Fay Tale - Chapter Nineteen

The king of Eirendyr did not immediately answer her question. Instead, he continued to watch the crowd below as the gossip and speculation surged through servant and noble alike. He paid particular attention to the guards in the surrounding area, but though they looked chagrined he saw no signs of rebellion or anger over the ogre’s victory.

He glanced at the princes who had by this point vacated their royal seats, but Seris had his self-assured expression back in place. It fit the vampire’s features better than the earlier predator’s smile. Angelis smiled as was his wont but seemed relieved that the fight had ended without true carnage.

“Your invisibility spell was convenient in reaching this challenge undetected,” he said at last.

“It is not true invisibility. Merely the suggestion that the eyes move along. Your royal guard should have the experience to see past it were they in attendance.”

The king nodded in acknowledgement.

“I should have foreseen this,” he said in answer to her original question. “Hoofsbane is not one to sit idly by when he believes he must take a course of action.”

“An adequate character quality in a commander. Less so as a diplomat in a noble court,” the Lady acknowledged.

“If I was in attendance at court, I would have noticed his bent. I am disappointed Seris did not.”

“Are you sure that he did not? Perhaps this is why Prince Seris propositioned you for the time at court. He desired a duel to take place without your notice or consent so that he could claim ignorance of the commander’s intentions after the duel’s conclusions.”

“That idea has merit,” the king replied, but his words carried the weight of doubt in them.

“You have a differing explanation?”

“I am still formulating one. For now I wish to know your opinion of the fight and its resulting consequences.”

It was the Lady’s turn to pause for thought.

“I am unable to clearly read the Guardian’s future. My sight from the match revolved solely around the Commander’s actions and reactions. Perhaps it is a result of being two-natured. Their skills are often aberrant and so treated with greater suspicion.”

“Yet you informed me that his intentions were not deceptive. That he was trustworthy to safeguard the princess.”

Aisha whirled, sensing the threat in Anand’s voice.

“And I stand by that promise, Eirendyr’s king,” she growled. “Future events I cannot pinpoint. His past is easier. His intentions easiest of all. He holds no ill-will toward Eirendyr. It is, in fact, his hope. The princess holds a surprising amount of his affection though they are but newly met. Angelis holds his respect yet caution. Seris–” She paused. “Something has happened between them though I know not what. Maidd considers him dangerous and untrustworthy even as he desires no further conflict between them.”

“If he desired no conflict, why did he agree to the General’s challenge?”

“He believed he could win,” Aisha said immediately. “He was confident in that. If he proved his strength now, then he would have less contention over his appointment to the position.”

The king turned a considering gaze at the spot where the princess and her Guardian had disappeared.

“Interesting.”

“That is merely the beginning.”

Anand glanced back and was surprised to find a hint of smug satisfaction in her bearing.

“The invisibility will last less than half a quarter-mark more,” she said as she turned away. Before he could question her further she padded off to her own work.

She knew he was no ordinary mercenary, he thought. This will necessitate further inquiry. The king continued his surveillance from his perch above the crowd a few moments more.

“An interesting new toy, darling,” a voice whispered in his ear. Anand whirled but there was no one in sight on the balcony.

As he moved something dropped to the stone floor, and Anand stooped to retrieve it. A red carnation.

Zara had returned.