Araman

  Kassen woke stiff and sore despite how well he had slept. It took him a moment to remember where he was and why he was cuddled up in a window seat.

  The empty space next to him where Raliena had been was still warm and the light outside was fresh and new. It was still very early.

  Kassen stood up and stretched, staring out the window and the forest beneath it. Today would be when he would catch a Unisayan and do his duty to his King and create the alliance between the kingdoms.

  If only it didn’t mean there was a chance Raliena would not forgive him. She had revealed last night how she felt about doing this, but she also knew as well as he did the importance of an alliance.

  Kassen turned at the sound of the curtains opening behind him and a woman squealed when she saw the General; arms stretched above him.

  He dropped them swiftly and smiled charmingly at the maid.

  “Lovely morning is it not?” He said, winking as he passed her and headed to his room to change.

  He was soon to be needed in the courtyard, ready to leave for the Canah with Raliena. The two of them spending much time together on the journey, without distractions of court.

  There were many people gathered to bid the party farewell before their journey to Canah forest.

  Princess Sherin and the guards sent from Attashar were also leaving to return to their Kingdom. Only Derio was to accompany Kassen to the Unisayan grounds after Sherin refused to leave without Sitnen.

  “Wish I could be there to see you attempt this.” Sitnen said to Kassen with a sigh when the three of them were alone.

  “Sorry, my friend.” Derio said with a smile. “But I think the little Princess has taken a fancy to you.”

  “I think you may be right, just don’t let the King find out!” Sitnen replied.

  Kassen laughed. “I’d be more worried about Sherin finding out what the King would say.”

  Derio mock shuddered at the thought and they laughed.

  “Speaking of fancy.” Sitnen nodded to something behind them and they turned to see Sa Raliena walking towards them, her hands behind her back.

  “It was a pleasure meeting the fine knights of Attashar.” Raliena said to Sitnen and Derio. “It is a shame you could not be joining us on the journey, Sitnen.”

  “A shame indeed, Lady Araman, but I would not want to get in the way and keep General Kassen from more important duties.” He glanced at Kassen and smiled in a knowing way.

  Kassen gave him a threatening look, realising what he was referring to. Derio couldn’t quite stifle a snort and Raliena looked at him quizzically.

  “Sorry.” Derio said thumping a fist against his chest in an attempt to hide his laugh.

  “I am sure General Kassen will have many duties to attend to when he returns home, but I do not consider myself to be one of them.” Raliena smiled sweetly and this time Derio could not help releasing a loud laugh at the General’s expense.

  “Excuse me.” Raliena said with a grin and made her way towards Princess Sherin’s carriage.

  Once she was gone, Kassen made sure to punch both Derio and Sitnen hard in the arm.

  Raliena almost didn’t recognise the little Princess, bending over in the dirt to help put things into the carriage, much to the discomfort of the servants who were too intimidated by the young girl to protest.

  “This is not the work of a Princess.” Raliena said sternly putting her hands on her hips as Sherin jumped and turned round. “But the work of a good Queen.”

  Raliena giggled at her nervous expression making Sherin smile back.

  “A Princess needs to earn the respect of her servants by doing things for herself sometimes.” She said proudly.

  “You will be a great ruler someday, Sherin.” Raliena said sincerely, bending down so only she could hear.

  The Princess smiled shyly. “And I hope you will be there to help me along the way, Raliena.”

  “You have but to send for me, your highness.” Raliena curtsied gracefully.

  Sherin ran forward and embraced her tightly, not caring about what was expected of her and Raliena hugged her back, feeling tears welling in her eyes.

  “Will you visit Attashar when Kassen returns? I know it would make him happy.” Sherin asked when she finally released Raliena.

  “I will. It would make me very happy also.”

  They said final goodbyes and Raliena walked away as Kassen stood where she was. Sherin wiped away tears, trying to look proud in front of Kassen.

  “Oh my little Sherin.” Kassen said grabbing her in a bear hug and spinning her round. She protested at first then gave in and giggled in delight. She did however check to see if anyone had seen, once he put her back on her feet.

  “I’ll be back soon.” Kassen reassured her.

  “You better be.” Sherin said in her usual demanding voice. “And do not scare her off this time.” She muttered quietly.

  “I’ll try.” Kassen winked at his little sister.

  “While you are away it may be wise to consider which of the two men you will consider marrying my dear, dear Raliena.” The King said when Raliena reached him. Baynil smiled and gestured to General Kassen and Zea Dergen who were saddling their horses and saying farewell to Princess Sherin.

  Raliena had protested about the need for Dergen to accompany them but the King had said that it was necessary, as Kassen was not from Verxia and would perhaps need guidance along the way. Raliena was not sure that this was the King’s idea but rather one that Dergen had planted so that he could attend the hunt.

  The King sighed and placed both hands on the Araman’s shoulders.

  “It is no secret that I see you as a daughter Raliena and the Kingdom will expect a coupling upon your return. Also it would be good for you to have some assistance when you succeed me.”

  “King Baynil?” Raliena said in surprise but he held up his hand to quiet her.

  “I can think of none more worthy to look after the people once I am too old to do so and I have no doubt they will accept you wholeheartedly. I will say no more on the matter till you return, but think on who you want beside you.” He turned to face the two men again, now climbing onto their horses.

  “Dergen has great political skills and I believe he will keep you well. Either way he will serve you as a loyal advisor, if you so choose.” Raliena tried not to smile at the thought of being rid of him. “General Kassen is a fine man, strong and born to rule. You will make powerful allies if you choose him, but the alliance is almost sealed, so I must ask something of you, Raliena.”

  He turned back to her, looked deep in her eyes and smiled as any proud father would when looking upon their daughter.

  “Marry for love, as I did, and nothing could make me happier to see it.”

  Raliena could think of nothing to say and felt tears welling in her eyes. She too thought of him as a father, both had lost their family and found another in each other. Instead she embraced him, something that would have been seen as inappropriate if not for their relationship.

  They smiled at each other, the King also trying to hold back tears and then parted so Raliena could mount Fahge and leave for Canah.

  “Farewell consorts of Verxia!” The King announced in the formal departure speech. “Go now and bring me back a Knight!”