Page 5 of Ruins of Magic
“Everything is simply splendid, my old friend. The Duke of Chellgar has asked that Valaria visit with him and tour the village her mother grew up in.”
Valaria fought not to roll her eyes at his twist in reasoning.
“That’s is wonderful. I think a trip like that will do the princess some good,” Zallon said.
“Now, my reasons for asking you here today is that I am currently putting together her tour party,” the King started, but Zallon quickly interrupted.
“While I am, of course, honored your majesty, I simply have too much to do at the moment.”
“Certainly. I’m well aware of that, I had hoped that you might be able to spare your apprentice for a few weeks to accompany her. His faithfulness to Gavalon was apparent when he went above and beyond to save our beloved unicorns and Taneth tells me his fighting skills have greatly improved. Plus, I think it would help ease my daughter’s mind if she knew she had a few friends traveling alongside her.”
“Oh, well, yes. I don’t see why that would be a problem,” Zallon said.
Both Arion and Valaria stood there in shock wanting to interject, but failing to connect the words.
“Arion, do you have any objections?” the King asked.
He had an excuse to get out of it right there on the tip of his tongue, but his eyes darted to Valaria’s and he saw hope there. There was no way he could tell her no, especially knowing how much she hated the duke. If his presence could ease her anxiety even a little, he would do it, for her.
Zallon nudged him in the arm. “I have no objections,” he finally said realizing they were all waiting for an answer.
Valaria’s shoulders seemed to relax and she smiled for the first time since he had walked into the room.
It was settled. Arion would leave with her travel party in two days’ time. She couldn’t help the excitement that bubbled up inside her knowing she would get several weeks with Arion on her journey. The excitement quickly faded to apprehension as she reminded herself that he could never really be hers and she would need to guard her heart well and hide the growing crush she had for him.
Chapter3
Two days passed quickly and with no way to get out of going, Arion reluctantly packed his bag and prepared for the long journey to Chellgar. The more he thought about it, the more he decided it was a terrible idea, but there would be an entire travel party with them which meant there would be no time alone with the princess. He could handle that, watching her from afar.
One thing Arion was certain of, no one must ever find out about his feelings for Valaria. Garron would probably laugh and make fun of him for it, or worse, the King would find out and revoke his apprenticeship with Zallon. Whatever happened, he couldn’t show any affection for the princess.
When he arrived at the King’s stables where he had been told to meet his travel companions, he was surprised to find a much smaller group than he expected. Garron and Taneth were both there as well as a girl he didn’t know and another knight of Gavalon.
“You’re late,” Taneth chastised.
“Am I? I left in time to be early,” Arion argued.
“The princess decided to leave earlier than scheduled,” the girl confessed. “You must be the apprentice,” she said before she bowed before him. “It’s an honor to meet you, Arion.”
No one had ever showed him respect such as that. It threw him off guard and he didn’t know what to do, so he simply nodded. “And you are?” he blurted out.
She giggled. “I’m Ailsa, Princess Valaria’s lady in waiting and travel companion.”
“Oh, well, it’s nice to meet you,” he said.
“Arion, have you had a chance to meet Sir Leeric?” Taneth asked.
“No, I don’t believe I have.”
The knight stepped forward and grabbed him by the forearm as was a customary greeting amongst the knights.
“I am Sir Leeric. It’s honor to be traveling with the future High Keeper of Magic.”
“The honor is mine,” Arion said.
“You’re late,” Valaria said when she came around the corner and saw him standing there talking to Leeric and Ailsa.
“No, you’re impatient. I am on time,” Arion retorted.
