Page 2 of Binding Fate

King Francisco’s head bowed as he walked closer to his wife. Click. Clack. Each step brought him nearer. He sat on the ruby red armchair closest to the window and gazed at her.

“My love, then we will keep her inside until it is safe.” He sounded so firm, so sure of his words. She gazed at him, for a moment. He thrust his shoulders back and puffed out his muscled chest.

“How will we know when it is safe?” Queen Evalyn probed as she turned slightly to her husband. “How do you not feel angry or worried? We have done so much for Bachusa. We have enhanced its overall peace and beauty, we staved off invaders, we meet with our people and interact with them; which is more than haseverhappened before we took the throne,” she reminded as she counted out each benefit with her slender fingers.

Francisco kept strong eye contact and nodded.

“Darling, I know what we have done. I assure you our people are most appreciative,” Francisco commented as he stood and moved next to Evalyn by that window. He grabbed her hands and wrapped his fingers in hers.

“I just don’t understand how we got here, to the moment our own people have forsaken us?” She rocked, slightly. Back and forth as she continued searching out toward the town.

This time Francisco placed his hand under her chin and gave a faint smile. He pressed his lips to her forehead. “Evalyn, I know it’s hard to be hopeful but we must. The people haven’t abandoned us, just a small group of unhappy people. We cannot condemn all of the town.”

Evalyn took a deep breath and nodded.

“If we must, then we will keep Aironell in the palace, where she is safe, until we are sure she is no longer threatened and we—”

There was a knock at the studded door.

“Enter,” boomed King Francisco as he stood up and moved briskly to his ruby-red armchair nearest the door and sat. Queen Evalyn fixed the bottom of her dress as she gracefully moved and stood behind her husband.

“Sire,” responded Alzerion who entered and scanned the room with his warm cinnamon-red eyes. He quickly patted at his disheveled hair, to no avail.

“What can we do for you, Alzerion? We were just discussing matters regarding Aironell.”

The queen stepped toward Alzerion and patted his shoulder. She raised an eyebrow, “Alzerion, you seem a bit out of sorts.”

“I’m sorry your majesties. I ran here in quite a hurry.”

“Alzerion, just breathe. What could have been so important that you ran here?” Francisco chided.

“I’m sorry. I hate bothering you both. I know you’re busy, but I’m at a loss; in all senses of the word.”

“Alzerion, what does that mean?” Evalyn probed.

“It means, well, um, uh-” he tried to find the words.

“Relax,” Evalyn instructed. “I’m sure it can’t be as serious as you think.”

“It’s Aironell. She’s … missing!” he blurted out.

The queen couldn’t believe her ears. It couldn’t be real. She shook her head and focused on Alzerion. He looked away from them.

“You were supposed to be watching her!” The king’s clenched fist pounded on the nearest table. “That is your job. We have to find her!” The king stood. “What were you doing that you lost her?”

With head hung low he replied, “I promise I only turned away not even five minutes, Your Majesty. I was signing the papers for the Royal Army. The ones saying that we would acquire the new weapons that you requested.”

“Francisco, just have him go find her. Our little girl is probably scared to pieces.” The queen was soft-spoken. She strode closer to her husband, and adjusted the gold amulet with the family’s seal.

Francisco gazed into her glassy eyes, rubbed her shoulder, and nodded.

“Alzerion, tell the soldiers to go look for Aironell. Don’t you dare return unless you have her! Do you understand?” the king commanded as he pointed his jeweled finger at Alzerion.

“Yes, sir!” Alzerion responded as he shifted his legs together.

Then Alzerion left and with clenched fists, he thrust open the door and left at a fast-paced stride.

Meanwhile, the queen placed her hands on Francisco’s broad shoulders and turned him toward her. She hugged him, tight, while rubbing at the nape of his neck.

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