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King Francisco nodded. He stood up and strolled toward the door, then turned. Alzerion sat there and half-smirked. It faded faster than it formed.
“What’s wrong, now?”
“Nothing. I’m just thinking, that’s all.”
The king’s gaze bore into Alzerion. His arms crossed.
Alzerion walked toward King Francisco, with his head low. “What will I say to her? She was young when we last spoke. How will she react when she finds out what I did?”
“You kept her safe,” the king’s tone was light. “Why would she be angry at you for that?”
“I…don’t know.” The king observed Alzerion. He couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more going on. Alzerion wasn’t acting like himself.
The king leaned in and broke the silence. “Alzerion meet her. There will be time for you to worry later. You might find that she enjoys your company and that you don’t have to worry.” He held out his hand.
“Alright,” Alzerion sighed as he looked up at the king. He nodded and left his room. King Francisco followed right behind him. They came to the grand staircase, and Alzerion halted. He took a breath and continued.
Once they reached the family room the king strolled in and sat next to Queen Evalyn. He waited for Alzerion to follow.
Alzerion stood in the doorway and looked around. He smirked. Aironell was here at last, reunited with her parents. She looked so grown up. He felt a bit flushed and then looked away. He glanced down at his hands and the ring placed on his finger. It had aUinsignia and a snake. It was the emblem of Ulbrick and his rebels. For him, it was a constant reminder of the snake lurking under the surface. Ulbrick and his plans.Ugh, he rolled his eyes. He snapped out of his thoughts once he heard her voice.
“Is he not coming? I knew it. I warned Isabella and Da—I mean Quairken that he would dislike me.” Her voice was sweet. It sounded like a melody. But there was no mistaking the pain that cracked through her words. He licked his lips as he continued to watch.
The queen exchanged glances with her husband.
“Aironell, he doesn’t dislike you,” the queen leaned over and rubbed her arm. “He has been waiting years for your safe return.”
“Your mother is right,” King Francisco grinned. “I’m sure when he’s ready, he will come see you.”
He saw Aironell looked down at her feet. The king glanced back at the doorway, at him. Alzerion gulped. The king was firmly staring at him. He didn’t like how Aironell seemed, hurt. She had this pained expression, almost like disappointment, as she looked down. He did not want Aironell to think he hated her, but he was torn. Should he move closer and speak?There were so many choices, he thought, as he watched.
He saw her eyes as she continued to look down. They were even more spectacular than he could remember. The hints of cerulean sparkled like that of water glistening under the sun. Except now, they looked sullen. They were heavy and misty.
Her beautiful curly, dirty blonde hair brought out her fair complexion. He waved his right index finger in a circular motion, and a red rose appeared in his hands. Then he approached Aironell. The rest of the room scanned his every move.
Alzerion stopped right beside Aironell. He straightened his posture, “I kept my promise.” His voice oozed warmth.
Aironell looked up. Alzerion and his red rose were inches from her body. Aironell looked at it and then up at him. Alzerion desperately wanted to know what she was thinking. Aironell stood. She glided until she was in front of him. He noticed that her eyes locked on his. “You, um, you’re, I mean you are Alex.” She circled around spying each side of him.
“I am.” Alzerion licked his lips as he continued to hold out the rose, as if they were the only two in the room.
“May I?” Aironell pointed at him. Unsure what she wanted, Alzerion found himself nodding.Dummy, what did you agree to?Aironell’s smile was sweet and wide, as if her whole face was smiling. She continued to pace around him, but this time she reached out her hands. Within moments, she gently slid her hands up his arm over each ripple of muscle. Her fingers danced across his skin with such delicate speed. They traced the lines of his cheeks and her hand cupped right under his chin. Alzerion gulped, loudly, that he was certain everyone else could hear. He pulled her hand down and took one step back.
Alzerion bit the side of his lip as he took a deep breath. “You’re supposed to take the rose. It’s a gift.”
Aironell reached her hand out and took the rose. Then she brought it closer and gave it a whiff. “Thank you. It seems so familiar.”
Alzerion swallowed. “They were your favorite. I would place them around your room.” He quickly glanced around. The king and queen sat nestled on the couch, while Isabella and Quairken stood off to the side. Everyone was watching. Waiting. Not sure if she sensed the awkwardness, but Aironell broke the silence.
“What promise were you talking about?”
“No need to worry. I will tell you, in time,” Alzerion smirked.
“Why bring it up if you didn’t want to tell me?” Aironell furrowed her left eyebrow.
“Mmm, we don’t know each other. Not well.” His head moved side-to-side.
“What does that have to do with anything?”
