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“What’s the matter?” Ulbrick taunted. “You seem surprised by something.”
“I can’t believe how stupid I am,” Alzerion said as he jolted up. “You kidnapped the princess to get to me, didn’t you?” Alzerion fumed as his nostrils flared. Alzerion worked to steady his breathing but found it difficult as every muscle in his body tensed.
“Bravo,” said Ulbrick as he leaned back against the cushioned head rest behind him. “Yes, I did. The princess is a baby. Until she’s older, she is of no use to me. I knew your job was to watch over her, and I thought you’d probably be doing that most of the day. I took her the first time to see what the king and queen would do.” He clapped his hands together. “I was so pleased when they sent you to find her. I knew I was correct. I waited until it got dark out and everyone would be in bed. I took Aironell and I saw you as I passed. You were still awake, and I vowed to wait patiently for you.”
“What do you want from me? I can’t imagine why you would’ve gone through all that trouble just to see me.”
“Warren and I need help to accomplish our goal,” he informed Alzerion. “And we know that you can really make all the difference.”
Alzerion realized that he had no choice but to offer his assistance. He was in no position to argue, for if he did, Aironell and he probably would not see the light of day.
“Fine,” Alzerion sighed. “Tell me what you’re up to then.”
Once Alzerion agreed to help them, Warren sat down next to him.
* * *
The queen awoke with a shudder. Something was wrong. Half-awake she rubbed at her eyes as she sat up and looked around. King Francisco was still asleep, yet she still felt this dread. So, she pushed the button by her bed that rang for Alzerion, but nobody came. Puzzled.Maybe he was simply sleeping?Sleep kept invading her own mind. He could be getting ready for practice with the Royal Army or maybe he went to visit his mother. Either way, she reasoned that Alzerion was busy, and she was just being paranoid, so then she laid back down and fell asleep.
And a mile away from the palace sat Alzerion. He was alone on that couch as Warren and Ulbrick decided to rest. So, he looked down at his robes and saw the little heart with the crown around it blinking red. He knew that the queen was looking for him. He was not worried about Warren. He seemed too nice to do any real damage, but Ulbrick, that was different.
Alzerion knew they needed him, so he was not worried for his life but rather of what they were planning. He looked down at Aironell and a rush of emotions surged. He waved his hand, and Aironell awoke from her trance. He felt safe in doing so, since Ulbrick was fast asleep. He cradled her, and she smiled as sleep crept over her.
Alzerion tried to remain calm. He had this ugly feeling. It was the feeling of pure, unrelenting hatred. He loathed what he now was forced to do in order to help Ulbrick and Warren. So, he bent over and kissed Aironell on her head, and he laid down beside her and realized that she could be in danger.
HIDE-AND-SEEK
T
he next morning had the queen quite busy. She was readying the palace for the town gathering. She was bopping about finishing the details of the brunch. She wanted everything to run smoothly. There was an assortment of pastries, fruit tarts, scones, and various fine meats. The scents made her mouth water, as she sat at a small table, nearby. She inspected each item the servants brought out and placed on the long table. This was set on the left side of the Great Hall. She felt it would allow for people to eat, and still give the option to move about and mingle. Just as the queen was about to eat her raspberry pastry, a servant stood before her.
“Your Majesty,” bowed a slender maid. “I— um, h-have some news.”
“What is it?” The queen probed as her eyes narrowed. “We are very busy today. What can I do for you, Isabella?”
Isabella strolled closer. “It’s Alzerion,” she whispered.
Queen Evalyn noticed that Isabella was acting a bit off, so she motioned for her to come even closer. Now Isabella stood so close that she could have touched the queen’s arm.
“Isabella, what about Alzerion?” Queen Evalyn felt this shiver prick the back of her ear. Like the tiny hairs were standing on edge.
Isabella let out a long exhale. “He’s not here.”
Queen Evalyn shifted her eyes around. She saw her husband was deep in conversation across the room. Nobody was around her except for Isabella. “He has to be here.” She noticed that her hands started to tremble.
“I’m sorry your majesty, he’s not. Before the gathering I thought you mentioned he may have gone to visit his parents?”
“I did, but he should be back by now.” She explained while forcing her hands to press firmly on her arms. Anything to control them from trembling.
“I thought he would be back by now. In truth it has been quite some time. Also, he never misses an opportunity to wake Aironell. He loves seeing her little eyes open and sparkle. Anyway, is Aironell still asleep?” The queen focused her thoughts and took a couple slow breaths.
“I’m not sure, Your Majesty. I haven’t been in her room yet.”
“Well, when you do, make sure to wake her up. Please get her dressed and ready, and when you’re done, bring her downstairs to me.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Isabella curtsied and as she walked away the queen stared out lost in thought.How is he not back yet?She shook her head and stood up. She paced the length of the table and forced a smile, as a couple of townsfolk passed by and bowed. Queen Evalyn gave them a nod and took a stroll around to the front of the room, as she avoided stopping. She didn’t want to be interrupted, not now. She feared that she wouldn’t be able to hide her emotions.
