Page 76 of Binding Fate

“Not really, no. Your parents do social gatherings as a way to mingle.” Isabella fluffed the last of the pillows. Aironell never realized how many she had as Isabella rounded to the bottom of the bed and started to smooth out the sheet.

“Isabella, I’m not quite seeing how I’m my father’s daughter. I mean what am I missing?”

Isabella smoothed out another crease and laughed. “You mentioned not knowing Alzerion well, yet you have feelings.”

Aironell blushed and nodded, slowly.It was true that Alzerion occupied a big space in her mind.

“Aironell, your father saw your mother for the first time, at one of those tournaments. As the heir to the throne, he was betrothed to a princess from a neighboring kingdom.” Isabella’s hands settled on her hips as she continued. “As I understand it, your father saw your mother and was in awe of her beauty and charm. He vowed he had to meet her.”

Aironell stood up and paced. She strolled to the archway of her balcony and back as Isabella continued. She didn’t know what to make of this information.

“Your mother was of noble blood but not a royal.” Isabella went back to smoothing out the bed sheets. She slowly moved to where Aironell had been just moments before. “Queen Evalyn is the daughter from a respected noble family from the ancient House of Sorcerers.”

Head still spinning, Aironell kept pacing as her fingers massaged, deep, into her head. It was like her fingers were trying to penetrate her brain. “House of Sorcerers?”

“I’m sure your mother has mentioned that before.” That wasn’t a question, but a statement. She racked her brain but, yes.There was a small conversation. Huh. Maybe she should have paid better attention.

“Well, that’s done.” Isabella smacked her hands together. Aironell felt a tug at her arm as she was pulled. It was quick and jarring. She thought she would topple over, as Isabella pulled her onto the balcony. Isabella patted the marble bench and she sat down.

The change of scenery was nice. The smell of the sweet flowers wafted up from Gorgeous Garden. The feel of the morning breeze washed over her like waves rolling across your body— fast and no chance to feel cold.Ahhhh. Aironell sat with the hardness of the smooth marble beneath her, legs swaying a bit as she glanced over at Isabella. Her mouth twisted to the side as her eyes turned up a bit. She recognized that face. It usually meant trouble for her, at least when she was growing up. It was when Isabella picked up on something.

“Did you know that your mother didn’t even know who your father was?”

Aironell’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean?” Leaning in, Aironell’s feet tapped against the floor as she waited.What could she mean by that? She was hoping even praying that it wasn’t something horrid.

Isabella leaned against the backing of the bench with arms crossed. Again, she was thinking of her words. Aironell knew this pose, all too well.

Open, close, open, and close once more. Aironell tried not to laugh. It was a challenge, when Isabella reminded her of a fish.

“It is hard to explain. Bachusa, as you see it now, was very different.” Isabella uncrossed her arms and tapped her fingers against the bench. “Sorry, I am forcing memories to resurface from some time ago.”

“How long? What happened? Why was it so different?” The questions poured out like batter pouring out of a funnel. She studied Isabella’s face and her whole demeanor. All she could do was wait for more.

“I was a child, myself, so I know how things looked to me, but I also listened, a lot. I came with my mother often to the palace.” Aironell tilted her head and Isabella continued. “My mother was a maid here, when your grandparents ruled. I won’t say anything about them, except that they were nothing like your parents. Which is why Bachusa was a very different kingdom.”

Isabella paused. Aironell had what felt like a million questions. She bit the end of one of her nails, trying to calm her inner thoughts. Isabella had her eyes closed and then let out a long breath.

“Since I was here, often, and I was a child I heard plenty. Your father is a more benevolent ruler than his parents, rest their souls, but that is the gist of it.” Aironell rubbed at her chin as she starred off, just listening, taking it all in.

“They didn’t really entertain or listen to the pleas of the people. They didn’t go to town often. Your father went into town, as often as he could— under supervision from servants, of course. When he got older he would go alone. One of his first projects was to improve the buildings. It took time and he used some of his magic to help, but he got his father to agree. Your father loved his town. He loved his people and wanted to have a better relationship with them. But since his parents didn’t do that, it took time for people to know who he was.”

Aironell kept soaking it in like a sponge, nodding as she rocked herself.

Isabella continued, “When your father was older, your mother would see him around, but he didn’t wear his crown or anything. He blended well, as if he was just a high-born and not the heir to the throne. My understanding is that she didn’t know who he was, not until they met at one of the tournaments. I think your father was seventeen.”

Aironell’s eyes went wide as she shook her head. Then she blinked. Her mouth gaped open. “He was only a year older than me?” Blinking once more to try to steady her head.

Isabella nodded. “He was already set to marry. It was custom to wed by eighteen.”

“You have to love how nobody thought that to be odd. Sorry. I know a different world entirely. Wait.” Her left hand rubbed at the side of her face. She was still trying to put the pieces together.

“Isabella, I need to know more. I know you said it was love at first sight, but what happened to the woman he didn’t marry?” She gulped and then kept right on. “My grandparents sound, well, unpleasant and controlling; if that was the case then how did my father manage to persuade them to change their plans?”

Isabella’s hand pressed against her chest as she laughed. Aironell sat firm—arms crossed with eyes that inspected and with foot tapping, she waited.

Isabella cleared her throat. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t help it. Your questions kept rolling, one after another like a tidal wave.” She reached over and patted her shoulder. The tension in Aironell’s shoulder relaxed, just a bit, but she still watched and waited.

“Your father would meet her for little outings—picnics, strolls, the works.” Aironell’s gaze softened as she continued to listen.

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