Chapter Eight

CHAPTER EIGHT

After the ball, Alina was in her chamber, changing out of her dress with the help of Cayla. They had removed the corset and Cayla was assisting Alina with her nightgown when there was a knock on the door.

            ‘You may answer it,’ Alina said, finishing the buttons of her gown.

            Cayla opened the door to find Cassius standing there, looking quite solemn.

            ‘Leave us,’ he said to Cayla as he stepped through the door.

She glanced at Alina and, after receiving a nod of approval, left the room quickly.

‘Yes, Cassius?’ said Alina, masking her discomfort.

‘Princess, I beg pardon for interrupting you at such a late hour,’ Cassius said, bowing slightly.

            ‘What is it?’ she asked, somewhat impatiently.

            ‘I have been thinking, Princess, and I feel the time has come to ignore my trepidation and express my true feelings.’

            Alina stood silent, waiting for him to continue.

            ‘I have known you for a long time,’ he said, surprisingly unsure of himself. ‘Ever since you were a child. I have watched you grow into a lovely woman. I have always been very fond of you, Princess, but recently it has become more than that.’

            She continued staring, not wanting to accept where this was leading. Cassius took a deep breath.

            ‘I would like to ask for the honor of your hand in marriage,’ he said bluntly.

            She stood in silent shock, unable to reply at first, then she finally asked, ‘Have you spoken to my father about this?’

            Cassius shook his head. ‘I felt it best to know your feelings on the matter before troubling the King.’

            ‘Well, how considerate of you,’ she said, feeling the warmth of anger rising inside her stomach.

            ‘Perhaps my proposal is unexpected,’ he continued. ‘But my feelings in this matter have been growing for some time and I assure you that I will do everything in my power to make you a happy and prosperous queen.’

            ‘Why do you speak of me as queen while my father still lives?’ she asked, getting her wits about her. ‘Are you assuming that his days are few?’

            ‘Forgive me, Princess,’ said Cassius. ‘I did not intend to-‘

            ‘I do forgive you,’ she interrupted. ‘And in return ask that you forgive me for turning down your most eloquent proposal.’

            Cassius cleared his throat. ‘May I be so bold as to inquire about your reason?’

            ‘My reasons are numerous,’ Alina said, succumbing to her temper. ‘But let it suffice to know that I do not agree with many of your judgments even as my father’s advisor, and if by marriage you were to become king, I fear our disagreements would be far more severe.’

            ‘I was not aware you took such an interest in the affairs of Gilderan,’ he said, a hint of indignation in his tone.

            ‘I have many interests that you are not aware of,’ she said. ‘Now, if you will excuse me, I would like to continue relaxing in the privacy of my chamber.’

            Cassius bowed and started backing up to the door. ‘Of course, Princess,’ he said, but then paused before leaving. ‘I am sure you are not forgetting that on the dreadful day that your father does pass, as the King’s Advisor, I shall be burdened with his responsibilities until you are officially crowned. Perhaps we can discuss some of your concerns at a later time so that I may make more informed decisions.’

            Alina glared at him, feeling her face flush with rage. ‘Send Cayla back in, if you will,’ she said, her voice almost trembling.

            ‘Yes, Princess,’ said Cassius, smiling politely.

            After he left the doorway, Alina fanned her face as she went to the bed and sat, fighting back tears. Cayla entered and, seeing Alina’s state, rushed over to her.

            ‘Are you alright?’ she asked.

            Alina stood and embraced Cayla, crying into her neck.

Cassius walked quickly down a hallway toward a guard standing next to a large door leading into Cassius’ study. As he approached, the guard opened the door for him.

            ‘Come with me,’ said Cassius as he passed through.

            The study was of luxurious size with large windows overlooking the city. All was dark now, save for a few twinkling lights from distant candles. Cassius walked over to a desk and took out a piece of paper on which he hastily scribbled a note. He then handed it to the guard who bowed and left the room. Cassius paced back and forth a few times before returning to the desk and pulling out a fresh page. He sat down, inked his quill, and started writing.

            About the time Cassius was finished writing, the guard returned with Liam in tow, looking very confused.

            ‘Sir Liam, My Lord,’ said the guard, then turned to leave.

            ‘Stay with us,’ said Cassius, and the guard assumed a post by the door. Cassius walked up to Liam, smiling warmly. ‘Sir Liam,’ he said. ‘Thank you coming at such a late hour. I can only assume the festivities of this evening have left you tired.’

            ‘No more so than my daily tasks, My Lord,’ said Liam, somewhat warily.

            ‘I must say,’ said Cassius. ‘It is unusual to see a knight attending the annual ball.’

            ‘The Princess Alina extended an invitation, My Lord,’ said Liam.

            ‘Ah, yes,’ said Cassius. ‘The princess has, in fact, spoken very highly of you on many occasions. She seems very fond of you.’

            ‘We have known each other for many years now.’

            ‘Which is why I do not take her commendations lightly. I called you here tonight to extend an invitation to join the Academy of Generals.’

            ‘My Lord?’ asked Liam, confused. ‘Is that not reserved for knights

of five years or more?’

            ‘Yes, it is,’ said Cassius. ‘A consideration not lost on me.’

            ‘I am honored,’ said Liam, rather astounded.

            ‘Indeed,’ Cassius said curtly. ‘Prior to your enrollment though, I would like to ask you a few questions, so as to better understand your general aptitude.’

            ‘Of course,’ nodded Liam.

            Cassius studied him for a moment and then said, ‘Let us begin by discussing the system of justice.’