Chapter Five

CHAPTER FIVE

As Cassius was leaving the king’s chamber, in a secluded section of the Castle Gardens, Alina was practicing archery. She wore a simple dress with minimal lace as to not impede her bow and her long golden hair was held back in a braid. An arrow pierced the target of cloth and hay, barely missing the bullseye. Alina drew again, this time hitting her mark. She strung another arrow but was interrupted by Liam’s voice behind her.

            ‘Is this how you prepare for the ball?’ he asked, smiling.

            Alina turned, about to make a pithy comment, but noticed Liam’s attire and instead, smiled proudly. He was wearing the uniform of a knight.

            ‘I may need a means of escape,’ she said, loosing her arrow and hitting another bullseye.

            Liam, now twenty-two years of age and every bit the knight that he had become, walked up to Alina’s side and nodded approvingly at her target. Though imperceptible to the untrained eye, her body tensed slightly, as it had often done in recent years whenever he stood close. She released another arrow, this one noticeably farther away from the center.

            ‘Was there something I can help you with?’ she asked, feigning annoyance.

            ‘Nothing of import,’ he said. ‘I merely came by to demonstrate the skill with which the tailors have fitted my uniform.’

            ‘I could see it better when you were standing further away,’ said Alina, aiming another arrow.

            Liam leaned slightly closer. ‘Do you find my presence distracting?’ he asked.

            Alina released the arrow, this time hitting her mark, and turned to him.

            ‘Not in the slightest,’ she said, staring him in the eye.

            Liam shrugged and took a step back. ‘Very well,’ he said. ‘If my presence neither aids nor hinders your practice, I will find someone who benefits from my company.’

            He turned to walk away, but she stopped him.

            ‘Liam,’ she said with authority, yet almost timidly.

            He turned and looked at her, and she seemed to ponder a moment before speaking.

            ‘What are you doing later this evening?’ she finally asked.

            ‘I must guard a post starting at dusk,’ He replied. ‘Why do you ask?’

            ‘Is there anyone else who might cover for you?’ she inquired. ‘I am not particularly looking forward to the ball, and may need someone to help me escape.’

            Liam studied her, confused. ‘Are you inviting me to the ball?’ he asked.

            ‘Perhaps,’ she replied, picking up another arrow.

            ‘Am I allowed to?’ he asked, rather baffled.

            ‘You are now,’ she answered, placing the nock on the string. ‘If need be, we can fight our way out together.’

            ‘Very well,’ said Liam. ‘May I bring my sword? I do prefer close combat.’

            ‘Oh, do you?’ she said, releasing her arrow and then turning toward him. ‘And you know this from all the battles you have fought?’

            Liam squared his shoulders, feigning offense. ‘I would like to imagine that the Knight’s Academy has taught me something.’

            ‘How to spar?’ she teased.

            ‘You do you know how to make a man feel competent,’ he said, a hint of pain in his tone.

            ‘I try,’ said Alina, picking up another arrow.

            ‘What if I request an assignment on the Island of Fenhelm and help conquer the elves?’

            Alina turned and shot him a look. ‘Liam, do not even jest,’ she said seriously. ‘That is such a frivolous war. I love my father, but I do question his senses in that matter.

            ‘I understood the war to be about resources,’ Liam said, no longer jesting.

            ‘Resources. Ha!’ she chaffed. ‘We were collecting plenty of resources from the Mines, until Cassius managed to convince Father that we should not pay the Elves for using their own island.’

            Liam took a few steps toward her, his voice getting lower. ‘Have you asked your father about his reasoning?’

            She put the arrow to the string, but did not raise it. ‘He says I do not understand politics.’

            ‘Do you?’ asked Liam, stepping even closer.

            ‘Perhaps not,’ she replied. ‘But I feel that politics are too often used to disguise greed.’

            Liam leaned close to Alina and almost whispered, ‘Tell no one I said this, but your reasoning is hard to refute.’

            Alina smiled, almost shyly, glancing briefly into Liam’s eyes. He held her gaze for a moment before they both looked away, and Liam took a step back.

            ‘I shall see you tonight then,’ he said, and cleared his throat.

            ‘Yes,’ she said, matter-of-factly. ‘I suppose you shall.’

            Liam bowed and then turned to leave. Alina watched him as he walked away, then reigned her attention back to the target.

Later that day, having finished her archery practice, Alina was walking down one of the castle’s many corridors. She never tired of admiring the craftsmanship displayed in the walls and high-arching ceilings. As she gazed up at the carvings, one of the many doors in the hall opened and Cassius appeared some distance ahead. He was carrying a scroll bearing the king’s seal, and was walking briskly. Alina immediately quickened her pace, hoping to not have to slow down, but Cassius stopped when he saw her approaching.

            ‘Good day, Princess,’ he said, smiling in a manner that no observer ever found pleasant. Alina slowed her walk and more or less curtsied.

            ‘Cassius,’ she said formally.

            ‘I see you around so rarely, it’s a pleasure when I do.’

            Alina stopped walking and looked Cassius up and down. ‘You seem to be in a hurry,’ she said, glancing at the scroll. ‘Off to the dungeons?’

            ‘A very astute guess,’ he replied. ‘There is a matter to be addressed.’

            ‘And by “a matter”, I assume you mean yet another convict to be sent to the Mines,’ she said, barely hiding her disdain.

            ‘Lamentably so,’ said Cassius, sadly.

            ‘Be mindful that your sorrow does not impede your judgment,’ she admonished.

            ‘After so many years in my position, sorrow becomes a luxury,’ he said, lamenting his burden of power.

            ‘Or an inconvenience,’ Alina said coldly. ‘Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must begin preparing for the ball.’ She slowly curtsied, keeping her gaze on him.

            ‘Always a joy to see you, Princess,’ Cassius said, bowing.

            ‘Delighted,’ she said, turning away and walking quickly down the corridor.

            Cassius looked after her briefly, then turned himself and continued on his mission.