FOREVER KNIGHTS: #5 Subjugation of Beasts -
ALAZAR - To Look Like Me
Warlock Grove, Nightway
ALAZAR
Riaura circled Warlock Grove looking for him. The trees were dark, lush and still damp from last night’s rain. Dirt underfoot was now mire which she lifted her skirt to avoid. Looking over her shoulder scanning the woods.
She slammed into him. Squealing. “How do you always do that!” She swatted his arm.
You’re loud. I’m quiet. He thought amusedly.
“I’m good at what I do, Little Dove.”
She put a fist on her hip and swept her gold hair back over her shoulder. Today it was carefully pinned to one side with a decorative bouquet. Blue and yellow flowers stark against her gold hair.
“Very few people can sneak up on me.” She boasted.
That’s probably true.
“I’m not most people, Riaura.”
“That I know. You’re unlike anyone.”
Thank you.
“Why are you out here instead of practicing your studies?”
“Princess duties?” Her nose wrinkled, and she sneered. “Marod.”
Of course it’d be her.
His teeth gritted but he willed his face bland. “What’d she do?”
“She’s threatening to beat me for some missing silver and a torn tapestry. Stuff she knows very well the kitchen maid took! She pulled her belt, but I ripped it from her hands and raised the roof until the guards came.” She shook her head adamantly. “I’m not going to let her do it, Alazar. I’m not!”
Good for you, fierce princess.
“You’ve a right to defend yourself.”
“She should know I’m not easily bullied anymore. I come out here and stock the Nightway larder more than the Huntsmen.”
Yes, you do.
“You’ve grown into a fine archer.” He agreed.
She beamed. “Aye, I have.”
Aye? Why are you talking like that?
“Don’t talk like me.” He frowned. “‘Aye’ is not how princesses speak.”
Her shoulders slumped.
I’ve insulted her again. Here we go…
“I’m no normal princess, Alazar.” She mimicked his derisive tone.
An understatement.
“You think this is something I don’t know?” He laughed.
“You’re the only one that does.” She said sullenly. “None of them know me.” Bitterness tinged her voice.
That’s probably true. You’re not an easy girl to get to know.
“They’ll be your people one day, Riaura. Please be kind.”
“Like they’ve been kind to me? They tell Marod my every move, whether stealing a cookie from the baker in the kitchen, stumbling in the bailey, or twisting my embroidery. They give her license to hurt me.”
His face sobered. “You can change what you wish when you’re queen. If you rule with that kind heart of yours, you’ll realign everything, and change how things have been.”
The commoners will respect you in a way they never have Marod.
“I don’t care about them! Let them all starve! None of them protected me! Just you.”
“What about their children Riaura?” He asked softly.
They’re innocent. You know that.
Her face melted. She moved a rock with her slippered foot. Jostling flowers in her hair.
“Their children caused you no harm. How many of those little wraiths, half-starved themselves, would still sneak you a lump of bread if you asked?”
Most of them.
A flush suffused her cheeks.
“Bear in mind, you’ll be ruling them too. You could change their world.”
“How do you always know what to say to shame me?” She asked sheepishly.
Shame you?
“I never intend to shame you. I wish to see you be a rare kind of queen.”
“A good one?” She asked. Peering at him from under lowered lids.
Yes.
“One with concerns beyond herself.”
One without greed.
Blowing a long breath, she straightened her shoulders. “I’ll strive to be. But for you, Alazar. Not for the fools who’ve been cruel to me!”
“I’ll take it.” He smiled, leaning to collect a few flat rocks the receding Wake surrendered.
“Alazar will you tell me something?”
“Anything.” Sitting next to her on the overhanging rock he handed her half his stack. Jerking his arm back he flung the first.
“Do you think me beautiful?”
His arm tossed, and the rock plopped limply to the water. As he gave her a stunned look.
“What?” It sunk just as quickly as Alazar’s heart. He turned wide blinking eyes on her. “Where does this come from!”
“I’d like my husband to look like you, someday. And you’re kind. Such as I’d want.” She swallowed. Looking very indecisive.
Husband! Kind? What are we discussing here? His panicked brain processed nothing. He’d the very real sense he answered far more than the question she asked. Drawing a deep breath, he rubbed his palm along his pantleg. Assessing her face.
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