Page 47 of Binding Fate

“We thought you would be glad to see us,” Quairken tapped his arm.

“I am happy to see you, both. You seem well. Where is Aironell? Did something happen?”

“Oh, Alzerion, she’s fine,” Isabella lifted her chin as she spoke. “In fact, she’s downstairs with the king and queen. They are having a nice time getting to know each other better.”

“Oh,” Alzerion bit his bottom lip. “Is she well?”

“Of course, she is. She even asked about you,” Quairken nudged with his elbow. “She never forgot you.”

“Well, that’s rather surprising,” Alzerion cleared this thickness from the back of his throat.

“I guess it can be seen that way,” Isabella replied. “She always hoped you would return. Anyway, the king and queen were glad to see her.”

“I can only imagine. They waited a long time to see her.” He spoke like he was in some sort of a daze. He was replaying memories in his mind and trying to push them away.

“Aironell has turned into quite a lady,” replied Isabella sweetly.

Alzerion just looked at them. “I see.”

He looked down at his hands and was momentarily lost in thought. It was by his hands that Aironell was whisked away and forced to leave in the first place. He could not help but feel like this was his fault, even from the first day. If he watched her better, she never would have been taken by Ulbrick. She would not have been bait to lure him. Now, Aironell was back, and he was not sure what to do. He frowned.

“Alzerion, why don’t you go see her? I’m sure she would be excited.” Quairken leaned in and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“She would be delighted,” said Isabella matter-of-factly.

A smirk escaped Alzerion’s face, and he felt a warmth in his heart. He put his hand on his necklace and pulled it on top of his shirt. Isabella and Quairken looked at the necklace. Isabella’s mouth opened.

Isabella broke the silence, “Obviously, you two will surprise each other. She thinks the world of you, Alzerion. She’s nervous to meet you, again. She is convinced that you will be disappointed in her.”

Alzerion’s expression darkened. “Oh, Isabella, I could never. I’m just happy she’s safe; I mean, that was the goal after all these years. Her safety means the world to me, and I’m glad all is going well.”

“Well, she has had a lot to shock her today,” replied Quairken. “She found out she was a princess, today.”

“That must have been hard for her.”

Isabella looked down, “It seemed too harsh to tell a child every burden. Nevertheless, she is strong and quite the sorceress.”

“I’m sure she will get accustomed to being a princess. Anyway, I’m going to my room. I’ll see you two later. Tell the king and queen that I’ll be down for a bit once I’m finished. I just need some time to be alone and think.”

With those words, Alzerion left down West Wing corridor and went straight to his room. Once there, he closed his door and sat at his desk. Alzerion started leafing through papers as he thought about Aironell, and then he found what he was looking for. It was a letter from Ulbrick. Only he could make Alzerion feel like a failure, even when everything was working out well.

Dear Alzerion,

The princess should be coming home soon. She is of the appropriate age. We need to meet up soon to discuss what our next move should be. We need to figure out what to do about Aironell. Also, we have to finalize our plans for the future of Bachusa. All in all, we have much work that needs to be done and tended to. See you soon, obedient servant.

Ulbrick

Alzerion sat and read the letter at least a dozen times. It pained him. The words clung to him. Dredging up every insecurity he held.Aironell. She made it this far. Now the real work started. Keeping her safe, especially once everyone knew she was back.

Alzerion slammed his fist against the wooden desk. Flexing his fingers out as he gripped the wood beneath his hand. Ulbrick’s words cut into his very being. He was persistent. Alzerion swallowed this sourness. The truth was bitter, but Ulbrick had to be watched.

His head lowered and slowly shook. Aironell just arrived and already there were forces against her. He fought the churning feeling in his stomach as he straightened up.

Downstairs in the family room, Aironell listened to what the king and queen; her parents were telling her.It was so weird. She was a princess. Wow.That was going to take some adjusting. After the latest topic, her eyes wandered across the room. Someone was coming. She always could just feel when someone was near. Aironell’s gaze locked in at the doorway. There Isabella stood. Her body rested against Quairken. Aironell tracked them as they moved into the room. Isabella took a few deep breaths. Quairken continued pushing them forward with his hand against her back.Something was off. She could sense it.

King Francisco looked over and saw them standing near. “I thought you both would have liked some time to yourself.”

“That was rather generous, your majesty.” Isabella pursed her lips.

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