The King's Promise

King Maddoc Cadden looked over his council from the end of the long table. On his right, his mother sat serenely. On his left, his uncle drummed his fingers against the wood as he fidgeted in his seat. Maddoc glanced at his uncle and the tapping stopped.

“Am I hearing you correctly, my king?” asked an old lord at the end of the table. “You are asking me to step down?”

“I believe he is commanding you to step down,” said Lord Elias Bennington who sat next to the queen mother. “This is his council, and he may do as he wishes.”

“But I have served on this council for almost fifty years. I have sat here through three kings.”

“And now it is time you receive the well-deserved rest you need, Lord Farley,” said Maddoc.

“Who will serve in my place? My son sadly died a few years ago,” said Lord Farley. “You will not give my family seat away, will you?”

“No, of course not,” replied Maddoc. “I have already corresponded with your granddaughter, and she has agreed to join my council. You must have heard she and her new husband are moving to Quinlan by spring.”

“You will have Caron sit on the council?” asked Lord Farley disbelievingly. “She isn’t even two and twenty, and she is a woman.”

“Lady Browlyn isn’t much younger than our king,” said Maddoc’s mother, Queen Evalin. “As far as her being a woman, I don’t see why that is a problem. I presided over this council for almost ten years after the king died.”

“Yes, and many queens in the past have stepped in after their husbands passed before their sons came of age,” said Lord Elias.

“This will be your last meeting Lord Farley. You have served long and well, but it is time you rest. I am sure your granddaughter will represent your family well. I have been impressed with my correspondence with her.” King Maddoc looked at his uncle. “That is all I had for today. If you have nothing else, we will conclude this meeting so everyone can give Lord Farley well wishes.”

His uncle, Prince Korben sat up a little straighter. “I don’t have anything that needs to be spoken of today. I will only remind all the lords still on the council that we are less than three weeks away from the Winter Festival. There will be some important visitors here as well as some we may not anticipate. Everyone should be on their guard.”

“Are the Parvilians still coming?” asked Lord Mavens, a gray-haired man with a light scar on his face.

“Yes, of course, they are,” replied Prince Korben. “They are one of the most powerful kingdoms in our land.”

“But a group of their people tried to kill our king,” said Lord Elias. “Are you sure we can trust the king and his court?”

“I have been assured by King Brone that he had no part in the plans. He has done much to sniff out those who had any plots against our kingdom or King Maddoc. He wishes to come to give his apologies in person. Our king stayed over a month at his palace. If he wanted King Maddoc dead, he could have already done it.”

“Not if he didn’t want suspicion aimed at him,” said Elias. “If you insist on this king and his court coming, we should keep a close eye on him.”

“Isn’t the king’s great protector coming as well?” asked a lord on the end with a laugh. “The little princess can see to our king’s safety.” Several other lords joined in the laughter.

Maddoc couldn’t help a small smile. The lord didn’t know how right he was about Princess Anwen. She had saved him many times over a few months ago on a journey to his kingdom. She had saved him again before she left by healing a bad wound he received.

“Princess Anwen of Lucidala will be attending. You can laugh, but I owe her my life many times over.” Maddoc’s uncle started tapping his fingers again, and Maddoc turned to him. “I am sure all will be well. If Prince Korben says the King of Parvilia can be trusted, that is enough.”

The meeting was adjourned, and Maddoc walked from the room with Elias as some of the other lords went to give Lord Farley their farewells.

“That went about as well as expected. I didn’t think the old man would go down without complaint,” said Elias.

“Lord Farley would die at that table if we let him. He needed to step aside years ago. His ideas are outdated. We cannot move our kingdom forward without new blood and ideas.”

“Your uncle did not seem pleased,” observed Lord Elias as they came to the entry hall.

“When is he ever these days?” asked Maddoc. They stopped close to the front door. “I can’t tempt you to stay for supper, can I? I’d rather not face the prince with just my mother in the room.”

“I am afraid you will have to, my king. I have guests coming tonight.”

“Who?” asked Maddoc.

“Lady Alys and her mother, of course. My mother has also invited Lady Lona and her aunt.”

“You are going to have two young ladies that you have been actively courting at the same table?” asked Maddoc.

“It was my mother’s idea. I think she wants me to make a decision and hopes that by seeing the two ladies side by side, I will be able to choose one. I am not sure I want either of them.”

Maddoc laughed a little. “Such a hard life you live, Elias. Your biggest problem is two beautiful, well-connected ladies wish to be your bride.”

“Beautiful, yes, but both as boring as watching grass grow. We can’t all be so fortunate as you to find a passionate, brilliant princess,” said Elias. “Of course, I hear your choice may still not be made? Your uncle has told almost everyone you have agreed to court the Parvilian princess.”

Maddoc sighed. “I told Anwen’s mother and mine I would spend time in other young ladies’ company to make sure I knew what I wanted. Anwen is to try to find a young man who suits her better than me.”

Elias raised his eyebrows. “You will be able to watch her be escorted around by other men? Every time I had her on my arm, I thought you were going to come with your sword and chop it off to take her back.”

“I will do anything to prove to Queen Eira and my mother that Anwen is my future, and I am sure of it.”

Elias nodded as he took his cloak from a servant. He put it on and walked towards the door. Before he opened it, he looked back at Maddoc. “If you do change your mind about the princess, can you let me know before anyone else? I should like my chance with her if you truly do not want her.”

Maddoc scowled at him. “You should go. I am not in the mood for your teasing, my lord.”

Elias nodded and smiled wickedly. “Who says I was teasing? She is a tempting woman, and we get on well together. If it turns out she can’t have you, she will have to have someone. I would make a rather good king for her, I think.”

“It is not something you will have to remotely worry about, so go spend time with your two ladies. You should make a choice before the Winter Festival or you might lose them both to some visiting lords or princes.”

Elias shrugged. “I might take my chances. Good evening, my king.”

Maddoc shook his head as Elias walked out the door. Just as Maddoc’s mother walked into the hall, a servant came to Maddoc holding a letter.

“This came for you this afternoon, your majesty,” said the servant holding out the message.

Maddoc took the letter. He saw the writing on the front and took a deep breath.

“Who is that from?” asked his mother as she walked towards him.

Maddoc looked over at her and placed the letter in his pocket. “Just an acquaintance. I can read it in a bit. Did you have something you wished to speak of?”

She waited until the servant had left the hall. “Your uncle is very irate you did not discuss asking Lord Farley to leave the council with him.”

“If I had discussed it with him, he would have spent hours trying to convince me not to do it. I wouldn’t have relented, and he would have been just as mad as he is now. Maybe more so.”

“He thinks it is a mistake,” said the queen.

“Do you, mother?”

“It is not my place to say if it is a mistake or not. The council is yours, and you must do as you see fit.”

“I should like your opinion,” said Maddoc.

She blew out a puff of air. “Lord Farley is too set in his ways. He only thinks about how things affect his small sphere here in the central part of the kingdom. He is too loyal to your uncle as well. I do not think you were wrong to ask him to leave. I think your timing might have been bad.”

“Why is that?” asked Maddoc.

“You are still very new to the council. You have only been coming to meetings for a couple of months. Many still you see you as unsettled. I think it would have been better to wait until after the Winter Festival when you are betrothed or even married. That will show many lords you are really ready to serve as king.”

“I am ready now, mother, or I would not be doing it. I do not regret asking Lord Farley to leave. There are some things I want to start working on in the kingdom, and I do not need some old fool who will argue about everything I do.” Maddoc put his hand in his pocket and stroked his letter. “I do hope to be more settled after the Winter Festival, though. I should like to marry by the end of spring if possible.”

His mother smiled and came closer to him. “I would very much like to see you with a proper queen soon. I think the Parvilian princess will grow on you as you get to know her better during the festival.”

Maddoc closed his eyes for a moment. “Mother, I already know her very well. I spent a month in her presence this fall. I know what my future holds, and I do not believe it has anything to do with the Princess Meira of Parvilia.”

“Maddoc, you told me you would try,” said his mother as she took his hand. “You said you would take time and think about your future.”

“I did say I would take time and think about it, and I will. I will spend plenty of time with Princess Meira and other ladies, but I want you to be prepared. I know what my heart tells me. I know who I want and need.”

“Your letter is from her, isn’t it?” The queen looked down. “She has been writing to you.”

“I wrote her first, mother. I know you told her not to write me back, but I begged her to.” Maddoc pulled out his letter. “They are not really love letters. You can even read it you like. They are very interesting and helpful to me. She tells me all she is doing now that her Gift is fully unlocked. She also answers questions I have about running a kingdom. She and her mother are very experienced.”

Queen Evalin looked at the letter and then shook her head. “I will not read your personal correspondence. I just hope you know what you are doing. I dread to think about the pain you and even the princess will have to go through when you realize you cannot be with her. When you see it would be impossible for her to be your queen consort and see to her own kingdom, I know it shall break your heart, but you must understand it is all for the best.”

“I have more faith in Anwen and myself than you. I believe we can do it. I will think on it and meet with other ladies as you have asked, but it will not change my future.”

Queen Evalin started to walk away. Before she completely left the hall she turned and looked at Maddoc. “I know you believe I am heartless, and perhaps I have grown cold as I have aged, but I have known true heartbreak, Maddoc. I know what sacrifices must be made for kingdoms and power. I have only been trying to prepare you.”

“I want to find a better way than before. If I have to sacrifice what I have with Anwen to be king, I don’t think it will be worth it.”

His mother looked at him sadly. “Even so, you will do what you have to. I know you will.”

Maddoc turned and walked up the stairs to his room. His servant, Evan, greeted him as Maddoc pulled out his letter.

“I do not need anything tonight, Evan. It will just be mother and maybe uncle for supper so no need to change. I don’t think I will need anything else from you until morning. Feel free to enjoy your evening.”

“If you are sure, your majesty, I will go. Just ring or send for me if you do need something,” said Evan walking towards the door.

“I will. Thank you, Evan.” Maddoc watched him leave as he sat down in a chair near the fire.

He opened Anwen’s letter, reading down the page. He found this letter surprisingly different than the others she had sent him, and he was glad his mother did not choose to read it.

My Dear King, I am sorry I haven’t written in a few days. I have been out riding in the south of my kingdom. There were reports of the sickness running through many villages, and I found it to be worse than I feared. I confess that I am exhausted with the efforts it has taken to cure countless people. I was afraid I had done myself in at one point, but I bounced back with a half-day of rest like I always do.

It has been hard, but it has been very worth it. To see a child’s dull, sick eyes go bright again, and a young man be able to stand from what was thought his death bed is enough to keep me going. I know I cannot cure every sick person in my kingdom, but I can make a difference for many people.

I have also looked over some of the lands that did not produce this year. I did what I could, but any results won’t be known until late spring. I hope whatever I have done works. I am still new to understanding the full powers of my Gift, but I am learning new things about them each day.

I hope all is going well for you. I know it will be hard to rearrange your council and let some lords go. Change is never easy even if it is necessary. As the old ways die there will be struggles. Birthing ideas and new ways do not come without pain just like a woman giving new life. I hope you will stay the course and do what you know is right.

Maddoc, I don’t know if it is because I am tired, or if it is the fact, I miss you terribly, but I must tell you how much I think of you. I have probably drunk too much wine tonight and it has loosened my quill. I have tried to keep my letters about kingdom matters in case someone unintended should read them, but tonight I find that I do not care. I think of you often, my king. When I am busy during the day it is easier to not dwell on my love for you, but when I am alone riding and especially in bed at night, my thoughts all drift to you.

I remember our wonderful conversations. I think of how you can surprise me and make me laugh. I dwell on the nights we spent together, and I become desperate for your touch and kiss. I admit to my imagination running very wild when I cannot sleep. I cannot almost envision you next to me. I close my eyes and swear I can feel your soft touch that inflames me. I remember what it was like to kiss you, and though it makes it hard to rest, I cannot say I do not enjoy the sensations my remembrances produce. You are all I want. I have been finding myself counting the days until I get to be with you again. How I shall not run into your arms when I see you, I do not know. I will try to be patient. I know if we do this right, we can have a wonderful future.

I wonder if you think of me often. Your letters are full of your days, but they do not tell me your thoughts. Sometimes when I am very tired and discouraged, I worry that my absence has put me out of your mind. I fear that you will turn to another who is nearby and willing. I know I must trust in our love, but I cannot deny that I long to hear you say you think of me and still love me.

For me, there is only you who can satisfy any desire I have. I know it is silly and not wise, but I do wish you would write me and tell me that you do think of me. You do not have to be as embarrassingly descriptive as I have been, but just a few words of your continued devotion would do much to ease my mind. I will be riding home soon. I hope to rest a few days in the palace before journeying on to see you.

If your feelings have changed, you can tell me. I know what a challenge our relationship is and will continue to be. If you find it is not worth it, I will not hold it against you, but I must admit that I am afraid I will always be yours.

Your princess, Anwen.

Maddoc sat back in his chair, letting the letter fall into his lap. “Anwen,” he groaned out loud. She couldn’t possibly think he would ever be able to turn to any but her. He did think of her often, almost constantly. He could feel his body at that moment react to her words. To think of her lying in bed, wanting his touch and kiss made him want to ride directly to Lucidala and find her.

He stood up and took his letter to the small desk in his room. He read over it again and brought it close to his face. He could smell the slightest hint of lavender from the pages. He let his hand run over it gently before folding it up and putting it in a drawer next to her other letters. He would keep this one separate so he could read it later.

He pulled out a clean sheet of paper and grabbed his quill. He would write her a long letter that moment telling her exactly what she meant to him. He would be very detailed in writing all the thoughts he had about her daily. If it fell into unintended hands, so be it. He would not let her doubt his continued love for her for any longer than necessary. He would address it to the palace in Awbrey and hope she would be there when it came.

He looked up at the clock on his mantle. It was almost supper time. He didn’t care. He would take food in his rooms. He would not delay. He would write his letter, telling the princess everything he loved about her, and everything he wished to do with her when they saw each other again.

Princess Anwen Claran looked up at the Lucidian Palace in front of her. She was finally home after three straight weeks on the road traveling village to village. It would be good to sleep in her own bed with all the comforts that came with it. A good bath in a large tub sounded like heaven. As she rode up to the front of the palace with her five guards, the doors opened, and Brennan Dunne stepped out with his grandfather Lord Aidan.

“This is a surprise,” said Anwen as Brennan helped her dismount her horse. He immediately picked her up and hugged her.

“You have been gone too long, Anwen,” said Brennan as he put her back down.

“We heard you were to return today, and we have been invited to dine in the palace. You know it doesn’t take us men as long as you women to dress so we came over early to greet you, my princess,” said Lord Aidan.

“It is almost supper isn’t it,” sighed Anwen as two servants came to take care of her horse. “I suppose I better hurry in and dress.”

Brennan offered her his arm, and she took it. “You look exhausted, Anwen. Perhaps you should take a tray in your room tonight.”

Anwen laughed a little. “I am not sure it is polite to comment on a lady’s looks so, Brennan. No young woman wants to hear a gentleman say she looks tired.”

“You do look tried, but it does not mean you are not lovely. You have been traveling for a long time.” Brennan pulled her a little closer.

“Yes, I have. There was much to do, and I still could have done more. I need a rest though, and soon we will be traveling to Calumbria.”

“I would try to talk you out of traveling so soon, but I doubt you would give up the trip to Quinlan.” Brennan gave her a sly smile.

“Do not tease her, Brennan,” said Lord Aidan. “It is a good thing we all go to the Winter Festival in Quinlan. A good relationship with Calumbria will do much for our kingdom.”

“It will, and it already has.” Anwen let go of Brennan’s arm as they got to the stairs. “A steady stream of supplies has come to us by the order of the king. It will help much with feeding our people during these cold months.”

“All thanks to you, of course,” said Brennan.

“And the generosity of King Maddoc,” insisted Anwen.

Brennan laughed as his grandfather glared at him. “You should go up to rest and prepare for supper, your highness,” said Lord Aidan.

“Yes, Roxanna is desperate to see you. She will be here soon with my mother.” Brennan took Anwen’s hand.

“Is your betrothed liking Awbrey? I hope everyone is making her feel welcome.”

“She likes it very much, and I believe most have been very pleasant to her. She enjoyed your company before you left and is anxious to further your acquaintance.”

“And I am very ready to see her as well. I better hurry and change. I will see both of you soon.” Anwen turned to walk up the stairs when a servant came forward.

“A message arrived for you today, your highness.”

Anwen looked down at the message in the servant’s hand and immediately recognized the writing on the outside. She took it and put it in her pocket, feeling her cheeks warm a little. She smiled at Brennan and Lord Aidan before hurrying up the stairs. As she got to her room, she was met by two servants who were already preparing a bath for her.

She took the letter out of her pocket and looked at it. It would be a response to her last letter. She still couldn’t believe she had actually sent it. She remembered most of what she had written even though she had been half-drunk on wine and no sleep. She wondered if she had shocked the king with her forwardness.

She thought of opening the letter, anxious to know what it said. She felt some fear in reading the words. What if he had already moved on from her? Perhaps her being out of his sight had put her out of his mind. He had answered all her letters, but like her, his had been only full of kingdom business. Only when she was feeling vulnerable, alone, and tired had she dared speak of her love and longing for him.

She did miss him. She hoped he missed her as well. Most of the time she would remember his words of promise, and feel secure, but there was a small voice in her head that told her to be wary. He was a king and could have any woman he wanted. There were many out there with more beauty, power, and riches. His mother and uncle were for sure trying hard to change his mind from Anwen to at least one other woman. What if he realized to keep peace in his family and kingdom, he had to pick another?

Anwen was about to open her message when the servants announced her bath was ready. She sighed to herself and placed the note in a nearby table’s drawer. She bathed and dressed quickly but realized she did not have time to read the king’s letter. She would have to wait until supper. Trying to put it out of her mind, she left her room and walked down the stairs.

She turned towards the dining hall when someone grabbed her hand and stopped her. He pulled her over close to the stairs into the shadows.

“When do you get back?” Lachlan asked as he looked down at her, not letting go of her hand.

“About an hour ago,” she answered trying to take her hand from him.

“You were gone for quite some time.”

She finally wrenched her hand free. “There was much to do, and I was glad to do it. I would still be out there if not for our upcoming journey.”

Lachlan made a noise that almost sounded like a growl. “Oh yes, we must go to Quinlan to please the king.”

Anwen glared at him. He sounded jealous. How dare he sound that way. He had his chance with her. He could still have her if he hadn’t have chosen her cousin. If he hadn’t had thrown her aside to become betrothed to Gwendolyn, they could be planning their wedding now.

Anwen shook her head as she realized how awful that sounded to her. She did not want to marry Lachlan. Now that she had a taste of real, strong love, she realized how shallow their love had been. She studied him for a moment. Would it have grown? Would she have come to love Lachlan as she did Maddoc? She had only known Maddoc for a few months and already she felt for him something much stronger than she ever felt for Lachlan.

“We both need to be getting to the dining hall. I am sure the others are waiting for us.”

“Let them wait, Anwen,” said Lachlan as he took her hand again. “I did miss you, you know. I find that I miss you even when you are here.”

“You have no right to miss me, Lachlan. You shouldn’t even have time. You should be seeing to your family duties and spending your free time pleasing your betrothed.”

He laughed bitterly. “As if I want to spend any more time than necessary with Gwendolyn.”

“You will be spending your whole life with her. She certainly interested you enough to throw away whatever you and I had after all.”

He shook his head and looked away. “I have been a fool, Anwen. It wasn’t that she was ever the reason. No one could ever come before you to me.”

She took a step back. Was this some kind of cruel joke he was playing? Did he mean to make her fall in love with him again so he could break her heart anew?

“I don’t know what you are trying to say, and I have no interest. This is highly improper.” She turned to go, but he grabbed her hand again.

“Please, Anwen, tell me you haven’t forgotten what we shared. Tell me you still feel for me in some way.”

She turned to him hearing the pain in his voice. He sounded so sincere. A few months ago, her heart would have gone to him. She might have reassured him of her continued love, but now all she felt was a small amount of pity. “I have moved on, Lachlan. I will always have fond memories of you, but I do not wish for a way back.”

“It's because of him, isn’t it?” He pulled her closer. “You think you love that king, but you cannot, Anwen. You know it will never work out. He is not one of us, and you are not what is expected of him. You don’t make sense together.” He leaned down towards her. “You and I made perfect sense. We still could.”

She pushed him away. “You know nothing of my feelings for the king or his for me. What you need to know is you and I can never be. You have made your choice, and you will see it through. I am your past, and Gwendolyn is your future.”

She turned and walked from him quickly before he had the chance to detain her further. Entering the dining hall, she saw her mother speaking with her aunt. Closer to the doorway was Brennan with his betrothed, Lady Roxanna. Anwen moved towards them when she was cut off by her cousin, Gwendolyn. Anwen looked up at her. Gwendolyn was a tall, beautiful woman with long flowing blonde hair. Her eyes were a very bright shade of green and framed with dark long lashes. She looked down at Anwen with a pouty frown on her full red lips.

“You are back, I see,” said Gwendolyn with a sigh. “I thought perhaps you might stay gone longer.”

“I could have. There is plenty do out in the kingdom, but I wanted to rest before we journeyed to Quinlan next week.”

“I suppose we will go. I have no desire to and neither does Lachlan. Do you, dearest?” Gwendolyn held out her hand as Lachlan came to her side from behind Anwen.

“No, I don’t think much good can come from us visiting Calumbria,” said Lachlan as he took Gwendolyn’s hand. He squeezed it before letting it go.

“I believe plenty of good things came come from us maintaining a good relationship with Calumbria and its king.” Anwen crossed her arms.

Gwendolyn smiled. “You do talk about the King of Calumbria much, cousin. I think you must have some small infatuation with him. You were alone with him for some time. Perhaps you traded more than just good conversation.”

Anwen felt her cheeks go warm. “King Maddoc is a very upstanding and good king. I speak of him favorably because he has kept his promises to me and our kingdom. Our people will face a much less harsh winter because of his goodwill.”

“Oh, little Anwen, I would hate for you to have your tender heart broken again,” said Gwendolyn. “You always seem to fall for men who in the end have no interest in you.”

Anwen glanced at Lachlan who was giving her an apologetic look. “Perhaps it is that I have not been a good judge of men in the past. I believe I am improving though. You will both have to excuse me as I wish to speak with others before the meal.”

Anwen hurried away and joined Brennan and Lady Roxanna. “Good evening to the both of you. I hope I am not interrupting anything.”

“Of course not, your highness,” said Lady Roxanna with a curtsey. “I am happy to see you have returned.”

Anwen smiled. “You do not have to address me so formally. I should like it if you considered me a friend, Lady Roxanna.”

“I do consider you a friend, but I would like to show you the respect you deserve. You are a princess and the next ruler of your kingdom.”

“I would not consider it disrespect if you called me Anwen. It would please me very much.”

“You should let her have her way, my love. She is very stubborn,” said Brennan in a light teasing voice.

“I am very stubborn and, as you said, I am the next ruler of this kingdom. Therefore, I insist you call me Anwen.”

“Then you shall have to call me Roxanna.”

“Then I shall,” said Anwen as she took Roxanna’s arm. “Let us walk around the room a bit before supper. There are a few here I would like to have some space from though I understand that you will have to be more friendly to them than I.”

Roxanna looked over at Gwendolyn and Lachlan. “I know he shall be my brother and eventually she my sister, but I cannot like them as I should. She is snobbish, and he is distant. I also know what he did to you.” She looked at Brennan who walked beside them. “I know my dear Brennan can barely look at his brother, let alone speak with him.”

“But they are still brothers and will always be. If it helps, what has happened does not bother me as it once did. I can almost say I hope they are both very happy and mean it.”

Roxanna laughed. “It is wrong to say it, but neither of them looks very happy.”

“Gwendolyn never looks happy. I have rarely seen her smile unless it was over something nasty and mean. Lachlan has lost all sense of humor lately. Perhaps he never had it, and I only imagined it.”

“He has grown more serious over the past year,” said Brennan. “Even before we knew of his betrothal to Gwendolyn. I suppose he has changed as he has grown older.”

“Perhaps, but I would rather not speak of Lachlan or my cousin any longer. Tell me about your wedding preparations. Do you like Awbrey? I want you to be happy here, Roxanna.

They spent the time before supper and much of the meal speaking of the upcoming wedding in spring. Roxanna did like Awbrey, though, she missed Bellican and would miss her family when she officially moved. Anwen was happy to see Brennan so tender and happy with his future wife. It made her believe they both would be happy together, and she desperately wanted Brennan to be happy.

“What of you, Anwen?” asked Brennan. “What are your plans after the Winter Festival in Quinlan?”

Anwen looked down for a moment. She wasn’t sure what to say. Her greatest wish was she would be preparing for her own wedding with Maddoc. She couldn’t say it though she thought Brennan had some idea of her feelings for the king. “I am not sure. I will probably have to travel a bit more to see to our people, but much will depend on what happens at the festival.”

“Oh, are you hoping to find your own match there?” asked Roxanna. “I know there will be many young men visiting. The royal family from my kingdom will be coming.”

Anwen smiled. “You never know what will happen, Roxanna. Perhaps I will find someone who will suit me very well.”

“Perhaps you already have,” murmured Brennan in a voice that Anwen could barely make out.

“What was that, my love?” asked Roxanna.

“Nothing you should worry about,” said Brennan as he picked up her hand and kissed it.

Supper was too long, and Anwen was anxious for it to be over. She was exhausted and wanted her bed, but more than that she was desperate to read Maddoc’s letter. She sat in the main parlor of the palace after supper as the others spoke around her.

“I finally have a chance to speak with you, my dearest one,” said her mother as she sat down next to her. “I was beyond relieved to hear you made it home safely. I wish you would have sat by me at supper, but I suppose you wanted to talk to those closer to your own age.”

“You seemed much engrossed with my aunt, and I didn’t wish to interrupt. I have enjoyed getting to know Lady Roxanna. I am pleased to find her and Brennan so well suited.”

“Yes, it will be a good match, I think. I suppose both Dunne men will be settled before long.” Queen Eira sighed as she looked at Anwen. “You look very tried, my dear. You do not need to sit down here and endure this any longer.”

Anwen looked over her mother’s shoulder at Lachlan who stood by Gwendolyn’s side. He was drinking a glass of wine while he stared at Anwen.

“I don’t want it to seem as if I am running off from anyone,” said Anwen quietly. “I will give neither of them the satisfaction.”

Her mother glanced over her shoulder. “It is not worth your well-being. Let them think whatever they wish. The truth is you have been out serving your kingdom, and you need rest. We will be traveling soon, and I do not want you weary out on the road.” Her mother looked to her right. “Lord Aidan, come help me convince Anwen it is time for her to retire.”

Lord Aidan came to stand next to Anwen. “You should get some rest, princess. You can escort me to the front door on your way as I have had enough company for the evening and wish to walk to my son’s home.”

Anwen stood. “Would you like me to walk with you before I go to my room, my lord? I could ask your son if he is ready to leave.”

“I can manage the short walk by myself, Anwen. You look as though you can barely stay on your feet. Let me see you to the staircase.”

Anwen looked down at her mother. “I will see you at breakfast, mother. I do wish to spend some time speaking with you.”

Her mother stood and took Anwen’s hands, kissing her on her cheek. “I have missed you, dearest. You and I will spend the day riding together for pleasure soon. Perhaps you will let me have a turn on that beautiful mare you brought back from Quinlan.”

“I will be happy to. Good night, mother.” Anwen walked away with Lord Aidan. She nodded to Brennan and Lady Roxanna who were over by the fireplace, sitting together. Lachlan looked as though he might follow her but stopped at some look Lord Aidan gave him.

“My grandson seems to have forgotten the choice he made,” said Lord Aidan as they entered the entry hall. “He spent his evening staring at you and not his intended.”

“I don’t know what he means by it. He tried to talk to me about us before the meal. I can’t tell if he is playing a game or actually thinks there is still a chance for us.”

“Perhaps he has seen how stupid he was in letting you go. I still don’t understand it. There is nothing for it now because I don’t think you wish for a reconciliation if one was even possible,” said Lord Aidan looking at her closely.

“I do not wish him ill, but I do not want to marry him. My heart has moved on.”

Lord Aidan smiled. “I think it has more than moved on, Anwen. I believe it might be filled with another.”

“I believe it is, or it is becoming so quickly. I have tried to guard against it, but he found his way in there somehow. I don’t know how I shall bear it when I realize it can never be as I would wish.”

Lord Aidan took both her hands. “Do not give up hope, dear one. If your young man really knows what a treasure you are, he will not let you go. I believe a way can be found if you are both willing to endure the hardships that will come with it.”

“I am, but I do not know if I can let him. He has so much more to think about than just me. I want what is best for him.”

Lord Aidan took one of her hands and brought it to his lips to kiss it. “What could be better for him than the best of all women as his queen.”

“You are too kind, my lord.”

“I am telling the truth, Anwen. Now go on to your room. Sleep well, and think good thoughts. Dream of your king. You will be seeing him soon.”

“Good night, Lord Aidan. Please be careful going home tonight.”

“I will, my dear. I am not such a feeble old man as you believe.”

She laughed a little and watched him accept his cloak from a servant. She waited until he walked out the door before she went up the stairs to her room. Her night dress was already laid out, and after having her servant help her with her dress, she dismissed her. Anwen put on her nightgown and combed out her hair before grabbing her letter and settling down in the bed.

She lit a couple of candles on a table close to her bed with a touch. She arranged her pillows so she could sit up and opened Maddoc’s letter.

My Dear Anwen, Let me ease any silly worries you have first thing. I want you to know I think of you constantly. There can be no other for me as I cannot look at a woman without comparing her to you. Every one of them comes up lacking. No eyes sparkle as yours. No smile lights up a room like one from you. I don’t believe any woman could fit into my arms as you do. I am starting to believe the gods made us for each other, though I probably don’t deserve you.

Now let me get the boring stuff over. I have done what I must with my council. A few lords were angry, and my uncle is most displeased with me. He will have to bear it as I am the king, and I will do what is best for Calumbria. Lord Elias has been a great help though I hate to mention him. I do not like to put him in your head as I believe he would snatch you up for his own if he was given a chance.

My mother still talks of the princess from Parvilia, but I have been steadfast in telling her there is only one woman for me. I shall do as she and your mother ask for a short while during the festival, but before it is over, my greatest wish is you will agree to be my wife and queen.

I am more anxious for the Winter Festival than I have ever been. I count down the days until I see you. Were you to run into my arms in front of anyone, I would not stop you. I would carry you away from them all with no mind to what anyone thought. I know you are more responsible than me, so it will not happen as much as I might like it.

I will instead have to look forward to the nights we shall share. I have already seen to you having your same room as before. Mrs. Owens has asked to attend you unless you bring your own servant. She is very fond of you. She has dropped numerous hints to me about what a fine woman you are. I believe she will accept no one as my queen but you. She runs the household, so I must do what I can to keep her happy.

Now, my love, let me spend the rest of my letter telling you exactly how much I think of you. You might be able to put me away for a few hours each day, but you are in everything I do. When I make a decision in my council meetings, I wonder what you would think of it. When I eat a meal, I wish you were with me talking over our day.

When I lay down at night, I long to hold you. I close my eyes and dwell on all the precious memories I have stored from our passionate nights together. No woman has ever enthralled me as you do. Just thinking of your kisses and touch ignites my desire. I am afraid once I have you again, I will never be able to let you go. I will never want anyone but you, Anwen.

Do not try to devalue your worth to me. You mean more to me than anything in my life. You might want to think my kingdom comes first and maybe it should, but you are quickly superseding everything else, even Calumbria. I want to find a way to serve my kingdom and let you serve yours, but I am beginning to believe I will do anything to be with you, even run away from all of this.

I know what you will say, and I will first try everything I can for us to be together, ruling our two kingdoms. Just promise me you will remember that no one or thing will ever come before you. Write me again before you travel if you can. Feel free to be as descriptive as you want in your thoughts on me. I could paint a very vivid picture of what I wish to do with you if you would like, but I would much rather show you.

Soon, my love, we will be together as we should. Until then I remain yours as I always shall be.

Maddoc

Anwen read through her letter twice, feeling her body warm at his words. Perhaps he was exaggerating a bit, but she would not dwell on it. He loved her and wanted her. She carefully folded his letter up and placed it in the drawer of the table next to her. After blowing out the nearby candles, she burrowed into her covers. As she drifted off to sleep, she imagined her king’s arms around her.