Chapter Six

Prince Baylin descended the stairway to meet with his guests, the royal family of Mirstone. This is ludicrous. He knew the stress that the arrangement was causing Luana. She is the only wife I have ever wanted. She is the only wife I will ever have.

Baylin had never been one to go against anything his father had commanded or even suggested. The King was a fair and just ruler and had wise counsel in matters both familial and royal. However, this, Baylin could never agree to. Why must I play these games for Father’s sake? I will do anything else he asks, but not this. I must make him see reason.

When Baylin arrived at the guests’ chambers, he could hear Isla laughing through the door. Baylin had to admit he had always found her attractive and pleasant, though he did find her laughter to be somewhat abrasive. None of that matters. My heart is Luana’s alone.

Upon knocking, Baylin was greeted by a handmaid. She led him to the sitting room where the royal family sat, obviously awaiting him due to Isla’s earlier visit.

“Prince Baylin,” Isla called out as he entered the room.

Though Mirstone was the smallest and least lavish of the Kingdoms of Wintervale, the royal family made special efforts to appear as though they were the richest.

King Gideon wore a long crimson red velvet tunic that was trimmed in a rich gold satin. Situated on top of his balding head was a ruby encrusted, gold filigree crown that seemed to exaggerate the two remaining white tufts of hair on either side of his wide forehead.

Queen Fia wore a luxurious gold velvet gown that had a black silk underskirt with crimson embroidery. The skirt was so large that Baylin was unsure how she managed to find her seat when she sat down.

Baylin bowed deeply as he addressed the royal family. “Your Graces. King Gideon and Queen Fia, you honor me with your presence this morning. Princess Isla, you are looking lovely as always.”

Isla let out a giggle at Baylin’s words. He worried she took their meaning much deeper than he intended. In truth, he didn’t want to say them at all, but he had to exercise the proper courtesies on behalf of his father.

The Prince continued, “I do hope you are making yourselves at home as our honored guests. I know Grasmere is far colder than Mirstone this time of year. Is the room warm enough for you?”

King Gideon stepped forward and took a bow, the Queen and the Princess followed suit. “Prince Baylin, it is you who honor us. We are indebted to your hospitality and protection during this trying time.”

“Yes, Baylin,” Isla said, stepping forward and grabbing his hand. “I cannot tell you how thankful I am for coming to our rescue like you have.”

Queen Fia gave the Princess a disapproving look. Isla had never been one to be guarded in her actions and often displayed an air of impropriety. When they were younger, Baylin saw it as one of her charms.

The Princess clung to Baylin’s arm as he addressed King Gideon. “Your Grace, we are doing all we can to rid your Kingdom of the trolls. Our first priority must be to the people of Mirstone.”

“My people!” Isla moaned, not allowing the King time to respond. “Baylin, I worry for them so!”

The Prince guided the distraught young woman to a nearby chair. “Do not worry yourself, Princess. My father, the King, is making arrangements to take back Mirstone.”

Baylin pried Princess Isla’s grip from his arm and crossed the room to sit next to King Gideon. “Your Grace, my purpose in coming this morning was not only so I could check on your comfort. I have been asked by my father, to escort you to war council. He is finalizing plans and we could very well ride within the next week.”

“Ride?” Isla repeated. “Certainly you don’t mean to take part yourself, Baylin.”

“Undoubtedly I do,” he replied. “I am to be King of Grasmere. What kind of King would I be if I sat safely back while my men died protecting the Kingdom?”

King Gideon shifted in his chair and Baylin realized the depth of his words. He should be uncomfortable. He fled with his wife and daughter without any thought of those they left behind.

“But Your Grace,” Queen Fia interrupted, “surely your father would not want you to go into battle. You have yet to provide an heir to the throne. What would happen to Grasmere should you fall without an heir, gods forbid?”

Baylin thought of Luana and the life growing inside her. He could not help but smile. “I have an heir that is well on his way.”

Isla huffed in shock. “An heir? You mean your bed wife’s child? It’s not even born, and it’s not a trueborn. What if it is a girl? Even if it is a boy, you can’t possibly be suggesting that it be allowed to rule.”

Queen Fia grasped her daughter’s arm reproachfully. “Hush.” Isla gritted her teeth together and scowled at her mother.

The Queen turned her gaze to Baylin. “Apologies, Your Grace. I’m certain Isla only meant to point out that, though the news of your child is most welcome, he or she will not be considered a trueborn heir to the throne. The child of a bed wife cannot rule the Kingdom of Grasmere.”

“You’ll find that he can, and he most certainly will when he is of age, should the worst happen.” Baylin rose to his feet. “Though I can assure you I do not plan on falling in battle, so there is little to concern yourselves with.”

Isla wore a look of shock. It was the first time Baylin had ever thought of her as unattractive.

“Well, Prince Baylin,” said King Gideon, standing up in front of him, “let us attend your father presently so we may take back Mirstone.”