“I fear this is too small to fit into a crown.” He lifted it towards the sun between his forefinger and thumb, enjoying the glinting light sparkling through it. “I hear the next town we travel to is relatively large. Might I find a jeweler there that could affix this to a ring or a necklace? I’d much rather have that anyway. Then I could wear it every day—unlike my crown.”
“You probablycouldfind a jeweler but realize there is little value to these little quartz crystals. The mount would have more value than the stone.”
“It was a gift,” Snow said, pressing the stone against his chest. “Which makes it priceless.”
The Guard eyed him, a hint of a smile curling at his lips.
Snow sat back down on the soft grass of the oasis and watched as the Guard continued to unload the camel he’d apparently just returned on. “I was told you studied in Francia but were born here in Ifriqiya. I was curious what led you to study in that part of the world and remain after.”
“I was sent to study there to aid my father in understanding the leaders in your world. To assist in trade agreements. After I finished my education, I worked for several lords, learning all I could.” His smile faded. “While I was away, my father was assassinated. As his heir, I cannot return home for fear of the same happening to me, so I remained in Francia for some time and took a few positions in Germania, as well.” He looked around the sands. “This is as close to home as I’ve been in a decade.”
“I’m so sorry,” Snow said, frowning.
“It’s okay,” the Guard murmured before clenching his jaw.
“It’s not, though.”
The Guard’s hazel gaze returned to his.
“I understand loss like that. I lost my papa quite young, which shattered my world. Later, my step-papa tried to have me killed and I had to run away to save myself. Of course, I was only gone a fortnight before my father found me.” Snow hissed. “And nowI sound silly for attempting to compare your story to mine. It’s just that… I didn’tknowthat I’d be able to return. I thought I’d lost my home, my father, everyone I cared about… my entire life there. I mourned and it was difficult to accept that I’d have to rebuildeverything.”Snow paused. “I suppose what I’m trying to say is—I know the grief you’ve endured because I had a small taste of it myself. All I can say is how very sorry I am that you’ve experienced that.”
The Guard bowed.“Shukran jazilan.”
Thank you very much.
You’re welcome.
“Afwan,”Snow said, bowing in return from his seated position. “I’m sorry to say this, but I don’t recall if I was told your name or not. I hope you can forgive me if I ask.”
The Guard bowed again. “I am Aldara Ben-Nasar. Most call me Dara.”
Snow held out a hand. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Dara. I’m glad to have you here with us.”
Dara shook it, smiling to himself. He fought a grin.
“What’s so funny?” Snow asked.
“You remind meso muchof another omega I protected in my last position. He wasn’t a king or a prince, but hedidend up a Prince Consort. Not too far from your home in Kleeve-Burgh, in fact.” The Guard smiled softly. “I liked himverymuch. I hope to be able to say the same about you.”
“Which Prince Consort is this? I know some of my neighbors, though, some through reputation alone.”
“Beau de Beaumont-Belleterre. I was a member of the Prince Consort’s Guard.Briefly.”
Snow frowned. Would Dara’s role be fleeting on his Guard, as well? “What made you leave a prestigious position on a Royal Guard?”
“The captain of said Guard did not trust an outsider to protect the Prince Consort. He made it known that he would find any means necessary to remove me from my post—no matter that the king had chosen me himself.”
“That’s horrid,” Snow said.
“Yes. Quite,” Dara murmured.
“Belleterre…” Snow frowned. “It seems almost familiar, yet I can’t place it.”
“I understand that few visited over the last decade or so. Royaume de Belleterre,” Dara replied. “To the southeast of Fuelders and due east from Kleeve-Burgh—in Francia.”
“Ah,”Snow replied, trying to visually see where Dara spoke of from the maps in his head. Suddenly, he realized what it could be. “Is this the place they call Terre Maudite? The cursed land ruled by a beastly, cursed king?”
Dara chuckled. “I have heard tall tales of a curse on both the land and their ruler, but I don’t know how much truth there is to any of it. What I can say is King Lucian was nothing but fair with me, even if he is rather ferocious looking at times.”
