sure it goes out.”
“Thank you.” She stood to leave but then turned back. “What will happen when Fallon discovers my whereabouts?”
“I don’t know. I hope to have more answers to all this before then. We will worry about that when it happens.”
She nodded and left the room. His gaze followed her. It was getting more difficult to hide his feelings from her. There was no doubt that he was physically attracted to her, had been since he laid eyes on her. But he was also falling in love with her. He didn’t want to tell her for fear she would think it a ploy to get her to bed. He didn’t know how long he could deny her the truth of his feelings though. Eventually she would find out. He hoped that his feelings were reciprocated, but, if not, she deserved to at least know how he felt. Soon he would have to tell her. For now though, he swallowed back his longing and concentrated on more important matters. He went to work on the dispatch to Kevaan.