Chapter Nine

CHAPTER NINE

 

The following morning, Alina spent several hours trying to find Liam. After sending a message to his barracks, she had waited restlessly for his reply, eager to tell him of Cassius’ proposal. She was not prepared for the response.

 

            Alina walked furiously down the hall toward Cassius’ study. A different guard stood outside the door, and bowed as she approached.

            ‘Is Cassius in there?’ she asked the guard.

            ‘Yes, Princess,’ he replied.

            ‘Open it,’ she said firmly, and the guard complied.

            Alina entered the study to find Cassius at his desk, writing a letter. He stood as she entered.

            ‘Why have you sent Liam to the mines?’ she demanded.

            ‘Princess Alina,’ he said with a cordial smile.

            ‘Answer me,’ she almost shouted.

‘I’m afraid he was found guilty of treason,’ he said innocently.

‘I do not believe that for an instant,’ she said, clenching her jaw.

‘I myself found it shocking, I assure you, but I heard it with my own

ears as I spoke with him.’

‘I don’t care what you heard,’ Alina retorted. ‘It was not the words

of a traitor, and if you believe that, then you are more delusional than I had imagined.’

‘I lament to see you so distraught, Princess’ Cassius replied calmly. ‘But I am bound by justice, regardless of your feelings for the boy.’

Alina stared at him in shock. ‘Are you threatened by him?’ she asked, appalled.

‘How do you mean?’ he inquired.

‘Your eyes betray you, Cassius,’ she said, taking a step forward and pointing a finger at him. ‘I see now why you proposed to me.’

‘Are you doubting the purity of my motives?’ he asked sternly.

‘I doubt you know the meaning of pure,’ she said, turning and heading for the door.

‘Oh, Princess,’ Cassius said, and she turned back, glaring.

He reached into a pocket and withdrew the stone pendant, holding it out to her. ‘I would imagine you are on your way to consult your father in this matter. Would you be so kind as to return his necklace to him?’

She walked up to him and grabbed the pendant, but he did not release it at first.

‘I shall eagerly await your summons so that we may continue our conversation from last night,’ he said, letting go of the chain.

She turned without reply and left the study. Cassius stretched his neck, somewhat indignantly, then returned to writing his letter.

 

In the king’s chambers, an attendant stood staring out the window. Hearing the door open, he turned to see Alina rush in, still holding the pendant in her hand.

            ‘Princess,’ he said concerned. ‘Did the messenger find you?’

            Alina glanced at the bed and saw that Andrian’s face was covered with the sheet. She gasped and rushed to the side of the bed.

            ‘I am sorry, Your Highness,’ said the attendant.

            She pulled the sheet back, revealing the king’s pale, dead face.

            ‘Papa,’ she whispered, putting her hand to her mouth.

            ‘He passed quietly in the night and was found this morning. We chose not to notify anyone until you were made aware.’

            Alina took the hand of her father and held it, noticing the ring still on his finger.

            ‘Who was the last to see him alive?’ she asked.

            ‘It was reported that Lord Cassius came by late last night, Your Highness.’

            Alina nodded, then thought for a moment. ‘Send a message to General Delius to meet me in my quarters as soon as possible. Tell no one of this, and do not let anyone in this room until I say otherwise, especially Cassius.’

            ‘Yes, Your Highness,’ said the attendant, bowing before heading out the door.

            She slipped the ring off the king’s finger then clutched his hand as she knelt beside the bed and wept.

 

Alina entered her room and began pulling her riding attire out of a closet, which she threw onto the bed. A knock on the door made her start.

            ‘Who is it?’ she asked.

            ‘General Delius, Your Majesty,’ came the reply.

            ‘Let him in,’ she said, walking toward the door.

            The door opened and Delius entered, looking rather confused. He was an imposing man of notable size, but with kind eyes.

            ‘General Delius,’ said Alina. ‘Thank you for coming.’

            ‘Of course, Your Majesty,’ he said. ‘How may I be of service?’

            She stood silent a moment, unsure of how to begin. ‘The king has… My father is dead,’ she said, fighting back tears.

            Delius stared at her in shock. ‘I grieve for your loss, Princess,’ he said softly.

            ‘I fear it is not yet my time to mourn,’ she said, composing herself and wiping her eyes. ‘I have reason to believe that Cassius wants the throne.’

            ‘That would not surprise me in the slightest,’ said Delius.

            Alina nodded. ‘If we adhere to the laws of our ancestors, I believe he will attempt to prevent me from being crowned, using whatever means necessary.’

            ‘I understand your concern,’ he said. ‘What would you wish me to do?’

            ‘At this time, I seek only your council,’ she replied. ‘How do you predict Captain Sirion’s response would be to an order against me?’

            ‘The army is responsible for the safety of the kingdom,’ Delius said. ‘The captain is obligated by law to follow the order of whomever is in command.’

            ‘And there are not nearly enough knights to defend me, should Cassius order my detention,’ said Alina.

            ‘I fear not, Princess,’ he said gravely.

            Alina was silent as she contemplated then looked at Delius resolutely. ‘Then I know what I must do,’ she said. ‘Thank you for your time, Delius.’

            ‘May I inquire of your plans?’ he asked, concerned.

            ‘I fear the less you know the better,’ she said. ‘Let it suffice to know that I am not safe here. Please speak to no one of this conversation.’

            ‘Do not hesitate to contact me if I may be of assistance,’ he said bowing.

            ‘Thank you,’ she said kindly.

            He then turned and left her chamber.

 

            As soon as Delius was gone, Cayla rushed into the room, glancing over her shoulder after the general.

            ‘Forgive me, Your Highness,’ she said. ‘I did not know you would be returning to your quarters. I was just-‘

            ‘Do not worry yourself, Cayla,’ said Alina as she began taking off her dress. ‘I did not require your presence. Now, help me get this off.’

            Cayla went to Alina’s back and started unfastening her buttons. Once the dress was off, Alina started putting on her riding clothes.

            ‘Is something wrong?’ Cayla asked.

            ‘I must attend to an urgent matter,’ she replied, taking Cayla by her shoulders and looking earnestly into her eyes. ‘You must tell no one.’

            ‘What must I not tell them?’ Cayla asked, more confused than ever.

            ‘Anything,’ Alina said. ‘You must not tell them anything.’

            Alina finished putting on her clothes, and hugged the bewildered Cayla close. ‘I shall return as soon I can,’ she said, then rushed out of the room.