Page 4 of Ruins of Magic
Not wanting to discuss it anymore, she left Ailsa to finish packing her things and walked down to her father’s chambers. Taneth, a knight of Gavalon, was just exiting the room.
“Your highness,” he said with a slight nod.
“Hello, Sir Taneth,” she said politely. “Is my father available.”
“Only just. He is awaiting his next meeting.”
“Thank you. I will only be a moment.”
Taneth smiled affectionately. Valaria felt nothing for the handsome knight, but even he would be a more suitable match for her hand as far as she was concerned.
She slowly walked into her father’s large chambers. The room was similar to the throne room, only slightly less official. The throne room was only used for formal occasions. All other business of Gavalon was done in the king’s chambers.
The two rooms were setup much the same. At the far center adjacent from the door sat a large chair on a riser. There were two smaller ones on either side of it. Since it was only her and her father, only one of those chairs would ever be occupied, at least until she took a husband. The chairs were elevated to ensure no man or woman sat or stood taller than the king when in court.
The rest of the room was largely void of furniture with exception to a few chairs positioned along each of the sidewalls. There were also two sets of armor holding the flag of Gavalon flanking either side of the large door, and a large flag hanging on the wall above the king.
A small, inconspicuous door was along the back wall. It was designed to blend in and one would have to know it was there to see it. That door led back into the king’s personal dwelling just down the hall from the princess’s quarters.
“Valaria!” the king beamed when he saw his precious daughter enter his chamber. “To what do I owe this honor?”
Her father seemed in high spirits, so she approached him hesitantly. “Are you aware that the duke of Chellgar is my cousin?”
The king frowned. “Second cousin once removed,” he corrected.
“It’s gross!” she complained.
The lines across his forehead deepened. “Valaria, I don’t need this right now. He’s a good man and will take good care of you.”
“I do not need a man to take care of me, father. He’s much too old and he smells,” she said childishly wanting desperately to stomp her foot for added emphasis.
“That’s enough. He’s a good man,” he repeated. “And as your father, I have full say in who you will or will not marry.”
“And if I refuse?” she stubbornly asked.
He pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’m not asking you to marry him tomorrow, Valaria. You’re only going to spend time with him. It will be good for you to see our kingdom. Plus, Chellgar was the home of your mother before I wed her.”
“I know,” she whispered. “Father, I’m not ready for all of this. I’m not yet twenty. It’s too soon.”
“I agree,” he said.
“You do?” she asked, surprised.
“Yes. I think you still have some growing up to do before you marry. The duke is well aware of this. He simply asked that you visit.”
“He’ll try to woo me,” she said blankly.
The king laughed. “Is that really so bad? He will show you his lands and our people that dwell there. It would do you much good to explore our southern territory. You have been kept in the north for far too long. If your mother were alive, she would be traveling with you. I am only sorry that I cannot go with you myself.”
A knock at the door interrupted their conversation.
The large doors opened and Zallon and Arion entered. Valaria’s breath hitched. She hadn’t seen him in nearly two months’ time.
“Ah yes, you’re here. Valaria feel free to stay,” her father offered.
The newcomers both bowed in reference before straightening.
“It is rare that you summon me to the castle, your majesty. Is everything okay?” Zallon asked.
