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It would be nice to have a place to call my own, I thought. Maybe even start a family one day. Family.
“I’m sorry, King Rian. I have to decline your offer.” He jerked back, clearly offended. “My mother is sick. I traveled to find a healer and was on my way back to them when I spotted you andyour men being ambushed. I appreciate the kind gesture, but I must be going. My family is counting on me.”
His eyes narrowed, but his face softened a moment later.
“That’s an admirable quality to have, young man. Promise me something,” he said as I nodded. “Promise that you will come to Windemere when the timing is right. For you, and your family.”
“I promise.”
“I’ve met many men, young Tristan, and few have the qualities you bear.”
I gave him a questioning look.
“Honorable. Selfless. Courageous. Your father must be proud of the man he raised.”
A lump formed in my throat. My lips turned up in a grin, and I once again held out my hand to him.
“Thank you for the kind words and the offer, King Rian.”
He pursed his lips. “No, thank you for saving my life.” He spun on his heels and walked back to his men, shouting for me to remember my promise.
And I do remember.
Almost a year later, I made my way to Windemere. The castle walls stood tall and strong, armed with men at every post. When I reached the entry, I was stopped and questioned. I told them who I was, and to my surprise, they had heard about what I had done.
“Perfect timing! Tonight’s the prince and princess’s coming of age feast. The king will be so pleased to see you on such a glorious day.” He led me through the small village and into Windemere.
The halls were bustling with people moving about, each of them preparing for the feast. He took me to the guards’ quarters, and we stepped into an unoccupied room. He gestured toward the bed. “You can stay here until the feast. I’m sure you are tiredfrom your travels. Besides, if the king has his way, this room will be yours permanently.” I chuckled, setting my bag down on the bed. It didn’t hold much, a few garments and some letters my mother and father wrote before I left.
We said our goodbyes, and he left me alone. I fell asleep instantly, and by the time I woke, the feast was underway.
The great hall was easy enough to find. I made my way through the crowded room, listening closely to each person I passed. It appeared that every house in IronHaven was invited to the festivities. I had missed the opening ceremony where each house swore an oath of loyalty to Prince Ramiro, King Rian’s son and heir.
I walked by the tables of food, snatching things as I went, keeping my eyes peeled for the king.
One of the royal guard stepped to the center of the room, the music stopped, and the chatter died down when he began to speak.
“The king would like the lords of IronHaven to meet him in the throne room along with Prince Ramiro and Princess Robyn.”
People shuffled out of the room into another, and I followed, but I stood in the back.
King Rian was at the top of the stairs, sitting on his throne, the prince to his right and the princess to his left.
I let my eyes fall over the prince and princess for a moment. They were turning fifteen that day. Only a few years separating us in age. Twins, but they were completely opposite from their looks to their demeanor.
The prince looked uncomfortable. His jaw was locked tight, and his brows were pulled in, creasing his forehead in a deep frown for every eye to see.
The princess, on the other hand, looked happy, maybe even a little confused, but she hid it beneath a beautiful smile. There was a hint of mischief in her emerald eyes.
The king stood front and center, ready to address the crowd.
“We’ve fought together on many battlefields wanting to see a change in Storm’s Vale. A change that will far last for centuries, long after we are all forgotten. A change that will unite the five kingdoms.” Cheers erupted from the crowd. “You all are aware of how important my daughter is, not only to me but to our kingdom. This may be unorthodox. It may even sound a little absurd. This has never been asked of you before now, but I believe Princess Robyn plays an important role in seeing this change come to fruition. Just as the seer predicted on the day of her birth.”
My eyes widened in shock, bouncing back and forth between the prince and princess. They were wearing the same matching looks of confusion.
Seers don’t normally give insight on daughters, only the heirs. I’ve traveled the realm, heard many stories, and never once have I heard such a thing.
The onslaught of people around me looked equally taken aback by the king’s words.
