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Daniel shook his head side-to-side. “Not always, dearest.” He turned to Alzerion. “What is holding them back?”
Alzerion bit his lip and then stood up.
“Well?” Daniel’s gaze followed him.
Alzerion paced around the room and angled himself. He took a few steps closer. One hand rested on his hip and the other pointed into the emptiness of the walkway.
“I don’t understand.” Isabella stood.
“Are…you…kidding?” Daniel rushed to Alzerion and pulled him close. “No.”
Isabella saw the veins throb in her husband’s neck. She mouthed, what.
Alzerion swallowed. “It’s…Airon,” he mouthed. Isabella shook her head as she moved closer to them. Daniel wrapped an arm around her. She felt his warmth ash she tried to find the words.
“They won’t come for her. They have no idea where she is or how to find her.Sheis what’s keeping the rebels at bay. Ousting the king does nothing. He has an heir. They could never hold real power, not as long as there is a spare to take his place.”
Isabella took a breath.At least there was time. Aironell, she had time before any of this would be her burden.She looked down.
“I never thought it would get like this,” Daniel said. “At least she is safe.”
“Don’t worry. I’m working with the king and queen to try to keep the peace. The army is training, often, just in case. Right now, it is a wait and see kind of situation.”
“Of course,” Isabella struggled to find the words.
Alzerion patted them both on the shoulder. “At least I can tell them how Airon is doing. That will be sure to cheer them up. They were getting restless for my visit.”
Alzerion started out of the kitchen into the dining room. Isabella and Daniel followed close behind. He spun around. “Magic,” he whispered. “How has that been going?”
Daniel nodded. “She knows she has special talents. Right now, we are working on getting her to understand that not everyone has the same abilities. It is slow going.”
“We don’t want her to know too much and tell one of her friends,” Isabella added.
Alzerion nodded. “I hope it progresses soon. We are counting on you both to help her with this. She will need to know how to wield her magic.” He looked at Daniel. “Just like we wield our swords.”
Daniel nodded.
“I must go.” Alzerion shook Daniel’s hand. He glanced to make sure Airon was still in the other room. Then he waved his arm and disappeared in a puff of red smoke. Isabella walked the short distance to the door. Opened it quietly and then shut it.
REASSURANCE
M
eanwhile, back at the palace, the queen sat waiting. She held on to her husband’s hand. Her eyes watching the door-never lingering. Every so often she felt the comfort of Francisco squeeze her hand.
"Evalyn, we have been staring far too long.” He tried to pull her close but she did not budge.
“Francisco, I-I, just can’t.” Her voice quaking.
“I’m sure Alzerion will bring us a good report.”
She waved at him. still her eyes never left the door. She felt worn and Alzerion held the key to raising her spirits.
“Evalyn, you’re not the only one—”
The door creaked open. The queen gripped both sides of her throne. Alzerion walked toward them. She scanned his face. Nothing.He was too good at keeping his feelings in check.
Alzerion walked toward the thrones, bowed, and then stood before them.
