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Dinner was a revelation.
There was all manner of roasted meat, honey mead, seafood that Alik had never tasted, and music accompanied by dancers he had only heard rumors of. The knights sat at one table, regarding the other court coolly from across the table. The kings and queens sat at a table on a raised dais and talked loudly and laughed.
The rest of the royal family sat at a different table. When Issat and Alik stepped into the large hall, he couldn't help but notice that everyone was already seated and Eamon was at the head of their table, lounging arrogantly at the head of the table. He had one long leg stretched out to the side of the table, the other under the table. He surveyed those around him with a keen, if silent, interest. The other three siblings were deep in a discussion that Eamon seemed to be listening to until he caught sight of Alik and Issat as they crossed the hall to their table. Eamon tapped his fingers on the table and everyone immediately fell silent and turned to follow his gaze.
"He has them trained," Alik muttered to Issat.
"Or they respect him enough to follow his guidance," Issat murmured.
Alik turned to her for a moment, ready to demand whose side she was on but then they were at the table and being seated.
She returned the look anyway, like he had spoken his thoughts out loud.
No one spoke while the servants poured wine and mead for the newest arrivals. Were it not for the dancers and the music and the other conversations it would have been painfully obvious how uncomfortable everyone at the table was.
Alik hated that his parents put him in this position and it was on the tip of his tongue to apologize to everyone at the table before he was cut off.
"How was your journey?" Edmond finally asked, breaking the strange silence that fell over their table. At the head, it seemed like Eamon would be the one to direct the conversation and encourage talk, but he remained silent and cool over his plate.
"Good. It was kind of your father to send his ships. They are extraordinary," Alik said. The Ataton empire was renowned for their ships and their skills at sea. When the two kings decided on the marriage, King Therris sent his finest ship to ferry them on the long journey. The rooms and the servants and the sailors that had accompanied The Night Sky made the journey like they never left home.
The silence fell again. Issat kicked Alik and he looked at her and she raised her eyebrows and he blinked at her. Even raised in the Grayhaven Court and skilled in all manner of conversation, it was still impossible for Alik to have a conversation with himself.
"If it pleases Your Highness, I could arrange for some hunting tomorrow," Lissandra said when the silence became too much. "We have an excellently stocked field-"
"Oh, no. Please, don't trouble yourself," Alik said. "I was actually hoping that everyone would be able to go about their day to day business and that I might be able to observe?"
It was something that he planned but hadn't discussed with anyone but Issat. She wasn’t trusting of his plan, but he pointed out that it would be much more beneficial to both parties involved if they were to see each other at their most mundane and everyday tasks as opposed to putting on airs and showing off the extravagant nature that accompanied royalty. Alik knew all about that. What he wanted to see was what everyone was like outside of the extravagance and the show.
Edmond looked up at Eamon who didn't return his look but rather kept his eyes on his plate as he speared a piece of roast. The only acknowledgment that they got from Eamon was a raised eyebrow.
Alik didn’t understand the man’s attitude. He greeted both Issat and Alik warmly enough but now he made it clear that he wanted as little to do with him as possible.
This was going to be more frustrating than Alik thought they would be.
"That sounds excellent, sire," Avelina said gently, covering for her brothers.
Eamon snapped his fingers and Alik turned to him, surprised that he would treat a servant like that. From what he could see, Eamon had extended the same level of civility to the servants as he did everyone else. It was an admirable thing, not to see royalty treating servants like animals. Alik opened his mouth to say so until he saw three shadows slink out of a corner and make their way to Eamon.
“Ah, there they are,” Issat said and leaned forward to get a better look. The knights from the other court stood but none from the royal family seemed remotely concerned as the three huge wolves slowly approached Eamon.
"There's no need to be frightened," Lissandra said to the clearly frightened knights. She offered a hunk of meat to one. "They are well trained."
The wolf at her side delicately took it from her fingers like a lady in waiting would take a petit four from a tray. "Eamon has bred and trained them. There are none more loyal than his wolves," she scratched the one that sat at her side behind the ear and placed a small kiss on the top of its head before dismissing the huge animal to Eamon's side.
Alik remembered Kane and his obedience and intelligence. If they were all as well trained as him, then Alik knew that there was nothing to be worried about.
A raucous burst of laughter from the head table startled Alik more than the wolves did. He craned his head around to see Therris speaking loudly of a battle that Alik was fairly certain he was not involved in.
"I have an early morning," Eamon said abruptly as the three wolves gathered themselves around his chair and nodded to everyone at the table. "If you'll excuse me."
"I must say good night also," Avelina said. "I have an early morning as well."
The knights at the other table stood when she did and she swept by the dais to wish everyone a good night. Alik couldn't help but notice that Eamon did not bid either set of royal parents good night.
"Brother, can I borrow Kane?" Avelina asked Eamon.
Eamon nodded. "Kane go to Avelina," he ordered and the hulking black wolf separated itself from the other two and went to Avelina's side. She slid a small hand into the wolf's dark fur and she bid everyone good night. Two knights followed after her and three ladies from a different table also followed.
When Eamon left, he was flanked by the two wolves and four knights.
"Does he actually need the protection?" Alik asked, unable to hide the way his eyes traced the muscles in his back and the tattoos there as well. His mouth was unusually dry and he reached for his wine.
"No, but the knights need to earn their keep somehow," Lissandra said and chuckled.
"The tattoos-" Alik began.
"Are his story to tell," Edmond said smoothly. "I must also retire. Sister? Would you like me to escort you?"
Lissandra stood and they left as well, leaving Alik with Issat, alone at the table.
"That went over well," Issat said and plucked a berry from a platter in front of her.
Alik glared at her.
***
"WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS here?" Issat asked that night. She was sitting near the window in his room and staring out at the ocean. She was in her night clothes and a robe tied around her shoulders. The chill here wasn’t anything compared to what they were used to up north, but the ocean did bring in cool winds at night.
"I plan to tie our two nations together in a bond so unbreakable that our empires become one and we are able to fight off the damn Vresal army once and for all," Alik said smoothly, a line that came to him so smoothly that it was automatic now.
"Avelina seems to be the most amicable to the idea," Issat said. She twisted a strand of her loose hair around her finger.
"I terrify her," Alik said. Maybe terrify was the wrong word, but he didn’t see anything close to affection in the young woman’s eyes. And she was so young. Alik would come to hate himself for taking away her chance at a life she could want, even if his own chance was taken from him.
"Mm. Saw that, did you?" Issat said. "Edmond has the love of his men. He could create loyalty unlike anything you've ever had."
"He has no interest in men," Alik said. Although he knew that a marriage made from love was out of the question, he would like to be married to someone who had at least a passing interest in him. “I would rather not be anything like my father and that includes his habit of going outside of his marriage vows to find passion.”
"Were you less observant this would be far easier," Issat noted. "What say you of the twins?"
"I say nothing of the twins," Alik replied and eyed the jug of wine next to his bed. He poured them both a cup. "You were right about Eamon though. I forgot how cold and distant he could be."
"I did not know he had that many wolves," Issat said.
Alik hummed. The wolves were the least of his concern and probably the only thing that did not worry him about this entire island.
"Lissandra is beautiful. Learned, from what I can gather," Issat said.
"What are the tattoos for?" Alik asked abruptly.
"Honors. From fighting," Issat said. "I have no details other than stories I have heard. The same as you, I imagine."
Alik drained his cup and Issat stood with hers. "Good night, brother."
"Sweet dreams, sister," Alik replied. It was a tradition that had started years ago when Alik rescued Issat from a life on the streets or the beds of cruel knights that no longer served his crown. There was no one he trusted more than her and she was his sister in all the ways but blood.
***
IN THE MORNING ALIK dressed in clothes he found in the wardrobe and discarded the leathers he had worn to the Isles. The clothes were not nearly as tight as the ones from home, made of a looser woven fabric, the pants and sandals strange against his skin that was used to tight leathers or thick wool and boots.
As soon as he stepped outside, Princess Lissandra passed by and couldn't quite stop the laugh that bubbled out of her mouth.
"Oh, my," she said and clapped her hands over her mouth. She looked torn between laughing at Alik and being scandalized. "Please- let my ladies-" She gestured futilely at him and three of her ladies adjusted the pants around his waist, tucked the shirt in correctly and one pulled a belt from the wardrobe and clasped it around his waist. The clothing felt more secure, more comfortable, and Alik was immensely grateful.
He couldn’t even be bothered by the soft laughter of the women that helped him.
"Thank you," Alik said when he realized how much better it felt and how it felt like the clothing would no longer fall from his body with a stiff breeze. He gave her a winning smile and the one she gave in return was soft and easy.
Perhaps Lissandra would be amicable to being his wife. They would make a formidable team, he knew.
She curtsied and her ladies did the same. "I'll send someone for you in the mornings," she said and swept down the halls, her ladies a silent wave of color in her wake. He stopped a servant on her way to the kitchens and asked if she knew where the Crown Prince was.
She hesitated and then said softly, "Either with his wolves or in the practice yard. Down the stairs and out the door. You'll be able to hear it."
He gave her his thanks and followed her directions. Once outside, the heat and the humidity assaulted him and he shielded his eyes and let himself adjust before continuing on. He was on the east side of the castle, with a large open field in front of him. There were stables in the distance and several large arenas directly in front of him. They were made from rough hewn logs and were eight to ten feet in height. Alik heard the clanging of iron against iron and followed the noise and the shouts of men.
The warm air was strange against his face but stranger still was that he was allowed to walk around where he pleased without a number of people trailing after him. At home, Issat rarely left his side and Margrave was always within shouting distance, whether Alik knew it or not. Here, people let him come and go without questioning his movements every few feet. This was probably the closest he had come to freedom in a long time.
Suddenly he remembered his brother, Cor, speaking of freedom when he was a child. He didn’t understand why Cor spoke of it so longingly and why he would always stare out to the trees when he did. But he was little more than a baby then, did not understand what it meant to be chained up by decorum and etiquette and his own parents.
By the time he understood, Cor was long gone.
The sun was just up over the horizon and when he found the practice arena, he hauled himself up the arena wall like the others around him. He paused when he was able to peer over the top and was glad that Issat was not there with him. Alik wasn't sure how long he stood there, gaping like a fool before he realized that more than a few men were staring at him. They sat on the fence surrounding the small arena and Alik took up a spot separate from them but with a good spot to view that activities below him.
Eamon was in the middle of the yard, fighting off several attackers at once. He wore only the usual chiton that Alik found himself getting more and more used to. His skin gleamed in the sun, from the sweat he worked up. His muscles bunched and flexed as he drove back man after man and even the dirt he kicked up added to the scene before Alik.
In the Battle of the Sons, during the last great war against the Vresal Empire, Eamon had earned the name Bladebringer. Alik read all the stories that told of Eamon being so blood soaked his own men did not recognize him. He was blood drunk that day and the stories said he did not sleep for a week after, only fought on and on, drove the Vresal army back, left the land littered with the bodies of men he struck down. It was said that the rivers ran red with blood for days afterward.
It was not hard to believe the stories as Alik watched him swing against man after man, to fell each one, to watch more than a few limp out of the arena. One even had to be helped out of the ring by two of his friends.
Edmond appeared next to Alik and pulled himself up to the spot next to him. He sat down next to Alik on the fence.
"Would you like to go in the arena?" Edmond asked, jovial. He was also sweaty and his hair hung in his face and he pushed it back and used a leather strip to bind it. He was shirtless, like his brother, but Alik kept his eyes on Edmond’s face.
"No," Alik said immediately. "No desire at all."
"You are as smart as your men say you are," Edmond said and turned to his brother. They watched as even more men entered the arena and began yet another attack. "I grew up watching him. I learned from his saddle how to command the men. I learned from this fence how to swing a sword like him. I prayed with our sisters up there," Edmond turned and pointed up to the top of a tower, "That he would come home from the war alive and well."
"You learned from a true master," Alik remarked and they both winced at the clang of Eamon's sword against a shield. The boy, no more than thirteen summers past, stumbled back and fell on his ass.
"Good show on him. Children are raised on stories of Eamon and are sometimes even too scared to approach him." Edmond remarked.
"I'm not even brave enough to get in the ring with him. Good show indeed," Alik agreed. He looked up at the sun shining down on them and noted the soldier’s golden skin, as well as the princes'. "Is the weather always this beautiful?" He asked.
"We have our rainy season. It’s the reason they are called the Storm Isles," Edmond said, "But otherwise yes."
"I don't think you and I would make a very good pair," Alik said suddenly. "But I think I would like to learn from you."
Edmond did not seem surprised by his words but nodded seriously. Then he turned to Alik and said, "Oh, but what a handsome pair we would have made."
Alik tossed his head back and laughed.
***
THE FUTURE KING OF the Grayhaven was a curse, Eamon decided. He was indeed handsome and his manners were impeccable, but Eamon already knew that. Alik kept his eyes upwards of the slits on Eamon's sister's skirts and tried so hard to be likable. He was exceedingly polite to both the servants and Eamon's parents and although he was clearly terrified of the wolves that Eamon called friends, he was not disgusted by them.
Eamon did not like him. He did not like the way Alik looked at Edmond or the way he regarded Stormholme or even Vlann Island where the castle sat. As though they were treasures to be plundered and not cherished.
Eamon reached down and helped the boy up to his feet. "You'll grow into it. Go get your breakfast," he said.
"Sir," the boy said and bowed. He left, rolling the shoulder that took the brunt of the strike from Eamon’s sword.
Eamon was familiar with that ache. He dismissed the other knights and soldiers and approached his brother and Alik.
"Enjoy the show?" He asked them. He wiped his brow as he looked up at the two of them. Alik was clearly fresh from his bed and bath, Edmond taking a break from his own arena.
"That wasn't a show. That was a massacre. Can any of your men compete against you?" Alik asked eagerly. He looked younger than he did the day before, like he was enjoying himself for the first time in a very long time.
That wasn't the answer that Eamon was expecting. He blinked and looked at the men departing. He wasn’t sure how to parse his answer, either. Did he enjoy the show because he enjoyed seeing Eamon fight? Or did he enjoy the assurance that if and when the Vresal army came marching on their borders, Eamon was more than able to defend them?
As Eamon thought on the choices, he watched his men leave, wondered if they were just meat for Alik to throw in the way of the Vresals.
"Serrell came close once," Edmond said after a moment of considering and brought Eamon back to the conversation at hand.
Alik laughed once more. Eamon did not turn to look at him because he had only seen that laugh a moment before. His hair was long for the style of the Grayhaven empire and the dark blonde hair brushed the top of his ears. His green eyes reminded Eamon of ponds during the first spring rain and his skin was so fair, that Queen Christenne and Avelina voiced worries about him being outside too much. He was long and lean and Eamon knew that men with bodies like that had an untold strength that was not as obvious as the men who had bodies like Eamon himself.
Eamon forcibly made himself turn his thoughts away from Alik’s body.
Edmond leaped down from the fence and faced his brother. "Bathe before breakfast. You know how mother is.”
Eamon waved him off and turned from Alik. He was going to pick up the arena, but his men completed the task for him before he could even think of it. Yet still, there were other tasks he had to tend to before he went inside.
"Will I see you at breakfast, Your Highness?" Alik called at his retreating back. He hadn't said yes or no either way to his brother.
"I have some things I have to take care of first," Eamon said and glanced over his shoulder. The sun fell on Alik like he was blessed from on high and Eamon stumbled over a stray rock and straightened himself before turning back to the open gate.
"Would you mind some company?" Alik asked, pushing his luck.
Eamon glanced him over and nodded. "Sure."
He wasn't sure if Alik would care for the duties Eamon had to tend to, but he wasn't one to deny curiousity.
"Have you many state duties?" Alik asked as he fell in step with Eamon.
"The minutiae is taken care of by Lissandra. I am only called in during the event of war, threat of war, intimidation tactics, strategy, and overland transport of goods," Eamon replied.
"And Edmond?" Alik prompted.
"Edmond is Captain of the Guard. Or, he will be in a month's time. That's when Aberadus will retire and hand the official title over to him," Eamon said.
"He's young to be Captain, is he not?" Alik asked. They were headed towards a different arena, one that was shaded by trees.
"Young or not, he is capable. The men are his more than they are Aberadus' at this point," Eamon knew he sounded testy as though Alik were questioning his duties and not simply curious. Alik paused as though he considered for a moment scaling back on the questions but forged ahead anyway. Alik wanted to understand a family that delegated nearly all the tasks to the children but they all seemed so at ease with their responsibilities. King Alexios seemed like he would rather cut his own hand off rather than hand any major responsibilities over to Alik before Alik was married.
"And Avelina?" Alik asked.
"Charity and taxation. She is-" Eamon smiled slightly and Alik saw him soften at the mention of the youngest of his siblings. "She is adored by all. Loved by everyone who meets her."
"I have never heard of a tax collector who is loved and adored. I must know her secrets," Alik quipped. He wouldn't admit it if anyone asked, but he was trying to win a smile from Eamon.
"Oh, she doesn't collect. No. She calculates taxes and disseminates charity where it's most needed. She is the face of the royal family among the people," Eamon paused and then added, "The fact that she gives money to the needy, to the orphans, libraries, artisans, and whatever else catches her eye probably does us well in the people's eyes too."
They rounded a corner and Eamon pulled another gate open and Alik walked through, his mouth already forming another question when he turned around was greeted by several dozen wolves staring at him. Most of them were laying on their bellies, staring at the gate and Alik with bright, curious eyes.
"I thought there was only three," Alik whispered and went still.
"Last night, yes," Eamon said and whistled.
The wolves lined themselves up and a young man looked over the high wall at them. He handed a bucket to Eamon who took it and started at one end of the line. He started pulling chunks of raw meat from it and hand feeding each wolf. He would pause at each one and murmur a word and stroke the fur behind their ears before moving on to the next one.
Alik still had his back pressed against the wall of the large kennel. Kane alone was fine, or even the two he saw last night with Kane, but to see so many packed so closely made his heart beat so hard, he could feel it in his throat.
"They won't hurt you," Eamon said when he glanced over his shoulder and saw Alik staring at him. "Come, bring me that other bucket," he said and a bucket appeared at Alik's shoulder. The boy who handed it to him met his worried eyes and only offered him a shrug. The boy seemed unconcerned.
"I should warn you that I am the sole heir to my parent's kingdom-" Alik said and clutched the bucket to his chest as he forced himself to inch closer.
"I am well aware," Eamon replied and waited patiently for Alik to approach.
"And should anything befall me-"
"Yes, Your Highness," Eamon said and sighed. "Come, bring me their food." He held his hand out and when Alik stepped closer, Eamon took a step away, forcing Alik closer to the wolves. They eyed him speculatively.
"Feed one," Eamon urged.
And there it was, that damnable smirk. Eamon was toying with him.
"I cannot afford to lose a hand," Alik insisted.
"You have two. And they are sweeter than old women to children," Eamon promised.
"If they are so tame why are you the only one in here?" Alik asked.
"I never said tame. These wolves are not tame," Eamon shook his head. "Never make that mistake, Your Highness. These are the hellhounds of the Vlann shores."
"Your words offer little comfort," Alik pointed out.
"But they listen to me and obey," Eamon said and snapped his fingers. Even the ones eating sat up at the sound and looked at him. "And they will not make a move on you unless I say so."
Alik glanced from him to the great gray wolf in front of him. "Do they all have names?"
"They do. She is Titan."
Her body was well muscled and her eyes were a warm chocolate brown. If she stood on her hind legs she would be taller than Alik. Her coat was gray and her mouth was filled with more teeth than Alik had seen in a single being. She watched him steadily.
"Titan, be sweet to your guest," Eamon said casually.
Alik glanced at Eamon and Eamon nodded for him to go ahead. Alik pulled out a particularly large hunk of meat from the bucket and held it out to Titan. His hands trembled and the blood spattered the dirt at their feet. Titan stood and stepped forward, took the hunk of meat from his hands and laid on her belly.
"Ah. Clean up after yourself," Eamon said.
Titan huffed but stood and her warm tongue engulfed Alik's hand, cleaning up the remnants of blood and fat on him.
"That's my girl," Eamon said warmly but did not approach her. Titan's tail swished in acknowledgment as she ate.
"Excellent," Alik said and nodded. "I believe that this was a successful exercise in me retaining all my body parts. Now, if you'll excuse me, I believe there are several jugs of wine with my name on it."
Eamon took the bucket from Alik but did not reply. When Alik looked over his shoulder at Eamon, he was petting another gray and white wolf and didn't bother to bid Alik goodbye.
***
AFTER HIS MORNING WITH Eamon and Edmond, Alik went back to his room. There was a spread of food on one of the tables and after he washed up, he began to pick from the platters there. There was no word on lunch and Alik was fairly certain he missed breakfast while he was cleaning himself of the morning's activities.
There was a polite knock on his door and when Alik bid they come in, a young woman that Alik did not know stuck her head. She opened the door the rest of the way and Avelina swept in with three more women and Issat who looked supremely uncomfortable.
"Your Highness," Avelina said and curtsied. This day's dress was different. It was a single strip of gauzy material folded over and over to cover her breasts, crossed and hooked around her neck and somehow attached itself to skirt made of the same material that was split high. The dress itself was a pale purple and her ladies wore the same design although none so well and they all wore a variety colors.
Even Issat was in the same manner of dress which explained her look of discomfort and how awkwardly she moved.
"Princess," Alik said and bowed. "Can I get you anything?" He asked and gestured to the platters on his tables.
"No, thank you, though," she said and took a seat at one of the chairs. The ladies arranged themselves around her on chairs and loungers and looked up expectantly at either Alik or over to their lady. "I actually came to request your company on a ride to a nearby village," she said.
Alik looked to Issat and she nodded slightly.
"That sounds wonderful," he said.
"Excellent," she said and stood. He took another drink from his cup before he offered the princess his arm and they set off.
It was mid-morning and there was a group of knights waiting for them. Some were from his own court and there was an equal number from the Grayhaven court.
"It seems like you have been preparing for this," Alik accused gently and put a hand on Jericho's snout. He was about to offer his help to mount her own horse but she performed some complicated maneuver and was seated without having shown off any more skin than she normally would. The ladies accompanying them did the same bit of magic and Issat looked panicked for a moment before Alik helped her up into her saddle.
"It's a... technique," Avelina acknowledged to Issat. "We learned as children how to mount and dismount horses in gowns such as these."
"I am normally in fighting leathers, Your Highness," Issat said.
"You should wear those if you are more comfortable in them," Avelina said.
"I wouldn't want to make anyone uncomfortable," Issat said. "I know that there are courts that look down on a woman in such a manner of dress."
"Not this court. Not my family," Avelina said and offered her a smile. "But, if you would like to learn how to mount and dismount a horse, I can teach you."
"I would appreciate that," Issat replied.
The knights arranged themselves around their group and they were off. As they crested a hill, Alik saw in the distance a horse and its rider riding hard for another path and even further in the distance, another horse and rider.
Avelina covered her eyes and squinted.
"Who is it?" Alik asked.
"My brother. I do not know who rides for him though," Avelina said and looked to her side.
"Word from the merchants, Your Highness," one of the knights said softly to her.
"Hm," she said. She did not give anything away but there was a pinched look to her face that told Alik that there was something happening that he was not privy to. An uncomfortable feeling settled around his shoulders. Perhaps this place was not so different than his own home. They probably kept their secrets behind prettier, brighter masks.
Alik watched as the two riders circled each other and the men speak to each other. Much to his surprise, it was Edmond on the horse, not Eamon. A few words were spoken and by the time Alik lost sight of them behind another hill, they were both gone.
They were silent and one of the ladies began singing softly. Alik tried to hold onto his resentment at yet more secrets being kept from him but was lulled into a kind of comfort he did not expect. The passing scenery was lined with trees and beyond them, the ocean glinted. The knights around them talked softly amongst themselves and there was the occasional laugh.
"What business do you have in your village?" Alik asked.
"An orphanage requested books that we were not using. These past days, Eamon and I have been going through his library to send them," Avelina said.
Alik looked back at the litter that was being driven by another knight and blinked. He thought that it was tools for some kind gardening or construction or some furniture.
"That is... quite a few books," Alik finally managed.
"Didn't even make a dent in Eamon's library," Avelina assured him. "And yes, there are quite a few books there. More than my ladies and I could carry in on our own. Some of my knights were kind enough to volunteer to help."
There was a round of sighs but no protests. Alik had to wonder if Eamon or Edmond had anything to do with their "volunteering".
Issat smirked at Alik and turned to Avelina. "Back home, the knights would complain about such tasks. They often think they are above such menial duties.”
Avelina nodded thoughtfully. "During my father's time there was that school of thought as well. When Eamon took over and then Edmond, they were swift to remind the men that the luxury we live in is from the kindness and goodness of our people. That they, and we ourselves, are no better than the people we rule. We are not currently at war and men need a duty, a mission, lest they get lazy and unruly."
The Ataton knights didn't seem bothered by her words but the Grayhaven knights looked uncomfortable.
"How did you enjoy your morning, Your Highness?" Avelina asked, sensing the discomfort among the men.
"Please, call me Alik," he said. The formal titles were grating after awhile.
"Then I am Avelina," she said.
He smiled and looked out to the ocean. "Your brothers are fascinating creatures," he said after a moment of thought. He did not miss the look she gave him but he only offered the slight shrug as an explanation. "Edmond is quite the fan of Eamon."
"None love Eamon quite as much as Edmond," Avelina acknowledged. "And there is no one closer to Eamon than Edmond, not even Lissandra. Though, I must say, Lissandra can read Eamon like no one else."
"Your parents must be very proud," Alik said. "Such a warrior, such a captain, an artist, and a mind as quick as yours? Most royal families I meet cannot do one thing, let alone produce four heirs that can do so much as you."
"You knew Lissandra is an artist?" Avelina said and looked startled for a moment.
"Your mother sent a portrait of the sea to my mother. My mother hung it in her bedroom. She stares at it sometimes because it reminds her of her own home so much." Alik said quietly. "She wanted the artist to come and paint other things at our home but when she heard that it was Princess Lissandra, she understood why that was impossible."
"My sister is very talented. She does not have much of an interest in children or marriage, but the healing arts and her faith and her artistry define her. I wish more than anything to be able to build her a studio that she might create and teach in," Avelina said quietly.
If they married, Alik could have something like she spoke of built quickly and easily. And between Eamon and Alik, both Kings, they could protect her from an unwanted marriage.
If Alik so desired to marry Avelina, which he wasn’t sure he wanted at all. Her age made him hesitate but he could not deny the easy affection he already had for her.
Though if he were being honest with himself, he could not be sure if that affection was born from the softness that came over Eamon every time he spoke of his youngest sister or if it was Avelina’s spell, all her own.
They came to a bend in the road and when they rounded it, the village of Galalos appeared before them. It was a village like any other, save for the large building at the opposite end of where they entered. They approached some stables and Alik helped Issat down while a stable boy took Jericho for water and slipped him an apple. Alik saw him and the boy blushed and scurried off.
The only one that remained on their horse was the knight pulling the litter. As soon as Avelina left the stables, Alik understood why Eamon said that she was the most loved of the royal family.
A young woman with a round belly and a small child in her arms were waiting there. Alik waited for her to beg for a coin, but instead, she greeted Avelina like an old friend. Avelina admired her belly and took the baby from her arms, as easily as the babe were her own. One of the knights offered the young woman his arm and they started to the large building at the end of the dusty road. It was built in the style of a manor house and the yard around it was well kept. They stayed away from the middle of the road as it seemed to be coated in mud and Alik couldn't help but be envious of the knights who wore their chitons and sandals. The sun pounded down on them from high above and he could feel the sweat beginning to bead on his forehead and the back of his neck.
"A month away from home, Your Highness," a young woman next to him said. "How do you fare?"
Alik recognized her as the lady that was singing on their way in.
"Your court has been exceedingly welcome. I barely think of home," Alik lied. At nearly every turn, he could not help but compare Grayhaven to Ataton and how short Grayhaven fell.
"Is it very different from here?" Another lady asked. Alik steadied her when she almost tripped over a rock.
"Its climate is different. Colder. Our mountains always have snow at their tops. Whitestone Castle is surrounded by forests instead of the ocean," Alik looked up at the building they approached. "It's a different kind of beauty, I suppose. It lacks the warmth of your island, that is for certain."
They approached the large building and the doors flew open and children streamed out. They gathered around Avelina, their voice spilling and tumbling over one another, telling her of fishing trips, of wooden swords, of knights and princesses, so many things all at once that it was hard to discern one from the other and keep track of who said what. Avelina laughed and turned to follow what each one was saying. The baby in her arms leaned into her chest and closed his eyes, despite the noise all around him.
With all the knights and the priestesses directing them where to go, it did not take very long for the books to be unloaded and taken into the library and stacked neatly for a priestess to sort and shelve. In the meantime, a small boy plucked a book from the pile and brought it over to Avelina.
Alik watched on, amused, but unsure of what to do. He was out of his element here. There were not any children at the Grayhaven court, save for one, born of noble blood. A fever two summers past took most of the children and left many unable to have them. It was one of many concerns of the court. Because of it, he lacked the knowledge of how to talk to children and often found himself in strange conversations with them. The only child in the castle was given most of the attention by the adults that surrounded him and Alik had the sneaking suspicion he wasn’t as childish as he would be if he had more playmates.
Finally, Alik saw one of the ladies wave him over near a set of steps. Avelina herself sat on the dusty steps that led to a tavern and the children gathered round. Alik would never get used to the casual customs here; a lady of his court would never muss her skirts by sitting on some dirty tavern steps. Even he hesitated a moment before finally settling down next to the princess.
"Does everyone know our new friend?" Avelina asked as the children settled. They were clearly entranced by her.
"Is he your suitor?" One girl asked.
"Is he a knight?"A boy asked.
"No, he is the handsome prince from Grayhaven here to take away Avelina," another girl near the front said dreamily.
"Almost right," Avelina said to the girl and pushed the girl's dark hair behind her ear. "He is the handsome prince from Grayhaven but he has not yet decided to take me away."
There was a groan that rippled through the children.
"What, what is it?" Alik asked and looked to Avelina.
"He has not decided still means he might take you anyway," one child said. He pouted and kicked at a rock on the ground.
Alik looked to Issat who was watching him steadily. She lifted one shoulder, an elegant movement that seemed to say, It's your decision.
"Well, if it makes any of you feel better, seeing how much all of you love your princess and how much good she does you here, I won't be taking her," Alik said easily from his perch.
The children looked between the two of them and were torn between looking excited and sad that their princess wouldn't be going away with the prince. It would have been like a real life fairy tale.
"You won't?" Avelina said softly. She was looking torn too; as though she were excited about the fact that she would still get time in her home but dreading any other choice.
"No, I couldn't possibly take you from these children. Your people love you far too much," Alik said easily and nudged her gently with his shoulder. "Come, read to us. I was younger than most of your gathered audience when your sister last read to me."
Avelina stared at him a moment longer, her bright blue eyes studying him for a long moment. He expected anger perhaps, but there was nothing there but gratitude. He gave her a half smile.
However, he couldn't help the dread of pit in his stomach.
In less than a day at being at the Ataton Court, he had eliminated two of his four matches.