Page 32 of Legends of Sorcery
“I believe you’re monopolizing the princess’s time. Perhaps it’s time to call it a night and allow the rest of us the opportunity of a dance,” he said, making Arion grit his teeth. Not wanting to cause a scene, he turned to Valaria and bowed, then kissed her hand before letting her go.
“I’ll see you tomorrow then,” he told her.
She smiled warmly and nodded. “Tomorrow.”
“I will still be in town tomorrow, peasant, so don’t count on it,” the man muttered under his breath.
“How dare you,” Valaria warned. “That is my best friend you are being so rude to.”
She turned to the conductor and discreetly nodded again as they transitioned into a group dance song. She couldn’t stand to spend one more second alone with the Duke her father was hoping to betroth her to. She knew with certainty that there was no alliance great enough to force her to spend an eternity with this sufferable ass.
Arion tried to make a quick exit as he felt his body overheating and the world around him become crisper. He knew he had to learn to control his temper better, but every time he felt Valaria was in danger it seemed to happen. There was no doubt in his mind that the man that had cut in on their dance was nothing but bad news.
A hand on his shoulder stalled him and he turned to see the princess standing behind him. He looked over her shoulder, back towards the dance floor and saw the infuriated Duke standing there with a reddened face.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“It’s my best friend’s birthday. You are not disappearing on me before we eat the cake I promised you.”
“He’s complaining to your father,” he warned.
She laughed and rolled her eyes. “So what. Maybe they’ll both get the clue that I’m not interested.”
“That’s the Duke your father is encouraging you to marry, isn’t it?”
She gave him a sad smile. “It is. And he’s as dreadful as I told you, isn’t he?”
They both laughed.
Valaria waved to someone across the room and soon Garron walked over carrying a small cake. The two of them sang happy birthday. Some people nearby took notice and joined in.
“Happy Birthday, Arion,” she said with a smile.
Chapter 13
“You were so busy yesterday, I wanted to wait and celebrate today!” Zallon awoke Arion the next morning. “Happy 20thyear, Arion.”
He smiled groggily still trying to wake up. Zallon was carrying a plate full of biscuits and fruit. The smell made his stomach rumble.
“What is all this?” he asked.
“With so much going on yesterday I didn’t want to press things, but today is the day. We’ll be going to the castle later this morning and the King will personally ask for your decision and offer you the official position of Apprentice.”
He sounded excited and a little nervous.
Arion sat up and accepted the plate he offered diving into the sweet fruit first.
“Are you ready?” Zallon asked.
“I am,” Arion said. “I’ve had plenty of time to give it proper consideration and I’m ready to give my decision.”
“Are you going to give me a hint of what you’ve decided at least?”
He considered it for a moment, then shook his head. “No.”
The old man smiled and leaned down to kiss his forehead. “Whatever your decision, you will always have a home here with me, son.”
Zallon left him alone until it was time to walk to the castle.
