Page 94 of Binding Fate

“Well, we forgive you, Alzerion,” King Francisco’s voice was firm. Queen Evalyn smiled.

“Unfortunately, I’m not sure if Aironell will.”

Alzerion swallowed. “I know.”

“You will still lead the Royal Army,” King Francisco stood on one side of him. The queen stood on the other as they all walked toward the door.

“Of course,” Alzerion nodded.

“Just one thing.” The king stopped. Queen Evalyn half-turned to them. “Aironell’s happiness means more to us than anything.”

“I know that,” Alzerion nodded.

“Alzerion, if she can’t forgive you then after we defeat the rebels, you won’t be welcome here. I’m, sorry but that’s the way it’ll have to be.”

Alzerion bit his lip and slowly nodded. He had to expect that. “If I may, I’d like to go to my room.”

King Francisco moved to the side for him. As he passed the king and queen he focused on Aironell. He left the Great Hall and headed to his room, but he hoped Aironell would forgive him. If she didn’t well, he felt like he would, no he couldn’t think like that. He needed her to forgive him, even if it took the rest of his life.

FATE

A

ironell awoke with a shudder. She felt goosebumps on her arms like she caught some sort of chill. In seconds, she sat up, rubbed her arms, and then scanned her room. Nothing was amiss.Ugh, she couldn’t shake this ominous feeling. She shook her head to focus on something happier.Alzerion. He usually was her safe haven, but not now.He couldn’t. Instead she felt like her heart was being clawed out.

Should I believe and trust him? Does he even really care for me? So many thoughts flooded her mind.

Aironell got out of bed and sat at her desk. She leafed through her spell book. Despite all that happened, she had to be prepared. Betrayal or no, she had to practice to be prepared. Aironell practiced a few spells that she had been working on. Standing in the middle of the room she practiced the motions needed to cast. She went from memorizing the spells to practicing the motions. Casting them for real, could destroy the whole palace, so she played it safe.

After practicing, Aironell saw the sun break over Bachusa. She saw the beautiful colors painted across the sky. Aironell stood in the opening of her balcony, leaning against the stone arch. There came a knock at her door.

She turned around. “Come in.”

Queen Evalyn strolled over to her. “Good morning, darling.”

Aironell flung her arms around her. “Is everything alright?” Aironell released her grip and pulled back.

“Why don’t we sit down.” Aironell followed the queen to the sitting table. Queen Evalyn twirled her hand and there was a teapot and two cups filled with hot tea.

Aironell grabbed one of them, blew on it, and then took a slow sip.

“Aironell, I want you to know how much your father and I love you.”

“I do know that.” A faint crease curved in her lips.

The queen nodded and then took a sip of tea. Then she sat hers on the table. “I don’t want to upset you, but I think we should discuss your feelings on everything.”

“I’m not sure how I feel,” Aironell looked down into her cup of tea. “I would like to say I am over it but, he—”

“He hurt you, didn’t he?”

Aironell felt the burning wetness behind her eyes. She blinked, twice. She placed her cup down. The warmth turned into a feeling of heat that crept from cheek to cheek.

“Darling,” Queen Evalyn slid her chair next to Aironell and wrapped her arms around her. The hug oozed warmth. Aironell steadied her breathing as she inhaled scents of lavender from her mother.

Aironell nuzzled her head into the soft fabric that covered the queen’s arm. “There, there.” Aironell breathed in, then out to the rhythmic movement of her mother running her hands through her hair. It was soothing. It reminded her of how Isabella used to do this when she was a little girl. She shut her eyes, tight. Her pain was there.

“I wish I could explain,” Aironell said, softly. “It’s a deep pain. Like someone took one of those swords the army uses and ran it into my chest.”

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