Chapter Seven

CHAPTER SEVEN

Alina entered the Royal Chamber where her father lay resting. She walked to the side of the bed and looked down at him, lovingly yet worried. She reached down and gently touched his hand, causing him to stir and open his eyes. Upon seeing Alina, he smiled.

            ‘Hello, Papa,’ she said, smiling back.

            ‘Alina. How are you, my child?’ he said with some effort.

            ‘I am of good health, but troubled,’ she replied.

            ‘What troubles you?’ he asked. ‘Perhaps I can help.’

            ‘I spoke to Liam,’ she said. ‘He told me of the knight that was sent to the mines today.’

            ‘I fear he was found guilty of treason,’ said Andrian.

‘Papa,’ said Alina softly. ‘I knew Trevin, and Liam even better than I. He is not a traitor.’

‘He received a trial and was found guilty,’ said the king, looking off at the ceiling.

‘But on what grounds, Father? Because he is half elf?’

‘There were other factors,’ he said firmly.

‘According to Cassius?’ she asked bitterly.

Andrian turned and looked at her. ‘Alina, Cassius has been my advisor since you were a child. We have disagreed on many things, but I have never had a reason to distrust him.’

‘Will you please consider granting an audience with Liam?’ she implored.

‘I am sorry,’ he said, closing his eyes. ‘But what is done is done.’

She stood for a moment, resisting the urge to speak again. Sighing deeply, she turned and left the chamber.

Later that evening in the Royal Ballroom, Liam stood alone in a corner, sipping a glass of wine. He wore a deep mahogany suit which he had borrowed from another knight, and was not feeling the level of confidence he would have preferred. He looked around at the lords and ladies in their gold-trimmed attire, dancing gracefully with their partners. The skill and poise with which they moved were beautifully accentuated by their reflections in the marble floors.

            Just as Liam was about to go in search of another glass, the music died down and an announcer stood at the top of the staircase.

            ‘Guests, friends, ladies and noblemen of Gilderan,’ said the announcer, pausing a moment for dramatic effect. ‘The Princess Alina.’

            A single trumpet sounded, and Alina appeared behind him as the announcer bowed and retreated to make way. Without really intending to, Liam took a few steps toward the stairs, staring up at her. She wore a pale blue dress, fitted around the waist, and white lace around the shoulders. Her hair was braided on the sides, adorned with small white flowers, but still fell freely down her back. Liam had never seen her like this, and he was mesmerized.

            As Alina descended the stairs, she scanned the room until her eyes fell on Liam staring up at her. She blushed slightly upon seeing his gaze, but still quickened her pace and walked up to him. As the music started again and the others resumed their dance, they stood looking at each other for a moment, neither sure of what to say.

            ‘You made it,’ Liam said, breaking the silence.

            ‘I did,’ said Alina. ‘It is customary for me to enter after everyone else has arrived.’

            ‘Of course,’ said Liam. “Well, anyway, you look very…’ He gestured at her dress, not sure how to finish.

            ‘Yes?’ she coaxed, suppressing a smile.

            Liam collected himself, looked into her eyes, and said, ‘You look beautiful, Princess.’

            ‘Thank you,’ she said as she curtsied. ‘Would you like to dance?’

            Liam glanced around the room at the other dancers. ‘I fear my sparring has not endowed me with much grace, but I will do my best not to trample your toes.’

            Alina laughed as she took his left hand in her right, then lifted her dress with her other. He placed his free hand on her waist and they began a simple four-step, hardly moving around as they swayed. Liam stared down at his feet, placing each one carefully before applying weight. Alina cleared her throat softly, causing him to look up.

            ‘Sorry,’ he said, but then noticed that her expression was serious.

            ‘I spoke to my father,’ she said sadly. ‘He will not reconsider.’

            ‘Thank you for trying,’ Liam said.

            Alina was silent for a moment and then looked up at him. ‘I’m sorry,’ she said.

            ‘For what?’ he inquired.

            ‘For Trevin,’ she replied. ‘For you, losing your best friend.’

            Liam leaned forward slightly and peered deeply into her eyes. ‘Never lose that compassion,’ he said softly. ‘You will make a great queen some day.’

            She smiled, then became pensive. ‘That day may not be far off,’ she said as they continued dancing.

            Near the top of the stairs, Cassius stood by the railing, gazing down at them as they danced. His expression was cold as he took a sip of wine, then turned and walked away.