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lzerion woke up early the next day. He felt physically and emotionally drained from the previous day. He sat up and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. Hell, he still felt tired. It was to be expected when he didn’t sleep soundly. How could he? He had to get over that. Alzerion raced to his closet and threw on his clothes. He had to see, Aironell.
The only thing he could think about as he walked to her room was how he would explain. His heart ached at the thought of upsetting her. Maybe he didn’t need to tell her, no. she needed to know. She had to hear it from him. when he reached her room and opened the door she wasn’t there. His eyes darted from each side, but no, it was empty.
“What are you doing here?” Alzerion spun around to find Isabella. He studied her blank stare.
“I, um, well, you see—”
“No,” Isabella dashed pushed him into Aironell’s room. “I mean how are you here right now?”
Alzerion’s brows furrowed. “Isabella, it’s early. I just woke up and there was something I wanted to discuss with Princess Aironell.”
“Alzerion,” Isabella’s voice lowered as she leaned in. “She told us that you were meeting her in town. She even showed me the note.”
“What note?” Alzerion’s nostrils flared.
Isabella escorted Alzerion over to Aironell’s sitting table and handed it to him.
He scanned it and flipped it over. He crumpled it up. “Isabella, I did not write this.”
“Then who—”
“I’m sorry I have to go. I must get to her first.” Alzerion whooshed passed her and ran. There was no time to stop or pause. He had to meet Aironell before it was too late. Before Warren or Ulbrick could ruin him.
* * *
Aironell couldn’t wait to see Alzerion. He had some explaining to do but mostly, she just wanted to get lost in his cinnamon-red eyes. The smells of vanilla and cinnamon filled her nose. She looked around to see the baker bringing out the delightfully smelling goods. She was halfway through town when a little girl ran up to her and handed her a crocus. Aironell bent down to grab the flower. She smiled at the child. The little girl bowed her head and ran off.
Aironell continued to make her way to Alzerion’s spot while she twirled the flower in her hands. It was white with a pale-yellow center.So sweet, she thought as she entered Majestic Park. Once she saw the roses she looked up. It was just as beautiful as the day Alzerion first brought her here. No Alzerion, yet. She was sure she wasn’t late. Aironell sat beneath the tallest weeping willow. The silver-purple blooms still amazed her. She sat down and twirled the crocus as she waited. Every so often she would look up and scan the park. Nobody. Aironell leaned her back against the tree and folded her legs like a pretzel. Then she draped her dress around to be sure her legs were covered. Arms folded around her chest tight as she starred up at the silver-purple blooms.Where was he? His letter said it was urgent.
Thoughts of making a head wreath with the beautiful blooms filled her mind. Aironell sat up to try and grab a few but her eyes caught a figure approaching.Finally, she thought. When she focused her gaze, it was not Alzerion. She did not recognize the man that was steadily coming closer. Head pulled back and eyes narrowed as she fiddled with the stem of the crocus.
“Hello, Princess.” He called as he jogged over. His voice sounded pleasant. He bowed his head once he was near. Aironell nodded as she stood up, still holding the crocus.
“I hope I didn’t startle you.”
“Don’t be silly,” Aironell forced a smile. She placed her free hand over her chest as she spoke. “I’m at a disadvantage. You know who I am but I don’t know you.” Her eyes twinkled as she glanced at him.
She caught a slight blush before his head looked down. He seemed harmless. She felt a little more at ease. Surely if he wished her harm he would have done so by now.
“My name is Warren.”
“Pleased to meet you, Warren.” Something felt odd. She couldn’t figure out why. Instead she held out her hand. His head bent to the side as he grasped her hand and then shook it. After a few seconds he released her hand. Aironell shifted her stance and she waited.
“No offense, your highness, but you’re not what I was expecting.”
“Oh?” Aironell’s nose wrinkled as she spoke with a soft voice. His eyes gave away more than he probably bargained for. Aironell could see that he was conflicted. Then he looked off to the side.
“Warren, what is troubling you? Can I help?”
He opened his mouth and then closed it. He sighed, nodded, and then focused his gaze on her. “I fear that I have some terrible news, your highness.”
“Oh. What news?” Aironell motioned for him to follow. He did.
She turned around and sat down on the grass. Warren sat on his knees. He rubbed his hands against his pants back and forth, until he spoke again.
“Someone has not been honest with you. It has put you in danger.”
Aironell was no longer smiling. She bit the inside of her cheek. “Who? Who is this imposter you speak of?”
