 
ARAYE

Copyright © 2020 JEDIDIAH BAMIDELE

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without written permission from the author, except for brief quotations in critical articles and reviews, .

DISCLAIMER

This story is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to scenes, persons or occurrences is purely coincidental.

"OTHER BOOKS BY THE AUTHOR"

The Perfect Mistake

Dazzled

Saccharine Sweetness

You can log onto <http://www.jedidiahbamidele.blogspot.com> to read and download stories written by Jedidiah Bamidele

Categories: Fantasy/Historical/Fiction/Romance

# DEDICATION

To the one who was there when I needed him the most.

To my mum for being a constant source of support.

To you who desire to be seen and loved.

# PROLOGUE

Eritonia was an island surrounded by several islands. It was a country filled with men of every colour, size and shape. Members of the royal family – who were lovingly referred to as Eriteas – were known for the wisdom with which they ruled. Every nation far and near talked about the peace the land of Eritonia enjoyed until King Atelorun tried invading the land. The uprising was stemmed before it could do much harm but the incident made the people of Eritonia aware of the fact that they were not as invincible as they had thought. Every one of them dwelt with caution as they realized that their next-door neighbour could be a spy from one of the neighbouring kings. After all, the person who allowed the first infiltration was the loving husband of the princess. And like the market women of Eritonia would say; if Prince Bunjo could turn out to be a traitor, your most trusted one might not be who you think they are.

***

# CHAPTER 1

"Make way for his Royal Highness Prince Dovian of Eritonia."

The voice of the guards rose above the noise in the market and the crowd parted as the prince's carriage passed. Araye stretched her neck in a bid to catch a glimpse of the prince who had left Eritonia eighteen years ago as a boy. That had been a year after her birth. She tightened her grip on the basket she was holding and pressed through the throng with grim determination.

"Araye."

She turned and saw Simbi waving vigorously at her.

"What are you doing here?" She asked.

Simbi blushed. "The same thing you're doing here. I doubt I'll be able to see the prince now."

"You can meet up with his carriage if you walk faster, or run. The palace gate is still far away."

"With this crowd? I doubt it."

She smiled. "Don't worry, my friend. You'll see him at the evening-celebration."

"You know Mother has never allowed me to go for any of the evening-celebrations arranged by the royal family."

"I think she will change her mind because today's evening-celebration was solely arranged in honour of the prince." She lowered her voice. "There is no mother who would not want his daughter to have a chance with royalty."

Simbi sighed. "I heard he got betrothed to one of the daughters of a foreign king."

"That's a lie. Tritoan told me the prince vowed to be celibate several years ago and that the king is secretly searching for maidens who can make him change his mind."

"I don't believe it."

She narrowed her eyes. "Are you saying my betrothed is a liar?"

"No. I know Tritoan is a man of integrity but it sounds too good to be true. I can't believe I still have a chance with Prince Dovian."

"I'll advise you set your gaze on Prince Rafau instead."

"Why?"

She shrugged.

"Have you heard things about him?"

"No."

Simbi wrinkled her nose. "I'm going for Prince Dovian. I have nothing to lose."

"I hope so." She murmured.

"Mother sent me to the blacksmith and you know I don't like seeing him."

She laughed. "He's not a blacksmith. Metalsmith fits him better."

"I can't believe you're part of those spreading that nonsense."

"It's the truth. He doesn't only work with iron but with any kind of metal. I heard he now makes jewellery."

"I still think he is a blacksmith."

"Whatever you say."

"My Father loves his works. A pity he looks the way he does."

"Are you still afraid of that little scar on his face?"

"I can't believe you called that huge thing little. It's literally all over his face."

"You can't blame him. Everyone knows he got the scar while trying to save Princess Pintan from a bear."

"The same princess whose husband almost destroyed our land." Simbi huffed.

She released a soft gasp and pulled her aside. "Don't utter such words in public. You don't know who might be listening. Tritoan told me things are getting more delicate in the land. We all need to be careful."

Simbi's eyes grew wide. "Are the sayings true? Are there really spies in the land?"

"I don't know. I only know the things Tritoan tells me and the bits and pieces I gather from Father's conversations with some of the officials."

"How does Tritoan know all these things?"

She smiled. "You might not know but he was close friends with the prince before the prince went for his kingly training in Karidang. He is very close to the royal family and I want to tell you something else, but, you have to promise not to tell anyone."

"I promise. Please tell me."

"He is the one in charge of the royal treasury."

Simbi gasped. "I thought his father is the royal treasurer."

"Yes, but, he's been ill for several months and he told the king he wanted Tritoan to replace him until he recovers."

"And the king accepted?"

"Yes."

"I thought the laws of the land demand that a Royal Treasurer must have been an official for at least fifteen years."

"How did you know that?"

"I have a tutor, Araye." Simbi drawled. "And singing is not the only thing we do during our lessons."

"I know. I just didn't take you for one who is interested in the laws of our land and subjects like that."

"How can you tell?"

"We've been friends since childhood, Simbi. I wouldn't be surprised if I know you more than you do."

"You're right. I committed the laws regulating the Royal Treasury to heart because I wanted to know how the treasures of our land are being managed."

"That's brilliant."

Simbi smiled. "Thank you. Now answer my question. Why did the king disregard the laws of the land?"

"How...how...should I know that?"

"I know you know. Now tell me."

"Are we not supposed to see the metalsmith?"

"We'll do that after you answer my question."

She sighed. "It's simple. He is the king and he can do whatever he wants. The fact that the king is law is plain enough. And, he kept it a secret because he wanted to avoid tales and rumours. He honoured his friend's request and I think that is wonderful of him."

"But the treasury is too delicate to commit to just anybody."

She paused. "Did you just call my betrothed just anybody?"

"That was not what I meant. I meant to say that being the royal treasurer is a very sensitive position."

"And you feel Tritoan is not worthy of it?"

"No. I think something is fishy."

"Either it's fishy or meaty; it's none of my business and yours. All I know is that Tritoan is doing a good job."

"Okay. But..."

"One more word about my betrothed and you will be the only one facing the metalsmith."

Simbi swallowed. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get you angry."

"I'm not angry. I just don't like your opinion of Tritoan."

Simbi bit her lip to stop herself from saying she didn't have issues with Tritoan as a person but with the fact that he held a position that required years of experience and expertise. She swallowed every defensive word that welled up in her as an image of having to talk to Gordon without help flashed through her mind. Araye pulled her in the direction of the metalsmith's shop and she doggedly followed.

"Good morning, Gordon." Araye shouted over the sound of clanging metals.

Gordon wiped his face with a towel and stepped out of the shed. "Good morning, beautiful Araye."

She nudged Simbi who moved away before she could get nudged a second time.

She smiled shyly. "Please don't mind my friend. She acts weird whenever she has a lot on her mind."

Simbi expertly covered a snort while glaring fiercely at her.

She glanced at her. "Is everything okay?"

"Yes." Simbi held her gaze for several seconds before turning it to Gordon. "I'm sorry for disturbing you this early in the morning. We just wanted to buy some of your wares."

"What exactly do you want?"

"I need two pots and five silverware dishes. I also want to buy one of the bronze clips I heard you just designed."

"Okay, Miss."

"How much do they cost?"

"A pot costs five erin and a silverware dish costs three erin. That's twenty-five erin altogether."

"What about the bronze clip?"

Gordon smiled. "You're my first customer for the day. You can see it as my way of saying thank you."

Simbi's eyes lit with pleasure. "Thank you."

Araye folded her arms as she looked from Gordon to Simbi. Simbi had told her she was scared of Gordon and that was correct or should she say had been correct. The Simbi who would hide whenever Gordon was around was not the same person Araye was seeing right before her eyes. Maybe she only needed someone to start a conversation with Gordon in order to prove that he doesn't bite. Araye giggled. She couldn't wait to tease her about it.

"Thank you, Gordon. Let's go, Araye."

"You're welcome, Miss."

"Bye, Gordon." Araye called out.

"Bye."

Simbi held Araye and didn't let go until they were several feet away from Gordon's shop.

"You know holding me so tight can bruise my arm." Araye grumbled.

"But it's not bruised. Or is your arm bleeding?"

"No, it's not."

"What was that about?"

She frowned. "What?"

"You were giggling. I was trying so hard to comport myself in front of him and you were making jest of my efforts."

She smiled. "Actually, I was not making fun of you. I was so impressed with the way you handled everything that I thought of teasing you about it."

"Was that what you found funny?"

"Yes."

Simbi released a breath. "That's better. I thought the struggle going on within me was obvious. I didn't want Gordon feeling uncomfortable and that was more reason I felt bad when you laughed."

"I understand."

"Will you be at the evening-celebration?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"I have no reason to."

"Yes, you do."

"No, I don't."

"You'll get to eat free food, dance, meet new people and even see Tritoan."

"Seeing Tritoan sounds tempting but he already told me he will be very busy. He said something like making sure the prince is properly settled and all. We talked yesterday and he said I might not get to talk to him today even if I show up at the evening-celebration."

"That's sad."

"Don't worry. I know Tritoan. He will make up for it."

"What about the food, dancing and meeting new people?"

"They are not enough reason for me to leave the comfort of my bed for a place with different category of people and smells."

Simbi rolled her eyes.

She laughed. "I was just joking. Everyone I've met at the evening-celebration smelt nice. I just don't feel like going for tonight's celebration."

"But you'll get to see the prince."

"Seeing him profits me nothing. Besides, I'll get to see him since he is Tritoan's friend."

"Okay."

"We're almost at the crossroad." She started in a singsong voice.

"Where we'll have to say goodbyyyeeee." Simbi ended.

They laughed.

"I don't understand why you refused to be a singer. You could have gotten a place in the royal band with no stress. I still think the name Singbi will fit you." She said.

"And I think Arabed will fit you better."

"What's Arabed?"

"You said you didn't want to leave the comfort of your bed for the evening-celebration. So I figured Arabed fits you."

She laughed. "I have to go now. My regards to your mother."

"And mine to yours. See you at the market square tomorrow."

Her brows furrowed. "What's happening there?"

"Tsk tsk tsk. I should have known you would have forgotten. The knight contest is tomorrow."

"Oh, I forgot all about it. See you tomorrow then."

***

Prince Dovian pulled his cloak tighter as he bumped into a red-faced woman who was twice his size. He murmured an apology and averted his gaze as he didn't want to risk the woman recognising him. He smiled as he thought of the stir he would create among the knights when they discover the prince who was supposed to compete in the first match had not been seen in the palace since daybreak. His legs took him farther from civilisation and his heart thumped in excitement at the view and tranquillity he knew awaited him. He had had to lurk around the palace till it got busy. He knew walking around the palace grounds cloaked in white would do nothing but raise the suspicion of the guards, so he had waited. His patience nearly ran out when Tritoan came to the orchard. The palace's orchard had seemed like a good place to hide because from what he remembered, it was rarely visited. Especially not in the early hours of the morning. He blew out a breath. His knowledge of the palace could no longer be trusted. His mind reeled back to the conversation he overheard between Tritoan and a man he knew to be Tritoan's aide. He didn't know if anyone could be trusted.

"Stop right there!"

His brows shot up at the command in the feminine voice.

"And don't you dare turn around."

He pressed his lips in a straight line as he reminded himself whoever it was didn't know who he was. Except the person showed up at the evening-celebration and was very close to the front, she wouldn't know he was the prince. He had politely turned down his father's request to make a speech. His father had not understood his aversion to the public and neither had he. The only thing that was clear to him was his need to be alone. If he couldn't be alone forever, he wanted to enjoy the feeling for the next few weeks.

"Can I turn around now?" He asked.

"I... I don't know. It depends."

He turned. "On?"

The girl gasped the moment their eyes met. If her skin was not as dark as it was, it would have reddened. He almost smiled at her obvious embarrassment. She had no reason to be embarrassed except, except she knew who he was.

He narrowed his eyes. "Have we met?"

"No, my lord."

"Why are you avoiding my gaze then?"

"I'm the healer's apprentice and we are not allowed to openly stare at others. We can only do so with those who need our help."

A smile crept up his face. Eritonia's old-age tradition finally did some good. It eradicated the chances of the girl knowing who he was. But, he still couldn't be sure.

"What do you think of the evening-celebration the royal family threw yesterday?"

"I could not attend."

Her head went lower and he wondered if it was out of regret or something else.

"I thought everyone in the country was invited."

"That's correct, my lord. I would have attended if Healer Jamudu had not assigned me to a lady who needed my ministrations."

He wanted to ask more questions but chose not to. It wouldn't do to make the girl more uncomfortable than she felt. The only ministrations a healthy lady could need from a healer's apprentice were those that prepared her for marriage. He knew young ladies in Eritonia employed the services of the royal healer's apprentices when they're about to get married. He didn't know the full details but he knew from when his sister got married to Bunjo that the ministrations involved soaking in different kind of herbs, spices and oils, and some other teachings his sister had refused to disclose in the many letters she sent while he was still at Karidang.

"What's your name, little one?"

"Drella."

"Drella." He drawled. "That's a strange name. What does it mean?"

"Dreeelllaaa!"

Her head snapped up and she looked towards the direction from which the voice came.

"I'm sorry, my lord, but I'll have to leave. Lady Araye won't want me to keep her waiting."

"Was she the reason you told me to stop?"

Her eyes widened. "Yes. She needed to expose herself to the fragrance of the cawthe __ flowers."

He smiled and she must have taken it as dismissal because she stepped around him and walked into the midst of the overgrown flowers. He had been right. The lady was indeed about to get married. He puffed out a breath. He couldn't get to the fountain without walking past the legendary cawthe __ flowers. His smile grew wider. Cawthe __ flowers were known for the softening effect its fragrance has on the skin. Walking past the flowers was not the problem. The only problem was that Drella chose to bring her lady to this part of Eritonia. Cawthe __ grew in several parts of the land and he had never seen anyone who would prefer to go through the stress of climbing several hills when they could access the same cawthe __ with less stress. He took a sharp breath when he saw the lady Drella had referred to. The lady was observing him with curiosity, and the brief smile she gave him when their eyes met drew him in. She might not have realized it but her betrothed would have had to ward off a lot of suitors in order to be the one to win her heart.

"Is this the man you were talking about?" She asked.

Drella's gaze flicked to him. "Yes, my lady."

She frowned. "You don't have to be so polite, Drella. We're almost the same age and you're not my servant. I only employed your services."

Drella lifted her head for a moment and he noticed she looked good when she smiled.

"I know. It's just something that is expected of every royal apprentice. Courtesy is a whole lesson on its own."

"Mother told me things were not this way before now. I don't know why Healer Jamudu goes to such extent."

"He had to do that because healers were starting to think they were better than those they were offering their services to."

"But..." She stopped as her gaze flicked to Dovian. "We'll continue this conversation some other time."

"Yes, my lady."

Dovian smiled at the obvious frustration on Araye's face. Drella might not look like it but she definitely has a mind of her own.

"Please forgive us." Araye smiled. "We tend to forget others once we start conversations like this."

Dovian shifted on his feet. "I see."

"I'm sorry we kept you waiting."

"Not at all."

She stared at him. "I was of the opinion that you're on your way to the farther end of the hill."

"That's correct, but it can wait."

She raised her brow.

"Don't get me wrong, Miss. I only meant to say that the time I get to where I'm going doesn't matter."

She laughed. "I wish I could say the same. My friend will have my head if I don't show up for the knight's contest."

He stood at alert. "The knight's contest?"

"Yes. Didn't you hear about it?"

She laughed at the blank look on his face. "I can't wait to tell Simbi I met someone who doesn't know about the knight's contest. On second thoughts, I won't." Her face grew serious. "You don't have to feel bad. I also didn't go for the evening-celebration yesterday. Or don't you know what an evening-celebration means?"

Relief washed through him. "I know what it means, Miss."

There was no chance she knew who he was if she had not been at the evening-celebration. He paused. Why does her name sound familiar? He had heard someone mention her name in a conversation but he couldn't remember who.

"There's nothing to be ashamed about, Sir..."

"Dovi. Just call me Dovi."

"Dovi? It sounds different."

He smiled as his gaze strayed to Drella. "It sure does."

"Please don't mind me. I tend to say what is on my mind without thinking it through. You can call me Araye."

Drella shifted uncomfortably on her feet, drawing Dovian's attention. The little gesture could only mean one thing. He was taking more time than he should. He gave her an almost imperceptible nod and turned one of his famous smiles on Araye. That smile had always kept the recipient's attention on him and Araye was no different. A pity she was soon to be married.

"I'll be on my way, Araye. It was nice talking to you."

"Thanks, Dovi. It's nice meeting someone who doesn't know about the knight's contest."

He smiled. "I think you should hurry if you still hope to watch the knight's contest. Who knows? Today's contest might end earlier than usual. I would be surprised if they aren't done by midday."

She frowned but kept quiet. How could he say a contest that mostly doesn't end till evening will end before midday? She watched as he disappeared amongst the flowers before matching to the market square with determination. She sure had a lot to tell Simbi.

# CHAPTER 2

"He was right." Araye murmured.

"Who was right?" Simbi asked.

They joined the crowd as they walked away from the market square.

"It's nothing."

Simbi frowned. "I thought I heard you say something."

She shrugged.

Simbi glared at her. "Everything is really pissing me off."

"Does that include me?" She asked.

"Maybe." Simbi sighed. "No. It's the fact that Prince Dovian refused to show up for the knight's contest. And the fact that most of the knights pulled out of the contest in honour of the prince. I didn't even realize they had to do that for him. Everyone knows the knight's contest is an old-age tradition. Having our knights showcase their skills has always been a pleasurable thing to watch. Now the prince is denying us all of that pleasure."

"Did I hear you correctly or are you resenting the prince?" She laughed. "I thought you had eyes for him. Holding resentment in your heart towards him is hardly a way to get him to love you."

Simbi held her skirt and walked ahead of her.

"Are you angry with me?"

Simbi stopped. "No Araye, I'm angry with myself."

Araye caught up with her before she could walk off again.

"I didn't mean to hurt you. I just don't want you to place your hopes on a prince who might end up not choosing you."

"I know. This has nothing to do with you."

"So, what is it?"

"I overheard Mother and Father yesterday." Simbi whispered.

"How did that throw you into a bad mood?"

"They were arranging my marriage."

Araye gasped.

"Now you know how I felt when I got to know. And the man is obviously someone I wouldn't approve of because Mother kept warning Father not to let me know about it until everything has been perfectly planned or I might get overwhelmed."

"This is not good."

Simbi's eyes clouded with tears. "My chance with the prince has been dashed even before meeting him."

"You didn't get to meet with him yesterday?"

"No, I didn't. Basically, every nobleman that was present wanted him to meet their daughter and he rarely left his seat which was strategically placed in a corner. I wouldn't be surprised if he arranged with the decorators to have the corner dimly lit because most people who were at the evening-celebration didn't even get to have a proper view of him."

Araye bit her lip. "What if he's trying to hide a defect?"

Simbi groaned. "I can assure you, the prince has nothing to hide. His side-view from a distance knocked the breath out of me. And Ostemia told me he was the fairest of all the men she had ever seen."

"Indeed. Seeing that most of the men she ever sees are her family's bodyguards."

Simbi laughed. "Actually, Romike said the same thing."

Araye raised her brow. "Romike?"

"Yes. Romike."

"I think you should forget about having a chance with the prince and focus on getting yourself out of that marriage arrangement instead."

Simbi sighed. "I feel like crying right now. My heart feels worn. Even my best friend thinks I can't compete with Romike."

Araye pulled Simbi closer as a little boy ran by. "That was close. He could have knocked you down."

"Thank you. I must say a part of me relish being knocked down. I just hope my supposed betrothed would see me as I lay splayed on the floor. Nothing would break the engagement faster than if he told my parents he was no longer interested."

Araye smiled. "What if the prince saw you instead?"

"Please stop doing this to me. You're supposed to be my friend."

"Would you feel better if I told you how to get rid of Romike?"

Simbi's eyes shone as she nodded.

"Leave the prince alone."

"You sure have a way of stressing my emotions. I was thinking you would come up with a brilliant idea that would give me a chance with the prince."

"You should thank me for giving you a brilliant idea that would steer trouble out of your way. I'm sure you don't want to have somebody like Romike and her father as a rival."

Simbi paused as her eyes shone with mischievousness. "No, I don't. I'll just make sure somebody like her doesn't end up on the throne of Eritonia. Our land deserves someone..." She eyed Araye. "...better."

Araye shivered at the look in Simbi's face. She couldn't explain it but something about what Simbi said made her uncomfortable. For some unexplainable reason, she wished her wedding was less than a month away.

"Don't worry, dear friend." Simbi smiled. "I won't do anything to hurt you."

"You had better not."

"And I think I know what to do to make my parents cancel their arrangement."

"What?"

"I'll get betrothed before they inform me of their arrangement."

Araye smiled. "To who?"

"You wait and see. I just hope they keep quiet about it until I've perfectly formed my plan." She raised her hand. "Do you know that man? He looks oddly familiar."

Araye turned to see Dovi staring at her. He disappeared amongst the crowd as she smiled in greeting.

"Do you know him?"

Araye frowned. "Yes. I just don't understand why he left so quickly."

"Maybe he's not human."

"Don't start fantasizing, Simbi. He is as human as you are."

"Then I'll get married to him."

Araye sighed. "I don't know what to do with you anymore. First, it's the prince, now it's Dovi. I can't fault your parents for doing what they did. They must have been tired of the way you turn men down."

"It's not my fault. None of those men appeals to me."

"Then I think it's time you started looking beyond their appearance and seeing the men themselves."

"I don't know. Maybe you're right. Let's go pick some grapes. I heard they're good for those who are about to get married."

Araye laughed. "You really have to stop being mischievous."

***

Tritoan stomped his feet in a bid to stem his rising frustration at Romike's lateness. She knew better than to keep him waiting; especially when his wedding to Araye was in less than two weeks. People would get suspicious if they saw him hiding in the hills, and their suspicion would skyrocket if they knew he was waiting for Romike. His lips twitched as he went over his plans. It had been simple until Romike got involved. He had planned on getting betrothed to the daughter of the head of the royal guard, after which he would get the secret of the invincible gate of Eritonia, then break off his engagement after letting King Lenuti know about his findings. King Lenuti had made Tritoan the crown prince of Aragududu in a quiet ceremony and had sworn him to secrecy. Even after Romike got involved, things still went well until his father asked him to take his position. He had obliged the old man because he thought being a member of the royal court will make him privy to important information. But, King George spoilt everything by insisting on keeping his father as a member of the royal court. The king had argued that despite his father's ailment, he couldn't keep him from attending court meeting by replacing him with his son. He had advised Tritoan to be satisfied with carrying out his father's duties in his stead. Being a royal treasurer without being a member of the royal court had done nothing but encumber Tritoan with work. He had been so burdened with work that keeping in touch with King Lenuti became strenuous. He couldn't even tell King Lenuti about it because it would only hurt him to know Tritoan was more devoted to his father. And nothing could be farther from the truth. Tritoan only wanted to keep his father happy for as long as possible. His father couldn't offer him the wealth and influence he'll gain from being an ally of King Lenuti. He couldn't afford to do something that will make King Lenuti displeased with him. Not when there were rumours of King Lenuti's son being alive.

"My dear Tritoan. Have you been waiting for long?"

He forced a smile as Romike's voice broke into his thoughts. It wouldn't do to show her his frustration. The lady was slyer than a viper. "Not for long. You look beautiful as always."

She laughed. "Even more than the one you wish to marry?"

He drawled in a shaky breath. Romike was trying to get him riled and they both knew it. Araye was the last person he wanted to talk about. He had planned on getting the secret without having to marry her but he now knew that was impossible. The secret was obviously something that stayed within the family. And no matter how he tried to hide it, Araye's father didn't consider him family, yet. All that will change soon enough.

"Are you thinking about it?" She asked.

He laughed. "Thinking about what? The whole land knows there is no lady as beautiful as you. Araye is my betrothed and I find that I'm attached to her, but even she cannot rival your beauty."

She placed a hand on his shoulder, obviously pleased with his statement. "I wish you didn't have to marry her, Tritoan."

"Even if she doesn't, you won't marry me."

Her eyes twinkled. "You got me right there. My interest is set on the prince and I won't stop until I have him."

"He won't have you, Romike. Not with the way you gave your body to me more times than I can count. No man wants to be with a woman who has had her way with his friends. At least, not the prince."

"The prince doesn't have to know about it."

He smiled. This was the opportunity he had always wanted. He had Romike right where he wanted her.

Her eyes flashed. "Are you planning on telling him?"

He caressed her cheeks. "Not at all. I would be the most blessed of all men if you ended up with Prince Dovian. And that is why I will do all that is in my power to make it possible."

"And what do I have to do to make that happen?"

"Nothing. Apart from occasional gifts from you, nothing."

She stepped back from his touch. "I'm afraid that will not be possible. You might see me as a woman of free virtue but I don't give myself to two men at the same time."

"I know you don't."

"I won't. Keep in mind that your wedding is near and tales about our time together will not hurt me as much as it would hurt you. What would everyone think of you when they get to know that you couldn't honour the word you gave to a girl?"

He smirked. "I have no use of your body. I just need you to give me updates on the prince whenever I need it. One does not know when such information will be needed."

Her eyes narrowed. "What would the crown prince of Aragududu need the updates for?"

He closed his eyes and gritted his teeth in anger as he tried to figure out how she got to know. It wouldn't surprise him if she had seduced one of his men for the information. He made a mental note to shut the mouth of some of his men forever. Her power over men was more reason for him to get her on his side. He would have access to information a dozen men couldn't give him.

"Don't worry, Romike. I promise not to touch a hair on your prince's body."

She laughed. "I am not talking about the prince, I am talking about Eritonia. As much as this land has not done anything..." She paused. "... extraordinary for me, I find that I am quite attached to it." She winked and Tritoan knew she added that part intentionally. Must Araye come up in each of their conversations?

"Have no doubt, Tritoan." She continued. "I will destroy you and everything you hold dear if you hurt Prince Dovian or anything in Eritonia. You're already a crown prince. Be content with your estate."

His gaze grew cold. "Noted."

"And I want to add this, I owe you nothing. I do not owe you my body or information. I promise not to ruin your marriage if you will stop bothering me. Now that you're getting married to Araye, learn to keep your pants in place. I'm not asking for your help with the prince but don't try to dissuade my attempts. I promise you, your life won't be easy if you do."

"You're going too far, Romike."

She smiled. "Remember that we're in Eritonia. People will believe my word over yours. A little rumour about your relationship with King Lenuti and you'll be hanged before you get out of your bed. I want you to always remember that I have parchments that will be dispatched to the royal house, all noble families in Eritonia and every major market once any harm comes to me or I go missing – even for an hour. These parchments are with people you will least think of and they are under oath to carry out my instructions."

His lips tightened. "What are you trying to say?"

"You can add me to the list of those you need to protect. I believe you won't decide to hurt the one person who is between you and ruin. If I were you, I would protect her."

"You disgusting murderous viper." He muttered.

She laughed. "I'll send you a beautiful wedding present. Have a wonderful life, Tritoan."

He groaned in frustration several minutes after she left. He reluctantly walked down the path she took and when he was several yards away, Prince Dovian stepped out of his hiding place. Following Tritoan had paid off after all. The magnitude of Tritoan's betrayal made his heart ache. His heart squeezed even more as he thought of Araye and the fate that awaited her. A movement behind him caught his attention and whatever it was had taken a flight by the time he turned to look. He tried to remember if he had at any point during Tritoan's conversation with Romike sensed someone around him, but, he came up with nothing. He almost dispersed his suspicions when he noticed several footprints leading further into the thick vegetation. Following the trail would be useless and he couldn't even spare the time. He shoved down his uneasiness as he comforted himself with the knowledge that whoever had eavesdropped on the conversation couldn't be a friend of Tritoan. He pulled his cloak tighter and decided it was high time he sent his first invitation.

***

Drella smiled sheepishly at Araye and squeezed her hand in an attempt to infuse strength into her. Araye had turned into jelly since the moment one of the royal guards arrived at her house, summoning her to the crown prince's quarters. The invitation had raised a few brows in her household but Araye's father excused the invitation to be as a result of Tritoan's friendship with the prince. The explanation had made sense since it was only right she pay a visit to the prince. That knowledge had calmed her until she got to the prince's quarters and didn't find Tritoan. She blew out a breath and smiled gratefully at Drella. She had offered to come along and Araye had accepted without knowing how much she would need it. The waiting room which was almost as big as her father's house swarmed with servants. The mere quietness of the whole place would have made her doubt their presence if the evidence wasn't before her very eye.

"Good morning, my lady."

She smiled stiffly at the servant who in her opinion looked like the prince's valet. His grooming was impeccable. If servants always looked like this, she wouldn't mind being one.

"His Royal Highness Prince Dovian requests your presence in his study." The servant must have sensed her distress because he said, "The prince said you can bring someone you trust."

"Someone I trust?"

He lowered his voice. "Yes. Someone you can trust with your life."

She cringed at the intensity of his voice. The prince was starting to get on her nerves. They had never met, yet, he went ahead to invite her in the absence of her betrothed. If he wasn't a member of the royal family, she would have doubted his intentions.

"What if I'm not with such a person?"

"I'm afraid you'll have to see the prince alone."

Her face grew hot as she stared into the servant's unwavering gaze. Didn't the prince care about her reputation? She'll be getting married soon and she cannot be found alone with a man – crown prince or not.

She pointed at Drella. "Can I go with her?"

"If that's your decision, my lady."

"That's my decision. Please, lead the way."

She kept an even pace as she followed the servant past the courtyard of the crown prince's quarters. She was on the verge of telling him to slow down but decided against it. She didn't want the man thinking she was an over-spoilt brat who couldn't keep up with him. She spared a glance at Drella who had no problem catching up. Her face held no inkling of what she was thinking and Araye doubted she wanted to know. Drella had proven to be a loyal and selfless friend over the years but Araye didn't know if she could trust her with her life. She would give anything to have Simbi with her at the moment. She frowned. That would certainly not be a very good thing. Not with the things Simbi said the last time they talked about the prince. She stepped through the door that was held open for her and couldn't help the gasp that escaped her lips. She had seen beautiful things in her life but this was beyond them. The room was not as big as the courtyard but it was more elegant than the parts of the palace she had seen. She shook her head. The only place in the palace she had had the privilege of visiting apart from walking through the garden as a little girl was the ballroom. She looked around and saw books carefully arranged on shelves. She smiled at the thought of telling Simbi the prince loves reading. She would make her beg before telling her, of course.

"You can take your leave now, Furbian." A firm voice said.

"Yes, my lord."

"And see to it that we're not disturbed."

"I understand, my lord."

She fixed her gaze on the man with the slightly deep voice. He had his back turned to her so she couldn't see his face. He rubbed his neck with his hands and she noticed he was holding what seemed to be a magnifying glass. He bent over something and she could have sworn she saw a flash of light. The magnifying glass seemed to emit several colours but that could have also been her imagination. The man rose and something about him struck her. She felt she had seen him somewhere but that couldn't be possible. Her mouth dropped open when he turned and found herself staring into those same eyes.

"Dovi." She gasped.

She heard a sharp intake of breath behind her and knew Drella was equally surprised. She would have been surprised about Drella not knowing what the prince looked like – despite working in the palace – If she wasn't completely taken in by the man.

"You're the prince? The crown prince?"

"Yes, I am."

She curtsied on trembling legs. "Forgive me, your highness, for not realizing sooner."

He smiled. "I'm afraid you would have to do something for me."

Her eyes snapped up to his.

He laughed. "I'm not the biting type."

She smiled.

"I just wanted to ask you to treat me like Dovi throughout this visit. You can start treating me like the crown prince the moment you step out of that door but not before." He flipped his gaze to Drella. "And that includes you."

"I'm...afraid...I...I..., your highness, I'm...I'm only a servant." Drella stammered.

"Do I have to command you to do it?"

She dropped her gaze. "No, my lord."

"That settles it." He held a hand to his forehead. "Please remind me of your name. I don't think you told me the last time we met. Did you?"

Drella blinked back tears. She didn't know if she felt like crying because he forgot her name or because he bothered to ask. "Yes, I did, my lord. My name is Drella."

"Forgive me, Drella. I sometimes tend to forget...things."

Araye who was yet to get over her shock couldn't believe her eyes. Simbi had told her Ostemia believed the prince was the fairest of all the men she had seen and Araye had not given it much thought – until now. The white hood he wore the day they met had obscured his features. Not so much that she couldn't recognise him but so much she didn't notice his extraordinary beauty. Many might not call it extraordinary but his gentle spirit might have clouded her judgement. She blinked as she realized he had caught her staring.

"I'm sorry."

He smiled. "Why are you sorry? Please have your seat. I have something important to discuss with you." He stared at Drella. "Araye, are you sure you trust her?"

"Yes." She whispered.

He tightened his lips. "Fine. I trust your judgement."

He closed his eyes and she got increasingly curious.

"I need you two to promise me that you won't utter a word of the things we'll discuss to anyone." He fixed his gaze on Araye. "Or anything, until everything is sorted out."

"I'm sorry, your highness. I can't do that. How am I to know it won't be detrimental to..."

"Araye, believe me when I say this. It is for your good." He paused. "I would be correct to say you'll benefit the most from this. I assure you by my honour as the crown prince."

She held his gaze for several moments than was considered proper. His eyes revealed his sincerity and she chose to believe him. "I promise. And you have nothing to fear from Drella. She is loyal."

"I would still love to hear it from her."

Drella swallowed. "I...I promise." 

# CHAPTER 3

Araye clasped her fingers tightly in her laps. "Forgive me, your highness, but I believe we're not here to stare at the uniqueness of your study. Not like the beautifully carved shelves aren't worth staring at."

Dovian grinned. "I've not had the pleasure of having someone tell me the shelves are beautifully carved. A pity we're not here to talk about them because you may find the subject more pleasant than what I called you for."

"Thanks for warning me."

"It's nothing. You deserve that much."

"Are you always this friendly?"

"What do you mean?"

"You address me and Drella as equals and you even look like you enjoy us being here. You surely know that a lot of people won't like it if news of our visit spread around."

"I know, and I've made sure it won't. Unless you deem it fit to spread it."

"Your highness, I'm a true Eritonian. I've given you my word and I won't go back on it. Even if I didn't, I'm not a talebearer."

"I know. Though, I can't help wondering if you've met with the crown prince of Aragududu?"

She stared at him blankly. "I thought King Lenuti of Aragududu does not have a son."

He nodded. "You're right. Forgive my slip."

Silence grew thickly in the room and Araye was beginning to get nervous when Dovian spoke.

"I think you should know that I had someone deliver a parchment to your father assuring him of my intentions and the need for secrecy." He smiled. "Your family won't enjoy facing the wrath of some damsels and their families."

She grinned. "I would say the wrath of all damsels in Eritonia and their family. But I have nothing to fear. It's not like you're trying to get me to marry you."

He grew still as his smile disappeared. "I'm afraid you're wrong. I called you here to tell you I would like to marry you."

The tension in the room rapidly increased and Araye could have argued the whole place grew cold if not for the steady burning in the fireplace.

"What did you say?"

"I want to marry you. If you don't mind."

"I'm engaged, your highness."

"I know."

The corner of her eyes twitched with suppressed anger. "Are you ordering me to marry you?"

"No. I can't do that. As much as doing that would make things easier, I can't make you do things you don't want to do. Don't be surprised that I know you'll be married to Tritoan in few days' time."

"And you still went ahead to ask me to marry you?"

"Yes."

"Forgive my impudence, your highness, but–"

"No, please say whatever you want to say."

"Thank you. Don't you care about your friendship with Tritoan? Don't you care about breaking the trust your people have in you? What would they think of you when they hear that you got married to the betrothed of one of your closest friends?" She paused for breath. "Don't you care for my feelings?"

"That's a lot of question. Which one of them do you need an answer to?"

Araye opened her mouth then closed it back. She tried to speak a couple of times but couldn't get past the amazement she felt.

"In answer to your questions, I do care. I do care about my friendship with Tritoan and the trust of my people. And I care about you. More than you can imagine."

"Then why are you doing this?"

"Because I care."

"You don't even love me the way a man should love the woman he wishes to marry yet you're telling me you're doing this because you care. How can we possibly get married when I don't love you?"

"There are arranged marriages all over Eritonia and they're doing just fine."

She shook her head. "That's not the point, your highness. You can have your pick of any single lady in the land. Are you so selfish you want to take that which belongs to your friend?"

Drella gasped and Araye realized she had said too much, but then, she was way beyond caring. Prince Dovian was royalty but he didn't have an ounce of honour in him. She could never get married to that kind of a man.

"I can see you love Tritoan a lot."

"Yes, I do."

She held Dovian's piercing gaze with all the contempt she felt. She wished she had not promised to keep quiet. She would have enjoyed telling Tritoan how cheap the prince really is.

"What if you discover he is not the man you think he is? What if you discover he doesn't have your best interest at heart?"

"Even if he is not the man I think he is and even if he doesn't have my best interest at heart, he will still be more honourable than you are."

"My lady." Drella rasped. "Please don't say things you'll end up regretting."

"Stay out of this, Drella. He asked us to treat him as Dovi and that is exactly what I plan on doing."

"But–"

"Drella, let her talk." Dovian's lips tightened. "Araye is right. I told her to treat me like Dovi and that is exactly what she is doing. You can be sure I won't make her pay for something I asked her to do."

Drella dropped her gaze. "Yes, your highness."

"Do you really mean the things you're saying, Araye?" He asked.

"Yes. If Tritoan does not have my best interest at heart then I fear for myself if I get married to you. You don't even know him yet you try to put him down."

He closed his eyes. "I guess nothing I say can convince you."

"No."

"Not even the thought of being the queen of Eritonia."

"No."

"Not even the thought of being cared for and secured for the rest of your life."

"No. I wouldn't marry you even if you loved me."

He raised his brow. "You wouldn't?"

"No, I wouldn't. If you don't mind, I'll take my leave now. I have to prepare for my wedding."

"Of course, you do."

"I believe Tritoan already extended an invitation to you."

"It skipped his mind to do so. I believe he will do so before your wedding."

"He sure will."

"I want to answer a question of yours before you leave."

She stiffened.

"Not everyone see me as...friendly."

She thought about his statement for a few seconds before dropping into a curtsey and swirling out of the room. The look on Drella's face when she also dropped a quick curtsey was one of fear. Dovian closed his eyes against the throbbing pain he felt. He had never been spoken to in such a disrespectful way in his entire twenty-nine years of existence. If only Araye knew what she was getting herself in. He had decided against telling her the entire truth because he didn't want her to have a bad image of Tritoan. He would have eventually told her if she had accepted his offer. As much as he wasn't interested in getting married, Dovian knew quite a number of ladies who would leave their betrothed without hesitation if they knew they could have him. He was wrong for thinking Araye was one of them.

"Furbian." He called.

The door creaked open. "Yes, my lord."

"Prepare the carriage. We're paying the Blackwoods a visit."

"My...my lord." Furbian stammered.

"You have nothing to worry about. I'm not one of Miss Blackwood's admirers."

Furbian hid a smile. "Yes, my lord. I'll prepare the carriage."

"And Furbian."

"Yes, my lord."

"Get me something that won't attract attention. The royal carriage will be recognized by almost anyone."

"I understand, my lord."

"Remember to tell Titus to send me his report."

Furbian's reply was overshadowed by the sound of the closing door and Dovian grinned when he spotted the meat that had fallen off him.

***

Romike's heart skipped within her as she hurriedly followed Furbian. She repeatedly wiped her damp palm against her skirt as nervousness got the best of her. The last thing she would have dreamt of was having Prince Dovian pay her a visit. She lifted a hand to her chest to calm her racing heart. She had to compose herself before they get to Helloway River. She smiled. Prince Dovian must be very thoughtful if he had chosen to meet her there. The river was widely known as a place where lovers meet.

***

Dovian swayed on his feet as he listened to the sound of the flowing water. He had chosen to meet Romike at Helloway River because it was the most secluded place within few miles of the Blackwood's home. He turned as hurried footsteps approached.

"My Prince."

He smiled at her. He saw the glint in her eyes and knew she had misunderstood the purpose of his visit. He let his gaze roam over her face and saw what most men in Eritonia saw.

"I guess the rumours were right."

Her eyes narrowed. "What rumours?"

"Don't tell me you don't know people talk about your great beauty. Now I see that I was not misinformed."

She grinned and something close to relief crossed her face. "Thank you, your highness."

"I apologize for not paying attention to you at the evening-celebration. I can't believe I didn't take note of you."

"You humble me with your words, your highness. You were quite absorbed with your thoughts and I wouldn't want to be the one to stop you from doing what you love."

"Ha."

He would have been taken by her if he had not witnessed her conversation with Tritoan.

"I was told you wanted to see me, your highness."

"Yes, and I will go straight to the point. I want you to stop Miss Lombard's wedding to Tritoan."

"I can't possibly do that, your highness. Stopping Tritoan and Araye's wedding is completely beyond me."

"There is no harm in trying. I know you can help me. I've heard of the power you wield over men and if that is true, you should have some semblance of power over women."

"My charms have been overestimated, your highness."

"Can you help me?"

"It depends. How am I supposed to stop it?"

"You're intelligent. I believe you'll figure it out. All you need to do is to convince Araye not to go on with the wedding."

Her eyes twinkled. "Oh."

"I can see where you're going but, no. You're not allowed to deceive her or force her into anything. She must decide without her sense of judgement being clouded."

"Then I can't stop the wedding. I know Araye enough to know she doesn't like me. She wouldn't even believe a word I say. If I go by your rules, she'll end up marrying Tritoan."

"I wish that doesn't happen but if it does, we'll have to accept her decision. If you'll be doing this for me then you'll have to follow what I say."

"Yes, your highness."

He turned to watch the river and sighed. This might not be as easy as he had thought.

"Do you fancy her?"

He paused. "Miss Blackwood, some might consider that a bold question, seeing that we don't know each other enough to have this kind of conversation."

"Please forgive me."

"You have nothing to worry about. I'll make sure you're fully compensated for your efforts."

"I don't want to be compensated for my efforts." She whispered.

He closed his eyes against the helplessness he felt. "What do you want?"

"I want to be with you."

"Why?"

"I fancy you, your highness."

"I'm not your brother neither am I your father. Why should you like me?"

"I'm not talking about that kind of liking."

He knew without turning to see her that she had turned red. The embarrassment had been obvious enough in her voice.

"Are you talking about the kind of likeness between a man and a woman?"

"Yes, your highness."

He turned to look at her. "Are you not bothered about the reason I want to stop the wedding? For all you know, it may be because I want to marry Miss Lombard myself."

Her cheeks flamed and she dropped her head. "I didn't think of that."

"Yet you're not going to change your mind."

"No, I won't."

"Are you saying you're comfortable being with a man whose heart belongs to another?"

She turned her gaze on him and the anger beneath them warmed him. "As long as his loyalty lies with me."

"I see. I must confess that your boldness is surprising. I don't know many ladies who will say the things you've said. You look like you have something else you want to say to me."

"Does your heart belong to her?"

"That is something I'd rather not discuss – with you."

"I understand, your highness. Kindly let me know your decision when you've thought things through."

"We both know I do not have the luxury of time. The wedding is in eight days."

"I thought you would want to think about being betrothed to me. You have to be sure about it."

"Is there something that makes you unqualified to be my intended?"

Her lips quivered. "None that I know of, my lord."

He smiled. What had he expected? A confession of the men she had given favours or a confession of all she knew about Tritoan? "Of course, there isn't."

"Are you saying you've agreed?"

"I'm saying I need you to do all you can to get Miss Lombard to change her mind. And I'm saying I will bestow my attention on you from now on and even court you, but, I can't give you my word on marriage or betrothal."

Her gaze softened. "Is there a possibility that you will?"

He paused for several moments. "Anything is possible, Miss Blackwood."

"I'm satisfied with your proposition but I need one more thing from you."

"Please go on."

"I need you to promise me you will never get married to Araye."

His lips tightened as he stared at her. He couldn't figure out why she was asking such a thing from him and he found that he didn't care.

"I promise."

She grinned. "It's done then."

***

Dovian kept his hands behind him as he slowly paced his room. He glanced at the mantelpiece and spotted the handwritten invitation Tritoan had given him a day after Araye came to see him, which was also the day his trouble had officially started. He had started calling on Romike and the news had spread like wildfire. He remembered seeing the spite in Araye's eyes when he went for her pre-wedding celebration with Romike. If she had thought him less honourable than a deceitful Tritoan, she must think him without honour now. He glanced towards the doorway and sighed. Furbian was nowhere to be found. Romike had tried several ways of getting Araye's attention to no avail. She had finally decided to sneak into her house in order to see her. Although, Dovian pretended not to know, the only thing that could change Araye's mind was hearing the truth about Tritoan. He paused. Why was he going through so much trouble for someone who didn't appreciate it? Then he remembered. He needed to stop the wedding so Tritoan will not get hold of the secret of the gates.

Furbian walked in. "My lord, she told me to give this to you."

He collected the parchment.

"Did you make sure nobody saw you?"

"Yes, my lord."

He sat by the fire and opened the parchment.

Your highness,

It is with great grief that I write this to you. I disguised myself and caught Araye alone in the garden behind the Lombard's home. I had sent my servant beforehand to spy on her. I told her things about Tritoan that are hard to the ears yet she said she loves him. I wish we had resorted to my method because I couldn't work my charms on her like you thought I would. I know you might think I couldn't convince her because I didn't reveal myself but doing that would have made things harder because she would think I fancy Tritoan. I hope you'll forgive me for not writing as properly as I should have. I didn't want to take the risk in case this falls into the wrong hands.

From me.

He groaned and he dropped the parchment into the fire. Things had gone far more than he expected.

"Furbian."

"Yes, my lord."

"I have to see Father. Go and announce my request."

"Do you want me to go now? The king would be..."

"Fur...bi...an."

"Ye...Yes, my lord."

"Don't try my patience. Do as you're told."

"Yes, my lord."

"I want you to do another thing before you go to Father's quarters. Tell Rafau and Andrew to meet me by the moonlight."

"Yes, my lord."

***

"Brother, we got your message." Rafau said as he and Andrew joined Dovian at the courtyard of the king's quarters.

"I hope you weren't frightened?"

Rafau laughed. "Frightened? No, I wasn't. But I think Andrew was."

Andrew scowled. "I was not frightened. I just felt it had to be really serious for you to summon us with the secret code. We've only used it twice since you left."

"I'm surprised you've used it at all." He murmured.

"We've had serious things happen in the land. Take the betrayal of Bunjo for example."

He nodded. "That was a really serious one."

Andrew lowered his voice. "Two years before that happened, Rafau overheard some royal officials plotting to take Father's life."

"And nobody told me!"

Rafau cleared his throat. "Brother, you're drawing attention."

He lowered his voice. "Sorry. You could have sent a message or something." He blew out a breath. "Let's head to Father's quarters. I was waiting for him to summon me but I guess we'll have to pay him a visit instead."

"You must know that we didn't tell you at the time because Father thought you should not be bothered. And that is apart from the fact that Father wanted to have it settled quietly. He banished those royal men and their family to the lonely island."

He stopped. "Rafau, nobody who goes to the lonely island is ever seen again."

Rafau frowned. "Is that not what banishment is supposed to achieve?"

He resumed walking. "I doubt banishment to the lonely island can solve what is happening currently. We are dealing with a betrayal that runs as deep as anything I've ever seen."

"What are you talking about?"

"I can't talk about it until the main person in code-moonlight is present." He beckoned on a guard. "You."

"Yes, your highness."

"Tell the King's Keeper Father is to meet us by the moonlight."

"Yes, your highness."

# CHAPTER 4

"Father."

King George looked up. "Dovian, I got your message but I didn't think it was urgent. I was going to wait until tomorrow to summon you because I wanted your mother to be present."

"I was thinking along that line. That was why I decided on code-moonlight."

King George smiled. "This is the first time you've come to my chambers since you came back and it is on code-moonlight."

"Father, you sound offended."

"Of course, I'm offended."

"I'm sorry. I just couldn't attend to..." He swallowed. "I needed some time alone."

"Your mother told me you're yet to call on her. Even if you don't want to spend time with your father, you must not do so to your mother. She was quite worried when you didn't respond to any of her invitations."

He frowned. "Invitations? I've not received any."

King George grew still. "What do you mean?"

"I've not received any invitations from Mother. I've not even received invitations from anyone."

"That is impossible."

"I'm telling the truth, Father. The only invitation I've had so far is from Tritoan and he personally handed it to me."

King George's eyes grew wide. "Rafau, are you experiencing the same thing?"

"No, Father."

King George gazed at Andrew. "What about you?"

"No, Father."

"Something is not right."

"Father, I wouldn't worry about it if I were you." He said.

"Someone is probably intercepting the messages and invitations sent to you and you expect me to let it go? We could have a spy in the palace for all I know."

"That is exactly why we're here. I've discovered some things that are rather unsettling."

King George's gaze dimmed. "We can't talk here. Let's go to the usual meeting place."

They nodded in unison and followed King George as he walked to the end of the room. He lifted a thick curtain, exposing a hidden room. The four of them walked into the room and King George rearranged the stones at the fireplace in a combination that was only known to the kings and crown princes of Eritonia. The wall of the hidden room divided, revealing several steps leading to a cave-like room. They all entered the cave-like room and the wall closed back. The room was obviously one where serious matters were discussed because several chairs were arranged around a table, and there were parchments, ink and frill on a pillar beside the table. Although it was not proven, some of the previous kings of Eritonia believed the room was enchanted for several reasons. One of it being that the room grew brighter as they took their seat. None of the four gave much thought to the belief. As long as the room served its purpose, it could be enchanted for all they care.

"Start talking, Dovian. We don't have all night."

"Yes, Father. A day after my arrival I wanted to visit the hills so I sneaked out of the palace"

"How come I didn't hear about it?"

"It was the day the knight's contest was scheduled to hold."

"Oh. I remember. It was quite a day."

Dovian smiled. "I was almost caught by a guard and that made me hide in the orchard until the palace grounds got busy. It was in my hiding place that I overheard Tritoan telling Sertes to prepare the others for it will soon be time. I wouldn't have suspected him if he had not chosen to talk to Sertes in the orchard."

"Because the orchard is mostly deserted." Andrew noted.

"Exactly. I had Tritoan followed after that and when Titus told me Tritoan arranged a meeting with Miss Blackwood, I decided to see for myself."

Rafau grinned. "And why would the crown prince be interested in Miss Blackwood?"

"Be careful, Rafau." King George warned.

"I'm sorry, Father."

King George glanced at Dovian. "Did you find out anything?"

"Yes, Father. I discovered Tritoan is the crown prince of Aragududu."

King George banged his hand on the table. "Treachery! How can a member of Lenuti's court hold a position in Eritonia? I will have Tritoan's head on a platter before the sun rises."

"Father, doing that will only give King Lenuti a reason to wage war with Eritonia. Eritonia is widely known for its peace and I wouldn't want that to change during your time. Titus discovered that Tritoan is not only the crown prince of Aragududu but he is also getting married to Miss Lombard in order to know the secret of the gates."

"And you still think I should not have him beheaded?"

"Yes, Father."

King George's lips tightened. "Does his father know about this?"

"I don't know."

"I see."

"I personally think we should pay attention to Hermian Lombard."

"I trust Hermian. He wouldn't reveal the secret of the gates even to his son-in-law."

"Tritoan has the backing of King Lenuti and he has done a perfect job of pretending until now. Hermian Lombard is trustworthy but he might not be able to resist the web of deceit Tritoan will weave."

"How about we stop his wedding to Miss Blackwood?" Rafau asked.

King George shook his head. "That will only give us a short term solution. Lenuti's goal is Eritonia and he wouldn't stop until he gets it. Let them get married."

"But Father –" Dovian argued.

"We have to do everything according to the law. I've made a mistake of bypassing the law once and I won't do it again. A man is entitled to get married to a lady as long as the lady and the families involved give their consent."

"Yes, Father."

King George sighed. "A season of darkness has come upon us and the deed of the past is catching up with me. Lenuti obviously wants to avenge his son."

Dovian, Rafau and Andrew frowned at their father's words.

"Several years ago Lenuti and I were friends. I know this might shock you but our friendship blossomed despite the fact that Lenuti's father had a deep hatred for Eritonia. It continued that way until Lenuti got married and had a son. Because Lenuti defied his father by marrying Rosalyn, Lenuti was given a choice of choosing between his family and the kingdom. All would have been well if Lenuti had chosen the kingdom but he chose his family, making his father hate Rosalyn even further. When Rosalyn gave birth to their son, Lenuti sent me an invitation and so I went to Aragududu." His brows crinkled. "I used to think having Aragududu as one of the few countries accessible to Eritonia by land is a blessing. Now, I –." He dropped his gaze. "Anyway, I got a message telling me to wait for Lenuti in one of the palace chambers, so I did. I decided to take a nap and by the time I woke up, I saw Lenuti being held back by several of my guards. He had tried to kill me and I didn't understand why until I heard that Rosalyn and his son had been murdered. Not only that, Rosalyn had also been found clutching a robe that was similar to that of the Eriteas. My ring had also been found in the room."

"That is not possible, Father. King Lenuti's son is being rumoured to have returned."

King George looked up. "What?"

"I sent spies to Aragududu after I got to know about Tritoan and they reported that King Lenuti's son is being rumoured to have returned."

Andrew frowned. "Father, there is something I don't understand. Why would King Lenuti believe you killed his son and his wife? I thought you two were friends."

King George grew silent.

"I think Father does not want to talk about it." Rafau said.

King George spoke. "He believed it because Rosalyn was my betrothed."

"She was your betrothed?" Andrew's eyes widened.

"Yes. Shortly before the time we were to get married, I noticed she fancied Lenuti. Lenuti was on his way to Eritonia on one of his usual visits when he met Rosalyn. He didn't know she was my betrothed and that was understandable. I couldn't bring myself to marry a woman who would give her heart to a man despite being betrothed another so I broke it off. I got married to your mother shortly after."

Dovian silently pondered his father's words. Rosalyn left her betrothed and that decision got her killed. Araye stayed with her betrothed and that decision might end up making her wish for death. He sighed. Either way, they chose the people they loved. They just weren't wise about it.

"Father, did you find out the person who murdered King Lenuti's family?" Rafau asked.

"No, I didn't. But, I suspect Lenuti's father ordered someone to do it."

Dovian frowned. "There is something I don't understand. This incident happened a long time ago. It happened even before I was born. Why should a rumour about King Lenuti's son start now?"

"I do not concern myself with rumours but the answer to your question would be I don't know. Lenuti would have to deal with that while we deal with Tritoan and Lenuti's plan to infiltrate Eritonia. Dovian, I want you to go on as always. Report anything you learn to me but don't act like you know a thing."

"Yes, Father."

"Rafau, I want you to make friends with all of Tritoan's friends. Throw a banquet if you must but befriend everyone Tritoan takes into confidence. That will be useful in sifting other spies."

"Yes, Father."

"Andrew, I want you to get close to Tritoan's family. As much as I trust Tritoan's father, his son couldn't have carried out this depth of treachery without help. Take care not to get attached to any of his sisters. I wouldn't want you to marry into that family if we discover his father has a hand in this."

"Yes, Father."

"I will give Tritoan leave as a wedding present. He will come back to find his position taken by another."

"What position?" The princes asked.

"Remember when I talked about bypassing the law, I did it with Tritoan. Gregory asked me to replace him with his son since he couldn't perform his duties and I did. The only thing Tritoan cannot do as the royal treasurer is to attend court. And I only disallowed that because I didn't want others to know."

"No wonder I see him around the palace a lot these days." Rafau said.

Andrew's eyes twinkled. "Father, I'm impressed with the way you could pull it off. People will only think Tritoan is a filial son when they see him act on behalf of his father. They wouldn't know he is the royal treasurer."

Dovian's eyes narrowed as he couldn't explain the reason there was so much excitement over the way Father flawlessly complicated matters – because that was the way things looked to him. Being the royal treasurer gave Tritoan access to things that were not considered treasures but were treasures all the same. There was no doubt that Tritoan already knew the strength and capacity of Eritonia. That knowledge is enough to bring the land crumbling to its feet if nothing is done. His mind reeled back to the mysterious person who had also listened to Tritoan's conversation with Romike. He didn't see the need of bringing it up since he didn't know who the person was. He really should have tried following the person. Knowing the person's identity might have done a lot of good.

"Now that things have turned out this way we must be careful who we trust. I don't know how many people are on Tritoan's side and I need the three of you to help me find men we can trust both in and outside the palace. We also need to find the person intercepting Dovian's invitations as soon as possible."

"Yes, Father." They chorused.

"Dovian, is there something else you want us to know?"

"No."

King George held his gaze before nodding. "If we've talked about everything, the meeting is over."

***

Araye discreetly wiped her tears the moment Drella entered. She knew several people thought she was taking advantage of the healer's apprentice but they wouldn't know Drella chose to stay with her even after the stipulated time for the beauty treatment. The tender way she touched her face brought fresh tears to her eyes.

"My lady." She whispered. "Please don't cry. You are getting married in less than an hour and it wouldn't do for the bride to have a swollen face."

She sniffed. "I don't know if I'm doing the right thing."

Drella's gaze softened as her heart squeezed within her. If only there was something she could do to make things better. It would have been good if Araye had not stubbornly chosen to be with Tritoan. Drella wouldn't have the burden of knowing so much yet saying little. If only Araye was not stubborn-minded.

"I have this hollow feeling in the pit of my stomach and it feels like I'm about to make a terrible mistake."

"What will you do?"

"I don't know." She whispered.

Drella twisted her lips as she saw that she could have been wrong. Araye might have changed her mind after all.

"What if you come with me?" Drella paused. "I could take you to a place where no one will find you. You can stay for several weeks or months. Or as long as it takes for everything to get calm."

She wiped her tears. "What will I do after everything gets calm?"

"You'll come back home. But you would have sent a message to your father explaining everything before then."

"That sounds good. Father won't have a lot of problem with it because he doesn't really like Tritoan. The only problem is, there will be a lot of gossips."

"Who cares about gossip?"

She pouted. "Tritoan does. Oh, my poor Tritoan. What will he do when he discovers I'm missing?"

"I don't know."

"I can't do this to him. He loves me a lot and he is a man of honour. I don't know what I was thinking. I found a man who is willing to put me before everything else yet I gave ears to words that were clearly meant to sow seeds of doubt into my heart. Drella please help me rearrange my hair. I think I messed it up when I allowed myself ponder on the words of that prince."

"Yes, my lady."

She didn't bother telling Drella about the veiled woman. Bile rose in her throat but she ignored it by thinking of the happy times she's had with Tritoan and the affectionate way he has always treated her.

"Please be fast. I don't want Mother coming up here."

"I'm almost done. Do you want me to do something about your face?"

"I totally forgot. Please do everything you can."

Drella dipped a soft cloth into a bowl of water. She wished she could tell Araye of the heaviness that gathered in the air or the fact that things were about to change. Her gaze turned dreamy as she wiped Araye's face. What was the use of knowing so many things when one can only sit back and watch?

***********

Nobody suspected that Dovian didn't hear a thing. He smiled and nodded at the right times and even managed to answer a question one of Araye's friend asked him. He heard someone call her Seeming, or was it Cindy? Whatever it was, Dovian was fully aware she was doing all she could to catch his attention. The same way the man with a scar on his face had been trying to catch her attention. The situation would have made Dovian laugh if he wasn't feeling so – hurt. No, not hurt. Disappointed would be the word. Araye had gone ahead to marry Tritoan and the glances she darted at him had made it clear she was bent on proving him wrong. Dovian sighed. If only there was something to prove wrong.

"It seems something is on Prince Dovian's mind." Tritoan teased.

Dovian looked around the table before riveting it back to the food before him. No wonder Tritoan had noticed. He was yet to touch his food.

"Tell me, my prince. Are you suddenly feeling lonely now that I'm getting married?"

Dovian smiled and lifted his gaze to Araye. "You've managed to get yourself a lovely wife, but no, I'm not feeling lonely."

Tritoan laughed. "I've forgotten how good you are with responses." His gaze softened as he looked at Araye. "I'm sure my wife can arrange one of her friends for you. Loveliness runs through all of them."

Different reactions ranging from Araye's shy smile to Simbi's excited gaze to Romike's sharp breath intake were noticed by Dovian. He let his gaze roam around the room and settled on the man with the scarred face. Something about the man's eyes gripped him and he decided to find out more about him discreetly.

"I think the prince is quite capable of looking for his own wife." Romike retorted sharply.

Tritoan nodded. "I guess you're right, Miss Blackwood."

If Araye had taken note of anything, she didn't show it because she nestled closer to Tritoan and whispered something in his ear. Tritoan flushed slightly and announced he would soon be leaving with his bride. Several ladies in the rooms dropped their gaze as they fully understood the implication of Tritoan's words. The newlyweds were quite eager to start their married life.

Dovian lifted his cup. "Let's make a toast to their happiness."

Several other cups were raised and they all echoed to their happiness.

They had been wrong.

Araye pried her eyes open and saw that her husband was gone – again. They've been married for close to two months and Araye could count the number of times she had woken up to see her husband beside her. If word got out that Araye rarely saw her husband during the day, tongues will wag. The rumours will grow worse if they know the husband she newly married leaves the house before sunup. It was general knowledge that newlyweds take two weeks off work and those holding royal positions were given up to a month. She swung her legs off the bed and she felt dizzy – again. She had been around a lot of pregnant women to know what to expect in one and she was showing all the signs. Her joy would have been complete if her husband could give her the attention she so much craved. She enjoyed being in his arms but something in her was not satisfied with it. Her body was as drained as her heart. She didn't grudge giving herself to her husband if he would spare her a little of his time. Time that she knew was not spent at work. As much as she didn't want to, her mind couldn't help wondering if there was an iota of truth in the things she had heard. She slowly rose from the bed and pondered on what to do. She had to talk to her husband. She needed him to reassure her everything she heard were lies. She gently eased the door open and heard voices talking in hushed tones. Her heart jumped when she recognized Tritoan's voice. Tritoan had not left her after all. He obviously wanted to spend time with her as much as she wanted to spend time with him. She tiptoed towards the direction of the voices because she wanted to surprise him as much as he had surprised her but she suddenly stopped in her tracks. Did she hear him correctly? Her eyes burned and her legs grew weak beneath her as she listened to the conversation. The room swirled around her but she stilled herself against fainting. Her body shook as realization dawned on her. She noiselessly returned to the room before anyone could notice and fell limply on the bed. She buried her head in the pillow and her tears spilt uncontrollably. The veiled woman had not been lying. She lay in the same position when Tritoan came to check on her before leaving the house. She was still in the same position when Drella came to check on her mistress/friend. The housekeeper and the rest of the servants had claimed not to have seen Araye and Drella had taken it upon herself to find her. Seeing Araye lying on the bed close to midday sent panic coursing through her. Araye was not one to lie idly around the house.

"My lady."

Araye lifted red-rimmed eyes to Drella. "You're here."

She gasped. "Your eyes?"

"Don't worry about my eyes, Drella. The pain in my heart is enough to drown several cities."

"What happened?"

Araye sighed as new tears gathered in her eyes. "The less you know the better. Just promise me that you will tell nobody about what you saw today."

"I can't do that, my lady. Even if I won't tell anybody I have to tell your husband. He has to know. I fear what will happen to you if I don't."

"You should fear what will happen to me if you do. You must promise not to tell anyone, especially my husband. Will you promise me, please?"

"Yes, my lady. I promise."

Araye smiled through her tears. "Thank you."

"Is there something I can do for you?"

"Yes, there is. You talked about a place where nobody can find me on the day I got married. Do you remember?"

"Yes, my lady."

"I need you to take me there."

"I can't do that. You're newly married and your husband – "

Araye gripped Drella's shoulders, forcing her to look into her eyes. "Stop mentioning Tritoan. The safety of my family and that of Eritonia depends on my leaving this place."

Drella nodded. "When do you want to leave?"

"Now."

"I can't – "

"Yes, you can, dear Drella. I also need you to deliver a message to Father and Prince Dovian." She paused. "I suggest that you give the two messages to Prince Dovian. He can be trusted to deliver the message to Father without revealing your identity to anyone."

"Are things that bad?"

"Worse."

Drella's eyes grew wide. "Are there things you would need?"

"Yes. But I would rather leave without picking a thing from this place. I believe you won't mind if we share your clothes."

"No, my lady."

Araye smiled. "I knew I could trust you. I prayed for help and you came."

"You flatter me."

"It's true. Can we leave now?"

"Yes. Don't you think we should not leave together?"

"I don't see why not."

"People will see us together and the first person your husband will question when he discovers you're missing is me. I'll leave first. You can follow after some time. You'll find me at the __ cawthe flowers beyond the hills."

Araye's heart grew heavy as she remembered the several beauty treatments she had gone through because she wanted to look beautiful for Tritoan.

"My lady, did I say something wrong?"

"No, you didn't." Araye whispered. "You can go. I'll meet you soon."

Her tears came with increased intensity as Drella left. Dovian had been right – again. She had been foolish. She had treated him with contempt without realizing she might end up needing his help. She could have turned him down without trampling him as she did. If she had known better, she would have agreed to marry him. That was a far better fate than being a tool Tritoan planned on using to get the secret of the gates.

# CHAPTER 5

Thunder roared in the distance, renewing Drella's sense of urgency. "You don't understand. It's important I see the prince."

"And I've told you I can't let you in without a note of permission or a permanent seal."

Drella swallowed at the crispness of the guard's voice. "This is really important."

"Not so important the prince didn't inform us beforehand. Not so important he didn't give you permission to enter his quarters."

"You have to listen to me."

The second guard who had been watching them came closer. The look on his face told Drella he was less patient than the guard she was talking to.

"I... I... think I will take my leave."

Drella walked briskly to the servant's quarters with her heart beating rapidly at the thought of what she was about to do. She had several friends among the palace servants so getting a uniform won't be difficult. She only needed to get past those guards and she would be fine. She clapped her hands in excitement as she remembered that servants in the palace use the secret passageway. She entered one of the rooms and went straight to the bed. She shoved her hand beneath it and pulled out a worn sack. She rummaged through it and found a uniform belonging to the maidservants working in the palace. She dressed hurriedly and was almost out of the room when she thought of leaving a note for Gretchen. Her friend deserved to know one of her clothes was missing even if she wouldn't know why. She grabbed a cap on her way out of the room and shut the door firmly behind her. She smiled mischievously when one of the servants told her to quickly go to the east-wing because Prince Rafau was throwing a party and needed more servants to attend to his guests. She followed the path leading to the east-wing but quickly turned a corner as she found her way to the secret passageway she had seen the servants use. The only problem was, there were so many paths in the passageway and she didn't know which one led to the Prince Dovian's quarters. She was almost giving up when she sighted a light in a distance. The light drew closer and she knew rather than saw that it was Furbian. She was still thinking of a way to talk to him when he walked up to her. Drella later said that moment had been utterly divine because Furbian hurriedly apologized while handing her a box which he said must be delivered to Prince Dovian immediately. He said something about being sent to Prince Rafau and his forgetfulness at delivering the box. She had stood dumbfounded as she tried to understand the sudden turn of events but Furbian must have misinterpreted it for fear because he went ahead to tell her she didn't need to be afraid of the crown prince. He even reminded her of the directions to the prince's quarters – which he assumed she knew beforehand. Her actions must have made him confused for a moment because he asked if she wasn't one of the servants who worked at the prince's quarters. Things might not have ended the way they did that day if Furbian had not immediately asked her to forgive his overactive imagination since they both knew that only servants working at the prince's quarters used that particular passageway. Drella barely managed to say 'I will deliver it to the prince' before leaving Furbian staring after her in wonder.

***

"I should have asked him for the exact location of the prince." Drella murmured under her breath.

She couldn't possibly enter the prince's bedroom since it was way beyond cleaning time and she also couldn't leave without seeing him. She took the stairs which led away from the courtyard and faltered in her step when she came across Gretchen.

"Drella!"

She hurriedly covered Gretchen's mouth while casting furtive glances around. She dropped her hand when she saw there was no one else around.

"What are you doing here?" Gretchen whispered.

"You have to promise to keep this a secret."

Gretchen nodded while watching her with wide eyes.

"Furbian told me to deliver this to the prince."

"Who is Furbian?"

"I don't know. All I know is that he seems close to the prince. He might be the prince's valet or something."

"I don't think I know him because there are several servants who seem close to the prince." Gretchen grinned. "I won't be surprised if all the servants in the palace seem close to the prince."

"This is not a joke. Do you know where I can find him?"

"Who? Furbian?"

"No. The prince."

"Yes. Why?"

She held out the box. "I need to deliver this."

"Have you lost your mind?"

"No."

"If you, dressed in a maid's clothing think you can deliver a package directly to the prince, then I think you have lost your mind."

"Because maids are meant to be invisible?"

"Yes."

"I still need to see him."

Gretchen narrowed her eyes. "Are you by any chance the prince's mistress?"

Heat spread through her body. "You know me better than that. I'm not one to set my sight on men like him. Even if I did, he wouldn't have me."

"That's kind of true."

"Just tell me where I can find him."

"The prince is always in his study by this time of the day. And he doesn't like to be disturbed."

"I wonder how you happen to know so much about him."

Gretchen's cheeks flamed and Drella smiled knowingly.

"I'll leave you to your work. Just don't forget to keep this quiet."

"I won't." Gretchen replied.

Drella smiled her thanks and hurriedly covered the distance to the study. She bit her lips as she remembered she had forgotten to tell Gretchen the cloth she wore belonged to her. The note she left would have to do. She groaned when she remembered Gretchen could barely read. She hadn't given it much thought in her haste to get dressed. Her train of thoughts was cut off when she heard a rapid hammering sound coming from the study. She knocked and the only pointer to the fact that the prince heard was that the sound stopped. She held her breath as she waited for him to speak. She concluded he wasn't planning on inviting her in because the hammering started again. She shut her eyes tight as she eased the door open. Her heart slammed against her chest but she summoned courage and walked in. Her hands shook so much the box she held fell, revealing several antiques.

"I'm sorry, my lord. I...I..."

Dovian scanned her face before settling his gaze on the pieces of jewelleries scattered on the floor. Drella bent and quickly picked them but not before noticing that they were not only familiar, she had worn them.

"Did those come from the blacksmith?"

"It came from the metalsmith."

He raised his brow. "The metalsmith?

She dropped her gaze. "Please forgive my forwardness."

"Why is he called the metalsmith?" He asked.

"He works with all kinds of metal."

"How did you know these came from him?"

She clasped her hands nervously. She had revealed more than she ought to.

"Don't you have an answer?"

"Gordon is my brother."

Dovian frowned slightly as he pondered on her words.

"I didn't know the box came from him until now."

"Did you mean until you saw the jewellery?"

"Yes, my lord. They've been in our family for as long as I can remember."

"That means your brother is making a lot of sacrifice by letting me have them."

"Gordon is a wise man. He must have believed in your honour, my lord."

He smiled. "Thank you. However, Gordon failed to mention you, yet he sends you to me."

"He didn't send me, my lord. Your personal servant asked me to give it to you."

"Do you mean Furbian?"

"Yes, my lord."

"Why didn't he bring it?"

"He was in a hurry to get to Prince Rafau and he said he forgot to drop this before leaving."

"Oh." He mouthed. "You can drop it over there."

"Yes, my lord."

Drella walked to the table Dovian had pointed out and dropped the box on it. She spared a glance to her left and saw what Dovian had been working on. It looked like a cabinet but Drella was not sure. One thing she was sure of was the fact that there were people in Eritonia who would disapprove of the prince doing such a menial job.

"Is there something else?"

"I...I..."

"If there's nothing else, kindly close the door behind you."

"I came here because I have a message to deliver. Lady Araye sent me to you."

Dovian's eyes grew alert.

"She told me to give you this. The first is a message for you while the second is a message for her father."

He scanned through the two messages. "Who are you?"

"I am Drella."

His eyes lit with recognition. "I couldn't have known it was you."

"I apologize, my lord. Dressing this way was the only way I could gain access to your quarters."

"Ha. I understand. Where is your lady now?"

"I...I..."

"You would do me a lot of good if you stopped being nervous. I won't swallow you. Just tell me all you know about what happened."

Drella told him everything from the time she went to see Araye to the time she took her to one of the caves which her brothers regularly used as a hideout.

"I'll ask you a question and I want you to be as honest as you can."

"Yes, my lord."

"Is that all you know about what is happening?"

Drella's knees vibrated as she knew her answer to his question could implicate them all. "No, my lord."

"But you're unwilling to tell me more?"

"Yes, my lord."

"I see."

Drella breathed a sigh of relief.

"Stay here till nightfall. I need you to take me to her."

"Yes, my lord."

***

Araye snuggled under the covers as another thunder roared. Rain fell steadily, damping her hope of seeing Drella. She would welcome the sight of anyone, even that of Tritoan, instead of the bare walls. Her eyes filled with tears at the depth of his betrayal. How could he ever think of releasing her to King Lenuti in order to get the secret of the gates?

She sniffed. "I would have gone to any length to make you happy Tritoan. All you needed was to hint at it or make me think you were curious." Tears choked her voice. "I would have done anything for you Tritoan. Anything." She whispered.

"Does anything include betraying your country and your family?"

Araye gasped. Her head snapped up to see Dovian dripping with water, and Drella shivering beside him.

"I didn't mean to say that. I will never betray Eritonia."

"But you would have done it unknowingly if he had asked."

Araye bent her head. Having one of Eritonia's royalties witnessing her disloyalty was the last thing she needed. She needed Dovian's help and it wouldn't do for him to distrust her.

"You're right, your highness."

"Do you think you would have been able to live with that?"

"No." She whispered. "I wouldn't have been able to live with it."

"My lady." Drella murmured.

Araye rose and Dovian noticed the bags under her eyes as she drew closer to the light.

"Your highness, please give us a minute. Drella will catch a cold if nothing is done."

Dovian gave a curt nod and strolled to the entrance of the cave. He would have missed his way if he hadn't followed the sound of the rain. He shivered as he got farther from the warmth of the room. The uniqueness of the cave would have caught his fancy if he wasn't trying to imagine Araye's current mental state. Drella had taken their horses to another part of the cave before taking him to where Araye was. The cave certainly held mysteries which Dovian was bent on unravelling sooner or later.

"My prince."

He turned.

A wind blew and snuffed out the lamp Araye held. She gave a soft gasp before sniffling loudly.

"Are you crying?"

"I don't seem to be able to control it. Almost everything makes me cry." She sighed. "I feel so ashamed because of the things I said to you. You were absolutely right when you hinted at Tritoan being a less than honourable man. Did Drella deliver my message?"

"Yes, she did."

"That means you already know about it?"

"Yes."

She wiped her nose. "Please protect Eritonia. This land is all I have left."

"I know."

"Drella will be expecting us and staying here for long won't do you any good." She paused. "I meant to say you should get dry."

He grinned in the darkness. "You have nothing to worry about. I didn't misunderstand you. It certainly wouldn't make any sense for you to tell me to leave when you've not heard the reason I came here."

"I thought you came to check on me."

"That makes me sound like a saint."

They both grew silent and the only sound for a moment was that of rumbling thunder and rain.

"I have a proposition for you."

Araye's heartbeat slowed considerably as she waited for him to continue. She knew she was going to do anything he asks and that knowledge made her scared.

"Please keep breathing. It's not like I'm going to ask you to marry me. I only wanted to ask you to come with me to the palace. I want you to stay there until everything is gotten under control. You will be well protected and we will make sure your presence in the palace is kept secret."

"We?"

"Father and I."

She gasped. "The king knows about it?"

"I've not told him about this...new development but he knows about Tritoan's treachery."

"What treachery are you talking about?"

"He is the crown prince of Aragududu. It is only normal that he is loyal to Aragududu and not to Eritonia."

"The crown prince of Aragududu?"

"I thought you had an idea."

She lifted a hand to her forehead. "I didn't. He couldn't have been crowned the crown prince after we got married because he comes home every night and Aragududu is more than a day's journey. That means he married me for –"

She swooned and Dovian leapt to catch her. His eyes had grown accustomed to darkness so he could see as she swayed on her feet. He carried her to the room and the worry in Drella's eyes made him feel guilty.

"What happened to her?" She asked.

He ignored the silent accusation beneath her words as he gently laid Araye on the bed.

"Make her as comfortable as you can. We'll return to the palace immediately the rain stops. You can also start packing the things she will need at the palace."

"Yes, your highness."

Drella stiffly went around the room as she picked several things and packed them in a bundle. A strange feeling settled over Dovian as he watched the two women who were opposite yet alike. Drella would have made a good friend if her stiffness didn't create an invisible wall between them and Araye would have made a good wife if she wasn't already married – if one was allowed to say that.

"I'm done packing, your highness."

"Good. We'll just wait for it to stop raining."

***

Araye opened her eyes and closed it against the sun rays as she settled back into a peaceful sleep. Her eyes fluttered open some moments later and the sight before her confirmed her suspicions. She had not dreamt about it. She was really in the palace. And that could only mean one thing. Tritoan's betrayal had also not been a dream. It had been real. He married her to get to her father.

"Are you awake?"

"Yes. Is that you, Drella?"

"Yes, my lady. The queen came to see you but you were asleep."

She gasped. "You should have woken me up."

"I was about to when she stopped me. She said you'll need it seeing you're in the family way."

Her hand dropped to cover her stomach.

"Are you really pregnant?"

"I'm surprised a healer's apprentice does not recognise a pregnant woman when she sees one."

Drella smiled. "I guess I wasn't expecting you to get pregnant this early."

Her voice broke. "I was looking forward to telling him about it. I wanted to see his expression when he gets to know he'll be a father. Now my child might not even get to see him. I don't want her to pay for something she knows nothing about."

"How are you sure you're carrying a girl?"

"I'm not sure. I'm only wishing it's a girl because a boy will remind me of Tritoan a lot."

Drella reached for her hands. "I'm sorry, Araye."

"Say that again."

"What?" Drella blinked.

"Say my name again."

"Oh."

"I'm so used to hearing you call me my lady that Araye sounds like honey on your lips. Please say it again."

"Araye."

She smiled. "Thank you very much, Drella. You've been a very good friend to me. I can't imagine calling you anything less than a friend."

Drella dropped her head and turned.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"You turned your back to me and you call it nothing?"

"I couldn't bear to see the excitement on your face when I know I'll be leaving you soon."

"Where are you going?"

"Healer Jamudu wants me to go to Iryan."

"He wants you to go to Valley of Herbs?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"The Circle of Healers asked royal healers of different nations to send a representative who can learn the master-arts of healing on behalf of the royal healers."

Araye clapped in excitement. "That is amazing. You'll get to meet the elders who are members of the circle. And not only that, you'll learn so many things even Healer Jamudu does not know."

"Yes."

"I feel like I'm the only one who is excited about this. Think about it, Drella. Healer Jamudu probably chose you because he knows you have a kind heart. He could have sent another person but I'm sure he knows you will teach others everything you've learnt without holding back. That alone should make you happy."

"I know."

"What is the problem then?"

"I don't want to leave you. You're currently in so much pain and I've not been able to do anything about it. How can I help others when I can't help the person standing in front of me?"

Araye smiled. "It's flattering to know you care about me this much. You're just not getting the point. You can't help me. I have to come to terms with my decision and its consequences before the pain in my heart can be dealt with. And if you care so much about me, you will go. Maybe you'll learn a way to heal hurting hearts through herbs and roots."

Drella swiped her eyes with the back of her hand as tears flowed down her cheeks.

"When are you leaving?"

"Tomorrow morning."

"That is really fast. I'm missing you already."

"I'm yet to give him a response. I can still tell him I'm not –"

"Don't even think about it. You will go to him right away and you will tell him you are going."

"Araye." Drella sniffed. "Iryan is about a week's journey from here. I won't be able to come and check on you."

"Not if you travel by water."

Drella shook her head. "Healer Jamudu thinks it's safer to go through Aragududu. There have been so many shipwrecks in recent times that he wouldn't hear of it."

"Then go through Aragududu."

"But I –"

"I know. You can take what I said as a command or a request. Just do it."

"Yes, my lady."

Araye watched Drella's retreating back and knew things would never be the same. 

# CHAPTER 6

Dovian kept a close watch on time as he waited for Furbian to bring Gordon. He had enlisted Gordon's help when he discovered he had three brothers who were living in King Lenuti's territory. It had taken a lot of time and questioning but knowing Gordon's father had been the last leader of __ Diporta was worth it. Dovian agreed with his father's decision to dissolve Diporta. But, he couldn't help wondering if there was any other thing his father could have done in protecting the life of the most loyal agents Eritonia ever had without having to totally dissolve the group.

Furbian entered. "My lord."

"Why is Gordon not with you?"

"I told him to wait outside. I wanted to inform you before bringing him in."

"Bring him in."

"Yes, my lord."

Furbian half-opened the door and spoke in a low voice after which he threw the door wide open for Gordon to enter.

"Your highness."

"My friend."

Gordon flushed with embarrassment.

"I called you that because I truly believe we can be friends. I like your personality and I enjoy being around people of excellence. Your workmanship shows excellence and I believe that is only a reflection of who you really are."

"You honour me, your highness."

"Furbian."

"Yes, my lord."

"Give us a moment alone."

"Yes, my lord."

Dovian waited for the clicking sound of the door before speaking.

"Did you get it?"

"Yes, your highness."

Gordon dipped his hand into his chest and produced an odd-looking paper. He handed it over to the prince who scanned through it.

Dovian frowned. "How did you get this?"

"During your grandfather's reign as king, an incident happened between King George and King Lenuti. Your grandfather got so concerned he asked my father to investigate it. Even after Diporta was dissolved by King George, my father continued to search for the truth. On his death bed, he made my brothers and I promise that we will find out the truth and reveal it to King George. I stayed back in Eritonia because someone had to take care of our father's house and our sister."

"Are you saying your brothers are acting as spies in Aragududu?"

"Yes, your highness."

"I thought they went to Aragududu to make a living."

"No, your highness. It's true they've settled in Aragududu but the main reason they left Eritonia was to find out the truth."

Dovian nodded. "I see. I want to assume you know Father had a good reason for dissolving __ Diporta."

"Yes, your highness. I heard most men in the group didn't live above the age of fifty before they were assassinated."

"And you and your brothers resurrected the group even after your king dissolved it?"

"No, your highness. We're only fulfilling the wishes of our late father."

Dovian turned the paper. "Did your brothers send this through a messenger?"

"No. One of them came back and asked me to deliver this directly to you. He said words would travel far so it was safer to have you read it."

"He thought wisely. This is a very grave matter. I must inform Father at once."

"Permit me to speak freely, your highness."

"Go ahead."

"Telling the king at a time like this might cause more harm than good."

Dovian smiled. "Father already told us about the incident so this won't shock him. He even knows about the rumours. The only surprising thing would be when he gets to know who is spreading the rumour and the person who framed him."

"I trust your sense of judgement, my prince."

"Do you have any news about Tritoan?"

"Yes, and also about Lady Blackwood."

"Start with Lady Blackwood."

"There is a rumour raging through the streets of your betrothal to Lady Blackwood."

Dovian inhaled sharply.

"And I suspect she might have something to do with it." Gordon continued. "The rumour must be curtailed as soon as possible or it might cause an outrage."

"Why does it sound like Romike is trying to force my hand?"

"I have no answer, your highness."

"Don't you wonder what the truth might be?"

"I trust my prince's sense of judgement."

Dovian laughed. "You are a wise man. But, I'll tell you anyway. Romike and I had an arrangement where I agreed to court her in exchange for her help. And that was exactly what I did. Remember when I asked you to get me pieces of jewelleries that were as old as Eritonia?"

"Yes, your highness."

"I did that for her." Dovian noticed as a hurt look crossed Gordon's face. "I knew those pieces of jewelleries meant a lot to your family, so I didn't give it to her." He remembered Drella calling Gordon a wise man and he smiled. "I decided to save it for the woman I'll marry."

Gordon smiled. "Thank you, your highness. I appreciate your thoughtfulness. My father shared the family heirloom equally between his sons and I gave you my share. It's an honour to have you pass it on to the woman you'll marry."

"Thank you for trusting me, Gordon. Please tell me something. Do you think a lady can help a man make up his mind when it comes to marriage matters?"

"It depends."

"On?"

"Where the heart of the man lies."

Dovian closed his eyes. "Do you mean to say the lady can help him if his heart lies with her and he is finding it difficult to make a decision?"

"Yes, your highness."

"I see."

"Your highness."

Dovian's eyes flew open.

"I have a request to make of you."

"Go on."

"I want a few of the palace guards to escort my sister who is one of the healer's assistants to Iryad?"

"What would she need guards for and why is she going to Iryad?"

"Healer Jamudu sent her on his behalf to learn the master-arts of healing. I wanted her to be protected because she told me Tritoan threatened to harm her if he doesn't find his lady as soon as possible. I fear she would be abducted if something is not done."

"Do you think she knows where Lady Lomb... uh... Lady Courtney is?"

Gordon's face fell. "I can't say, your highness."

"You can trust me, Gordon. I won't hurt your sister. I promise."

"I think she knows where she is but she won't say. Her actions of late have been strange but I know nothing for sure."

Dovian nodded. He knew he could trust Drella. "I will give you four guards but they won't dress as guards to avoid raising suspicions."

"Thank you."

"When does she leave?"

"Tomorrow morning."

"That is a very short notice."

"I was equally surprised when she informed me a few hours ago."

"It's alright. The guards will meet her outside the city gate tomorrow morning. What of the news about Tritoan."

"I already mentioned. He's been threatening people. I think that's his way of dealing with Lady Courtney's disappearance."

"I understand. Is there something else you want me to do for you?"

"No, your highness."

"If there is nothing else, I need you to do something for me. There's a message you have to deliver to Tritoan. I trust you with this because I need someone who can be discreet. He must not be able to trace it back to you or to me."

"Yes, your highness. When do you want it delivered?"

"I'll have the letter ready by noon tomorrow."

"I'll do as you said."

"Thank you. You'll see Furbian standing behind the door, tell him to come in."

"Yes, your highness."

Dovian twirled the odd paper in his hand as several ideas formed in his head. He had to take things one step after the other. The first being delivering Araye's message to her father.

"My lord."

"I'm going for a visit. Prepare a horse for me."

"The carriage is more..."

"If I wanted to take the carriage I would have asked you."

"Do you want to go alone or will you take some guards with you?"

"Don't worry, Furbian. I'm paying this visit as the crown prince. Just make sure that I don't have more than three guards."

"I'll tell the stablemen to prepare four horses."

Dovian stared at him. "What are you waiting for?"

He bowed. "I was just about to leave, my lord."

"And you're still not leaving."

Furbian walked out hurriedly and Dovian smiled after him. His personal servant was becoming overly familiar with him and he liked it. His brothers wouldn't let him hear the end of it if they get to know.

***

Araye impatiently tapped her foot as she waited for her new maid to return. She had not thought she would miss having Drella around this much. She had almost asked her to stay when she kissed her goodbye. No one knew when she would be back. Her return is dependent on her ability to quickly master the arts of healing. If only Helen was like Drella. The door creaked open and Helen stepped into the room. Her cheeks were filled with colour, raising Araye's curiosity.

"The crown prince is here to see you."

"I see." Araye drawled. She would be correct to assume Helen has a large crush on the prince. "Invite him in."

"Yes, my lady."

Araye took note of the tiredness etched on Dovian's face the moment she saw him. Loneliness hit her as she realized Drella would have prepared her infamous relaxation tea for him if she had been around.

Araye curtsied. "Your highness."

"I apologize for not coming to see you yesterday. I had to put several things in place. Mother told me you two had a pleasant time together."

"The queen is very gracious. I can see where you got your thoughtfulness."

Dovian laughed. "I hope you still think I'm thoughtful when you hear what I'm about to tell you."

"Tritoan has given me the shock of my life. I don't think there's anything that can make me think less of you."

"I believe you. I delivered your message to your father yesterday and I think he would have gone out of his mind if I didn't tell him you were safely at the palace. He wanted to call out Tritoan but I stopped him from doing that. I told him we needed to keep things quiet and we needed to know how much information King Lenuti has."

"What about my mother?"

"She cried after hearing you're safe."

She sniffed as she blinked back tears. "And Tritoan?"

"He threatened a few people after he discovered you were gone. I think he thinks you were kidnapped or something."

"I wish I can let him know exactly why I left. He should not be feeling like a saint whose wife was taken away from him when he only has himself to blame. And why should he cause a ruckus over a wife he married to get the secret of the gates?"

"I don't know. You'll have to ask him."

"There is no need." Araye touched her stomach. "He has made his decision and I'm making mine."

Araye dropped her hand self-consciously when she found Dovian watching her. No doubt he already guessed the truth. He walked to the edge table and laid out a paper, quill and ink. He beckoned for her to come and placed the quill in her hand after which he pulled out a chair for her.

"Write Tritoan a note explaining the reason you left."

Araye's eyes widened. "I thought you were going to use surprise as an edge over Tritoan and King Lenuti. Their plans can easily be thwarted since they don't know you already know about it."

"The fight against King Lenuti is far deeper than you think. The one thing I'm sure of is that we'll take things one step at a time."

"How do I begin to put my hurts on paper?" She whispered.

Her tears fell as she started writing. She explained how she had felt each morning she woke up and discovered Tritoan was gone. She wrote about getting out of bed and stumbling upon Tritoan having a conversation with some of his men. She wrote about how her heart ripped within her when she heard him say she had not served the purpose for which he married her. Her hands shook as she struggled against telling him about their baby. She knew he had a right to know but she didn't want to. She felt like his ignorance would protect the baby in some way.

"Are you done?"

"No...I...give me a minute."

She wiped her tears and wrote that she was pregnant. She stared at the note and concluded it by saying she was done crying over him. She folded the paper and handed it to Dovian who collected it and tucked it in his breast pocket.

"Thank you, Dovi."

He smiled. "You're welcome."

"For all it's worth, I'm sorry for saying the things I said to you. You are not a man without honour. I was the one who lacked good judgement for believing and saying those things."

"It's alright. And I want you to stop apologising. I refused to take offence because I knew you were blinded to the truth."

She sniffed. "I wish I can have your kind of heart. Maybe Tritoan's betrayal won't hurt as much as it does."

"It will still hurt. The only difference is you will want to forgive him. And not only that, you will be able to forgive him."

She smiled through her tears. "Are you admitting that you have a better heart than mine?"

"No. We just have a different approach to life."

"I won't pretend to understand what you're saying but I guess you're correct. I wouldn't do the things you're doing for me if I were you."

"You don't need to pretend to understand when you can understand."

She frowned. "How can I have your kind of approach to life then?"

"The same way I got mine. I want to tell you something that no one else knows about me. Do you promise to treasure it as I do?"

"Yes."

"Shortly after I arrived at Karidang, I met a boy whose father is also a king. Unlike our fathers who sent us there to learn kingly etiquettes, his father sent him there to teach future kings a better way to rule."

"Did he turn out to be a fraud?"

He smiled. "Be patient. No, he was not a fraud. It was through him I learnt that any modification done to a man that does not stem from his heart is imperfect at best. I can pretend to be something I'm not but unless I really change to that thing, I'm not that thing."

"That's sounds true. How did you change?"

"By believing the words of the boy."

"And?"

"That's all."

"That's all?"

"Yes."

She sighed. "It's unfortunate I can't have your kind of heart because the boy is not here and there's no way I can hear his words."

"He is no longer a boy. He is now a man. If I'm not wrong, he should be several years older than I am. And as for his words, I'll do all I can to repeat everything he told me. If you take them seriously, you'll start thinking the way I think. You'll even see things the way I see them."

Her face brightened. There were several stories of Eritonians meeting men and women from other great kingdoms that were very far, yet very near. Araye had never met anyone who had had such experience – until now.

"Why do people say some kingdoms are very far yet very near?"

"I can't answer that question until you tell me who those people are."

"I was not directly told. I heard it from stories of people who met with people from various kingdoms."

"That is interesting."

"Do you know what they mean when they say that?"

"Yes. Those kingdoms are very far because you can travel over a wide expanse of land and sea and not find them. And they are very near because you can find them after walking a very short distance."

"What makes the difference between the two?"

"Your thoughts about them."

She pursed her lips. "Your words are complex."

"They're not. The kingdoms are not really far. They're only far to those who think so."

She lifted a hand to her head and Dovian feared she was having another fainting spell.

She laughed. "I'm not about to faint, your highness, so stop looking stricken."

"That's about the best thing I've heard today."

"I felt lightheaded and I think it was from trying to get my head around everything you were saying."

"Then we should take things slowly. I'll make sure your note is delivered to Tritoan and we can find time to talk about Terash."

"Yes, your highness. Thank you once again."

Araye's heart felt light by the time Prince Dovian left her alone. He returned to his quarters to find Rafau and Andrew waiting for him.

His brows quirked. "This is a pleasant surprise."

Rafau and Andrew turned at the sound of his voice.

"It must be really important if you both left your duties to come here."

Rafau grinned. "Are you saying we cannot decide to pay the crown prince of Eritonia a friendly visit?"

"No. When two men with several estates to oversee leave their duties to visit another when it's not even midday, the only deduction I can make is that something is going on."

Andrew smiled at Rafau. "He got you there. Didn't I tell you he wouldn't be swayed by your easy ways?"

"You did. And I can clearly see you were correct. You two are truly alike."

"Did Father send you?" Dovian asked.

"Yes. Before telling you the main reason we came here, he asked us to ask if you've gotten something new."

"You already know about Araye and Tritoan. The only noteworthy thing that has happened since then is that Araye's father now knows about it and Araye sent a note explaining the reason she left to Tritoan."

Andrew frowned. "Tritoan will know he can't access the secrets of the gates because it is only normal for him to assume she already told her father. If he is like every other man, he will think she is being harboured by him."

"I know. We need King Lenuti and Tritoan to stop hiding. We can't do anything without substantial evidence."

"Brother, I have a concern." Rafau said.

"What is it?"

"Are you now on a first name basis with Lady Courtney?"

"I'm not about to fall into your trap. You're free to think whatever you want but Araye is someone I've taken into my protection."

"Alright. It may interest you to know we've discovered the person intercepting your invitations and letters."

Dovian's eyes grew sharp. "Who is it?"

"You know him. Some of the guards testified to the fact that you summoned him yesterday."

"Gordon?"

"Yes, that's his name."

"How are you sure you didn't get the wrong person?"

"Father wrote to you last night and he asked me to see if it will be intercepted. I followed the servant who was to deliver it to you and was surprised when he passed the note to another servant. I couldn't let either of them get away so I asked a guard to detain the first servant while I followed the other. He took a secret-way I didn't know existed until yesterday out of the palace and handed it to a man on a horse."

"That does not explain how you knew it was Gordon."

"Wait. I'm not done. I disarmed the second servant and brought him back to the palace where he was questioned. We discovered that the first servant is a lazy man who thought he was taking advantage of the lad by having him carry out his duties, not knowing that the lad was really the one who had been using him."

"How did the lad get into service?"

"His mother was one of Mother's maidservants who died shortly after the lad's birth. Mother wanted to help the boy by employing him."

"Did he mention Gordon in his confession?"

"Yes. Father asked us to tell you before he gives the order to have Gordon apprehended."

"There would be no need for that. He'll soon be here. Andrew, I need you to do something for me."

"What is it?"

Dovian pulled out the note. "I need you to get this to Tritoan without revealing your identity or leaving any trail behind. Slip it into his cloth. Put it in a place where he can see it. Whatever you do, just make sure he gets it today."

"Yes, Brother."

"Rafau and I will handle Gordon."

# CHAPTER 7

"My lord, the man you're waiting for is here."

Dovian tapped his finger against his forehead. "Bring him in and get two guards stationed at the door. No one is allowed to go out or come in until I say so."

"Yes, my lord."

Dovian and Rafau focused their gaze on the door and they didn't miss the way Gordon's hands shook when he saw them.

"Your highnesses."

"Welcome. Please have a seat."

"Tha...Thank you, your highness."

"Your hands are shaking." Dovian noted.

Gordon dropped his gaze.

"You've never been this nervous in any of our meetings. What makes today different?"

"Facing two members of the royal family at the same time doesn't happen every day."

Rafau's eyes darkened. "Indeed."

Dovian stood and walked to a chest standing beside his favourite bookshelf. He opened it and pulled out the odd-looking paper.

"You gave this to me yesterday and advised me not to tell Father. I can't help wondering why you think he should not know about it."

"Your highness, Lord Faulkner was trusted by your grandfather and your father. Getting to know that Lord Faulkner framed him for the death of his daughter can cause devastating effects now that the king only recently succeeded in restoring the trust of his people after Prince Bunjo's betrayal. Not only that, Lord Faulkner murdered his grandson and daughter because he wanted a war to break out between Eritonia and Aragududu. Since he was the Father-in-law of King Lenuti and a close friend of your grandfather, he would have gained a lot from the war if he played his games well. Thankfully, King Semiel despised his daughter-in-law so he didn't pursue revenge. If the news spread around and people in Aragududu get to know that their king's wife and son were murdered by a man who was befriended by the royal house of Eritonia, we might not be able to avoid going to war. And we both know King Lenuti is itching for a reason to start one."

"You really thought things through."

Gordon smiled. "Thank you, your highness."

"But, what if everything written here is a lie?"

Light drained from Gordon's face.

"Apart from the fact that Lord Faulkner murdered his own daughter and grandson, it is written here that King Lenuti is the one spreading the rumour of his son's return. How is that possible?"

"I do not know, your highness, but my brothers are investigating it. They're also searching for more proofs."

Rafau held Gordon's gaze. "This might sound strange but I believe you. The only problem is, we learnt that you've been receiving messages meant for the crown prince. Why would you do commit an offence that is punishable by hanging?"

Gordon blanched.

Dovian stood behind him. "Don't be surprised. The lad who delivered the letters and invitations to you has been imprisoned. If you don't start talking, you will share a worse fate. And don't think about running away. If you try to leave until I give my word, you'll be dead before you take two steps out of the door. The question is simple. Why?"

Rafau lifted the corner of his lips. "Or maybe we should ask him who put him up to it. Are you also a spy for King Lenuti?"

"I am not a spy. The spy is in the palace, but I don't know who exactly."

Rafau narrowed his eyes. "Be careful before making such accusations. Don't say things you can't prove."

Gordon maintained eye contact with Dovian who was now directly facing him. He gently rolled up his sleeve to reveal several blisters. "I was trying to stop this from happening to you. After my brothers told me Lord Courtney was the crown prince of Aragududu, I made it a point of duty to follow him every time I could. I overheard him talking to Sertes about the poisoned letter which is to be sent to the crown prince under the pretext of The Lady. Since I didn't know who the lady was, I asked Junia to intercept every letter sent to you. The only thing I told him was that making sure you didn't receive any of those letters was important for keeping you alive."

Rafau stood. "Things are more dangerous than I thought. Did you find the letter?"

"Yes. Several of them. I discovered that they meant to slowly poison Prince Dovian through the scent of the letters. The paper used in writing the letters had been soaked in ralis __ water."

Rafau's face lit with a sarcastic smile. "Neither you nor the boy have been paralyzed since you started handling those letters. As far as I know, constant exposure to the scent of ralis leads to paralysis at best."

"That's true. But, Rafau, you seem to have forgotten that most letters and invitations are bounded in leather." Dovian nodded to Gordon. "Please continue."

"Most people in Eritonia have heard about ralis water __ and its mode of action but they're not acquainted with its smell. Those who are rarely live to tell the tale. Since I also didn't recognise the scent, I didn't bother opening any of the letters."

"How did you get the blisters then?" Rafau asked.

"It happened with the last letter I received from Junia. I didn't realize a part of it lay bare before shoving it inside my glove. My hand had blistered by the time I got home."

Dovian tapped a finger against his head. It didn't make sense for King Lenuti to start a rumour about his son's return after making Tritoan the crown prince. It didn't make sense for Tritoan to want him dead when he wasn't a direct threat to him. Even if he could understand Tritoan wanting him dead, he didn't understand why he would choose a slow and painful method like ralis water. He could have sent an assassin. Why go through all the stress?

"Do you still have the letters?"

"Yes, your highness."

"Go and get them. I want to know what is written in them."

"But, your highness..."

"Don't worry. I'll ask the royal healer to help us detoxify the letters."

"Won't that raise questions?" Rafau asked. "You know we can't leave trails Tritoan can follow."

"We have to read that letter, Rafau. Tritoan would have written something that could keep my interest. I need to know what it is."

"Can't we ask someone else apart from the Healer Jamudu? Someone who has an idea of what is going on but is on our side."

"The only person I can think of right now is Araye but I don't think she'll know about it."

"Your highness, forgive me for interrupting but I think you should try asking her. My sister spent several years with her and they might have talked about ralis water. I believe she might have some idea about it since her husband is the one behind all this."

"It's settled then. Quickly go and get the letters. We'll wait for you at the private wing. If any of the guards try to stop you, tell them the pierced tree has fallen."

"Yes, your highness."

Dovian frowned. "Wait. Were you there when Tritoan and Lady Blackwood had a conversation at the hills?"

Gordon smiled. "Yes, your highness."

The door clicked shut after him and Rafau stared at Dovian.

"What was that about?"

"I was wondering how he knew I know Tritoan is the crown prince of Aragududu. He was there the morning I followed Tritoan."

"Why do I feel like there are a lot of things I still don't know?"

"I don't know, Brother. I don't know."

***

Araye woke up to the sound of men talking and her maid's squeaky voice. She listened intently and a smile spread across her face when she recognized Dovian's voice. She leapt out of bed and quickly dressed up before walking out of the bedroom. All eyes turned on her and the light in Dovian's smile made her blush. She knew he had noticed her hastiness in leaving the room. Who wouldn't? She hadn't even waited to wash her face.

Rafau bowed. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, my lady."

Araye's blush grew deeper. "I'm flattered, your highness."

"I've heard a lot about you but my sources failed to mention your striking beauty. It's a shame we haven't met before now."

Dovian cleared his throat. "It wouldn't do for us to get Lady Courtney rattled seeing that we urgently need her help. It is only in our favour that she has all her wits around her."

Rafau's face turned up in mock seriousness. "Yes, Brother."

Araye signalled for Helen to leave but the grudging way her maid trudged out of the room didn't bode well with her. She thought Helen had a harmless crush on Dovian. She might be wrong.

"To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"

Dovian expertly avoided her question. "I see you've not noticed Gordon. I believe you two know each other."

Gordon lifted his head and Araye gasped with pleasure.

"I didn't realize it was you. You look different."

Gordon smiled. "So do you. You look better than the last time I saw you."

"Are you implying I've gained weight?"

"You've always been a smart one."

She grinned. "The twitch in your eyes and the fact that the only noticeable difference in me is the weight gain made me know."

"Don't worry. I'll make you something special to apologize for my not so subtle way of mentioning it."

"It's a deal."

"Brother, it's a pity Gordon wants to make something special for only the lady. Do something about this kind of favouritism when you become king."

Dovian's eyes twinkled. "I will."

"I'll also make something special for you, your highness. You've been nothing less than gracious to me." Gordon said.

"What about me?" Rafau asked.

"And for you too, your highness."

Dovian's eyes grew serious and Rafau took it as his cue to stop teasing.

"Do you happen to know anything about ralis water?"

Araye smiled. "Yes. The stories –"

"Not the stories. Something real. Like how it smells or how to get it out of a letter."

She frowned. "Is something wrong?"

"I have several letters that have been dipped in ralis water and I want to know what is written in them."

Chills ran over her. "Ralis __ leaves are only found at the waterfall in East Eritonia. And there are several processes involved in preparing ralis water. Processes that can get one killed if care is not taken."

"How did you know about the processing?"

She held Dovian's gaze. "Drella and I prepared one for Tritoan several months ago. And that is why I want you to tell me where the letters came from. To the best of my knowledge, the processes involved in the preparation of ralis water are only known to the royal healer and his apprentices. Except there is a betrayer among them, I'll be forced to believe the letters came from Tritoan."

"You're intelligent." Rafau noted. "Tritoan truly sent the letters."

"Ha."

Araye bit her lip in a bid to force back tears. A fresh pain pierced her heart at the thought of Tritoan using her relationship with Drella in getting the ralis water prepared. He had told her his Father bought a herd of sheep in one of the cities of Eritonia and she had believed him. Shortly after that, he told her the sheep were being killed by a pack of wolves and she believed him. By the time he suggested ralis water in order to get the wolves paralyzed, she had been the one to offer to ask Drella to help her in making one. She had defied the thought of death and paralysis for the one she loved. She had even pestered Drella until she gave in. Her eyes stung. No wonder he had asked her to ask Drella for the way to make ralis water __ temporarily ineffective. In his words, 'I wants to avoid accidents that might occur during transportation' _,_ but now she knew better.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes, I am. What do you need me to do?"

"I want to read the letters but apart from burning them, we don't have a way of getting read of the scent of ralis."

"I know a way but it's only temporary. It works for a maximum of six hours or even less."

Dovian grinned. "That's exactly what we need."

"I'll need ash, salt, blended wax and fresh milk."

"Furbian." Dovian called.

He came in almost immediately, making Gordon wonder if he had been waiting to be called all along.

"Get me ash, salt, blended wax and fresh milk."

"What quantity should I bring, my lord?"

Dovian lifted his brow at Araye.

"Half a bowl of each will do."

"Yes, my lady."

Furbian fled out of the room and Gordon chuckled silently. He liked that Furbian.

"I'll mix it all together and soak the letters in the mixture for five minutes. You can read the letters when they're dry. Just make sure to read them all within two hours. The scent of ralis __ is very powerful. It will absorb all these ingredients between five to seven hours and anyone who handles the letters by then will get hurt."

"I understand. Thank you."

"It's the least I could do, your highness."

Araye swallowed the nagging thought forming in her mind. She silently hoped the letters were not the ones Tritoan had asked her to write on behalf of his half-blind sister.

"Is an hour enough to soak the letters and get them dried?" Rafau asked.

"Yes, your highness."

"Brother, I think we should leave and come back in an hour's time. I skipped breakfast and I'm not about to miss lunch."

"What if she gets hurt when we leave?" Dovian asked

"I'll stay." Gordon offered.

Dovian nodded his approval before he and Rafau walked out.

***

Minutes ticked by as Araye and Gordon waited for the letters to dry. There was an unspoken understanding between them and it had to do with choosing not to read the letter. Gordon averted his gaze out of respect for the prince and Araye averted her gaze because the letters only served as a reminder of Tritoan's deception. She would have to be blind to not notice the swirls and curves that were peculiar to her writing and the way she had signed from your chuck. Araye had laughed when Tritoan told her the peculiar way Venia wanted her letter signed. She should have suspected when Tritoan asked her to write the letter like she would if she was sending it to a sweetheart who left her when they were young. Doing that had been easy for her because all she did was to envision Tritoan as she wrote. The fact that Tritoan had asked her not to address the letter at the beginning had made it easier. She didn't remember she was writing on behalf of another until she was done writing and had to sign from your chuck.

"Do you think they'll come soon?" Gordon asked.

"I think so. It's past an hour already."

"What do you think is written in the letters?"

Araye's eyes widened as she glanced at Gordon. "How am I supposed to know?"

"I'm sorry if you're upset by my question but I thought you might have an idea of what is written in the letters."

"Since Tritoan is my husband, right?"

Gordon opened his mouth but closed it back. Araye's tone bordered on tears and with the experience he had with Drella, any little thing will make those tears gush out.

"Are you trying to say I should know everything Tritoan does because he is my husband?"

"I don't know how you came to that conclusion, but no, that was not what I meant."

"What did you mean then?"

"Araye, please forget I said anything."

She dropped her head as tears dripped down her face. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have taken out my anger on you."

"It's alright." He pulled out a piece of cloth. "Have this. I believe you don't want the princes to know you've been crying."

"Thank you."

Footsteps echoed in the hallway and the door creaked open as Dovian and Rafau stepped in. Rafau threw a lazy smile at Araye before taking a seat at the table.

"Are the letters ready?" Dovian asked.

"Yes, your highness."

Dovian walked to the table and picked up a letter. His brow rose and Araye knew exactly what he saw.

"This." Dovian shook the letter. "This is...I can't believe Tritoan made her do this. Can someone explain how Tritoan made her write a letter when she is hundreds if not thousands of miles away from here?"

"Who is her?" Rafau asked.

"Someone I met at Karidang."

"Do you care to tell us her name, Brother?"

Dovian's lips drew into a thin line. "We'll all refer to her as The Lady."

Rafau's eyes glinted. "Yes, your highness."

"She might not have written the letter." Araye squeaked.

Dovian and Rafau raised their brows while Gordon assessed her thoughtfully. She returned the brothers' stare and noted how much they looked alike.

"Think about it. The possibility that Tritoan travelled to Karidang to meet The Lady is slim and there are at least thirteen letters here. He couldn't travel to Karidang thirteen times in such a short period of time. I've not been to Karidang but Prince Dovian just mentioned that it is hundreds of miles away from here."

"I didn't exactly say Karidang is hundreds of miles from here. I only said she is hundreds if not thousands of miles away from here. Karidang is farther than Iryan."

"The Lady is one of the princesses of Iryan then." Rafau noted.

Dovian paused and several moments passed before he spoke. "Yes."

"Now I see why you were not willing to talk about her." Rafau stared at Gordon and Araye. "You're not to repeat anything you've heard here or even think about it. Do you understand?"

"Yes, your highness." They replied.

Dovian smiled at Araye. "My brother was just trying to say that the reputation of the princess of Iryan might be affected if people get to know we have a kind of relationship where she is allowed to send me several letters within the space of four months. Or when did Tritoan ask you to make the ralis water."

"It was shortly after you came back."

"I guess my suspicion is correct then. Araye was right when she said the princess was not the one who wrote the letters. The princess sent me a letter some days after I returned to inform me of –" His throat closed up. He didn't want to think of Violet or the fact that she had written to ask him to forget about her. "Anyway, Tritoan was with me the day I received the letter. I don't know how he got his hand on it but I'm sure he read it. And that would have been how he knew I would read the letters. And the truth is, I would have read them if Gordon had not done what he did."

Araye looked from Gordon to Dovian. She couldn't pretend to understand what was going on. "Would you love to read the letters here or would you read it in the privacy of your quarters?"

"Throw them into the fire." Dovian said.

"Brother!"

"Since the princess was not the one who wrote the letter, I don't need to read it."

"We can still get a glimpse of Tritoan's plan from the letters."

"Rafau, this handwriting belongs to a lady. Tritoan could have employed the services of one of his sisters but I'm sure he wouldn't have revealed his intention to them."

"Let's not take risks. Reading it makes no difference."

"Maybe not to you, Rafau. Your reading the letters does not bother me as long as you burn them."

"I'll read them and I promise to burn them the minute I'm done."

"Good. Let me know if you find anything."

"Yes, Brother."

Dovian gave a curt nod to Araye and Gordon before taking his leave. As Rafau concentrated on the letters, Araye couldn't help noticing how Dovian had failed to mention which one of the princesses of Iryan had been his chuck. Not like it was any of her business.

# CHAPTER 8

Weeks went by with Araye being alone most of the time. She lacked nothing and she had started to look forward to the queen's evening visits. The queen sometimes came with Princess Pintan and the easy smiles the princess always bestowed on Araye never failed to encourage her. Araye believed she had a lot in common with the princess and if the princess could move on, so could she. She had an enjoyable time except for the times when the feeling of loneliness seemed overwhelming or the times when Tritoan's betrayal made her heart hurt afresh. She had several conversations with Prince Dovian and they had mostly talked about the mysterious boy he had met at Karidang. She had thought having Dovian's kind of approach to life would automatically solve her pain but Dovian had insisted she had to take the wisdom of the words of Terash to heart. She had started to shift her gaze from her pain to the words of the rumoured powerful king. Araye knew thinking about the words of a man is a way of cultivating the man's mindset. And if the man was as powerful as the rumour proclaimed, she wanted to have the kind of mindset that made him powerful.

"My lady."

She jerked out of her thoughts. "Helen."

"I'm sorry for startling you. I would have left you alone if it wasn't important."

"What is it?"

"The prince requests your presence."

"When?"

"Right now."

She grabbed a shawl and hurriedly walked out before Helen could blink. She kept her face properly hidden as she wondered how easily the prince forgot about the need to keep her presence in the palace a secret. She gave a sharp cry when a hand closed over her arm. She looked up and found herself staring into Prince Rafau's smiling face.

"Father told me to escort you. Your maid might have gotten the wrong information from Furbian. The person who requested to see you is not Dovian but Father."

She gasped. "The king?"

"Yes, my lady. They are all waiting for us."

"Who are they?"

"You'll find out when we get there."

She kept her gaze on the floor as she silently walked beside Rafau. Memories of the several times she had seen the king came rushing back and she shivered slightly. Her father's position had given her family special access to the royal family and the few times she had encountered King George had either been when he visited the towns in Eritonia or when her family got invited to the royal family's celebrations. They had all been pleasant times, although, there had never been a cause for her to mutter more than a few words to the king. The fact that she might likely have a full-blown conversation with him dawned on her and her hands shook in anticipation.

"We're here. Try not to be too shocked."

The door swung open and the sight before Araye made her knees tremble. Rafau reached out a hand to steady her.

"Come in, my dear."

Her eyes stung with tears at the fatherly affection she sensed in King George's tone. She curtsied. "Thank you, my king."

"I understand you're shocked to see Tritoan here. You should know that it is not my desire to put you under any kind of stress, especially in your state."

She lifted her eyes and found Tritoan staring at her. She bowed. "Thank you for caring about someone like me, my king."

"What do you mean someone like you? Everyone in Eritonia is equally important to me." King George rose. "I summoned you here because we need your help. This land needs you."

"It's a privilege to serve our land, your highness. I'll gladly do anything you ask of me."

"Will you?"

"Yes, my king."

King George smiled. "It is easy for young minds like you to say something like that. I won't hold you up to your word until you understand exactly what you are agreeing to. Dovian will tell you what you need to know."

King George exchanged a knowing look with Prince Dovian.

"You were there when Rafau read the letters. What he didn't tell you was that he didn't find anything substantial. We had a meeting with Father that night and we told him everything we've learnt including several things that are not directly related to you. I'm mentioning this because you need to understand there is a lot going on than what happened between you and Tritoan."

"Yes, your highness."

"Father gave an order to have Tritoan arrested even if he doesn't make a move to steal the parchments containing the secrets of the gates, and he would have been arrested if King Lenuti had not attacked the Blackwoods."

Araye frowned. "What do they have to do with anything?"

"The best person to answer that question is Tritoan."

Tritoan avoided Araye's piercing gaze.

"Tritoan, what is it you have to tell me?"

Tritoan closed his eyes as he inhaled deeply. "Long before I showed any interest in you, Romike and I were..."

She trembled slightly. "Please don't say it. I don't want to hear it from you. I just have a question. Were you...seeing her after we got married?"

"No."

She wiped her tears as she nodded for him to continue. It would have been unbearable for her if Romike had been the person with whom Tritoan spent most of his days after their marriage. It would have been absolutely unbearable.

"She knew I was the crown prince of Aragududu."

"And I didn't! You didn't even deem it fit to let me know. Oh, I remember. You didn't marry me for me."

She took in a deep breath before she could say words she would end up regretting. Showing the anger and hurt she felt before the king and the princes was embarrassing enough.

"I didn't tell her. She found out."

Araye felt like screaming. Was she supposed to feel better because she found out? Tritoan had to be kidding her.

"Araye, please calm down. You need to listen to me."

"I don't know about being calm but I'm listening."

"My grandfather was the first son of the then King of Lenuti. He was an illegitimate child conceived by King Quoliar with one of the palace maids during King Quoliar's time as the crown prince. The incident had been considered a very shameful one but King Quoliar defied his father by acknowledging my grandfather as his first child. His father took him a wife from one of the daughters of Aragududu's noblemen in order to prevent a reoccurrence of such incident. But, everyone knew it was because he didn't want him to marry my grandmother. When Prince Quoliar became king, he gave birth to other children and he had a son named Semiel. The family of the queen pressured King Quoliar to make Prince Semiel the crown prince but he refused. He insisted that my grandfather should be the king after him since he is lawfully his first son. He said it would have been different if he had not acknowledged my grandfather as his son. He named my grandfather the crown prince and he died shortly after."

King George's eyes brightened. "Is this the story behind the popular Aragududu crown-transfer?"

"Yes, your highness. Prince Semiel caused a riot with the help of his mother's family on the day of his father's death and my grandfather was sent out of Aragududu. After Prince Semiel became king, he made a law which forbade people from talking about the incident. So the people of Aragududu summarized the whole story into the word – crown-transfer."

"I understand. Go on with your story."

"Thank you, your highness. After my grandfather left Aragududu, he went to live in the mountains close to the west border of Eritonia. King Clement of Eritonia got to know about it and invited him to live in his land. He gave him properties and allowed him to marry the lady of his choice. But King Semiel's hatred for Eritonia grew when he heard about it."

"I see." King George noted.

Tritoan bowed. "Your family has been nothing but gracious to mine. You've been as accommodating as your father was and I didn't think I would betray your trust to this level when King Lenuti summoned me to his court. Nobody in my family knew about it. I had thought King Lenuti wanted to release some of the properties that belonged to my grandfather because I heard he was your friend, my king. I know you to be a man of uncommon values and any man you choose to be your friend must be a man of integrity."

"Flattery will get you nowhere with me, Tritoan. The fact still remains that you betrayed this land. If I've not given the order to have you beheaded, it's because Lenuti will use that as an excuse to wage war. Never forget that you're in my territory and I can have you detained for as long as I want."

Tritoan swallowed. "Yes, your highness. I apologize. I only meant to let you know I respect your judgement."

"Don't get me wrong. The betrayal is not your position as the crown prince of Aragududu. Truthfully, it's your right. The problem is that you chose to replace your father when you fully knew you were the crown prince of Aragududu. You can't be loyal to two territories even if they're friends of each other. And the fact that you and Lenuti chose to keep it secret only mean that you both have darker schemes. Let me put it in a better way, Lenuti had darker schemes which he gradually got you involved in."

"I admit that I got covetous at some point and I even sold out the people I considered my family."

Tritoan spared a glance at Araye before returning it to the king. Araye's hurt deepened with the knowledge that Tritoan had at one time being real with her. Had it been the time he had asked her to marry him or the time he had told her he couldn't bear losing her? Araye wished it was both despite knowing she shouldn't have such thoughts. Doing that could hurt her more.

"Regrets do not change anything. The consequence of your action is banishment at best."

"Whatever you do is right, my king."

King George shook his head. "Let's not focus on that for now. We'll come back to it when all this is settled." He glanced at Araye. "I believe you now have a general idea of who Tritoan is?"

"Yes, my king."

"The only thing left is for you to know why he is here. And that will bring us to the request I have. Three days ago, the Blackwoods were attacked and none of the family members was left alive, except Romike. The problem is, Romike is missing and no one knows where she is. Lenuti sent me a missive several days ago to inform me he will be wiping out an important family in Eritonia. I just didn't expect it to be the Blackwoods."

She gasped.

"Despite sending several men to guard each family of the members of the royal court, the Blackwoods still died." King George rubbed his forehead. "I don't think I will be able to bear it if he hurts another person in Eritonia. War might not be inevitable then."

"Has he sent another missive?"

"Yes. But this time, he didn't only send it to me. He also sent it to Tritoan."

"Why?" She whispered.

"That is the same question I want to ask Tritoan."

She glared at Tritoan. "Does this missive have anything to do with me?"

"Yes. He said he would do the same thing he did to the Blackwoods to your family if the king does not produce you within six days. I came to ask for help because I thought the king didn't know about it."

"Are you saying you wouldn't have come here if you knew he also got the missive?"

Tritoan blew out a breath. "Yes. I would most likely have left Eritonia. The truth is, I wouldn't have had the courage to face the king if I knew he already knows about all of my actions."

She tipped the corner of lips. "Why did you even bother to come? You planned on using my family so why should it concern you if we're murdered?"

"Araye." Dovian stepped forward. "You have to stay calm."

"Yes, your highness. I just need him to answer my question."

"You heard the lady. Why?"

"He...He doesn't know of...I made him feel like I only married Araye to know the secret of the gates." Tritoan's face grew red. "I send him weekly reports through some of his men who are with me but I don't know every one of his actions. I only know the things he tells me. He might have murdered Romike's family as a way of silencing her, or he might be using her knowledge of my being the crown prince of Aragududu as an excuse to murder her family. If that is true, then he's using Araye's disappearance as an excuse to murder...my in...Araye's family. And that would be his way of getting back at the king."

King George frowned. "Are you trying to say he has given up on knowing the secret of the gates and he wants me to start a war instead?"

"I think so."

"You know what I think?" Rafau said. "I think this is a trap King Lenuti is setting for Tritoan. I might be wrong but I want us to consider the option of King Lenuti trying to test Tritoan's loyalty."

Araye drowned out the sounds around her as her mind roared with uncertainty. If she heard correctly, Tritoan had gone to meet the king–or the prince–after he got the missive informing him of her family's near death. She shook her head. None of it was making sense.

"Araye, you're not listening to me." King George noted.

She blinked. "Forgive me, your highness."

"I asked you if you will be able to go back home with Tritoan. I'll make sure you're protected and Tritoan will be kept under close watch."

She trembled. "Your highness I...I..."

"Some will call it a fate worse than death but that is the best way to keep your family safe. Hermian Lombard has been a very faithful subject and I want to do all I can to protect him and everything that belongs to him."

Her lips shook. "Yes, your highness."

"We can always find another way if you think you can't bear it."

"No." She swayed on her feet. "I think I want..."

Her legs gave way as she collapsed in a faint. Rafau called Tritoan to carry her while he led the way to the healer's quarters. Dovian who had been calm all through faced the king the moment they left.

"Father, I feel very uncomfortable with this arrangement."

"I know. But this will be the best time to know if Tritoan is sincere. It occurred to me that Tritoan and Lenuti might have planned this in order to get Araye out of hiding."

"This has gone on for too long. Can't we stop being diplomatic?"

King George smiled. "You amaze me, Dovian. You of all people should know that the king must consider the interest of the masses in every decision he makes. Eritonia cannot afford to go to war right now. I know what it does to people. People die and the land gets wretched. I'll do all I can to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. Even if it means appearing like a fool."

"Father?"

"You will soon be the king and you cannot let your emotions get the best of you. You have to always do what is right and just."

"Yes, Father. I just don't like the way he could sneak his men into our land and have them wipe out a family." Dovian's face grew hot. "He has crossed all lines."

"Yes, he has. And that is why we have to keep our place behind the line. Acting rashly will only get more people hurt. Have you found out the spy the metalsmith talked about?"

"Not yet, Father."

"Tell General Williams to see me. It's time others knew about this."

"Yes, Father. One last thing."

"Yes?"

"I forgot to tell you this but during Romike's conversation with Tritoan, she said she has parchments which will be released all over Eritonia if she gets hurt. And if I remember correctly, the parchments contain Tritoan's terrible deeds."

"Has it been released?"

"Not yet."

"I'll look into it. The parchments must not be released. I also need to see Major Shota."

"Yes, Father." Dovian said as he took his leave.

***

Simbi wiped her tears for the hundred and _something-th_ time in four days. Everyone including her mother found it weird that she cried at every little thing but they all attributed it to her womanly tendencies. If only they knew. The plan had been for her to meet Erspien at Helloway River after everyone had gone to sleep. Her maidservant who knew about her plan had even decided to follow her wherever Erspien chose to take them. She had not expected a glitch in her plan. Erspien had proven to be loyal and she felt she could trust him. She sneezed. Of course, she could trust him. He was her cousin and one of the few people who understood her. Come to think of it, he had even volunteered to help her settle in a land far away from Eritonia. Anyone who would support her in her decision not to have an arranged marriage was her friend. The only issue was that Simbi was not ready to admit that her tears were not as a result of her inability to leave Eritonia. Far from it. It didn't even have anything to do with the fact that she might end up marrying the man her parents chose. It had more to do with Araye and –.

"Simbi, are you there?"

Her head snapped up. She gently rose and moved towards the window. They had agreed for him to call her through her bedroom's window anytime she was needed. They didn't want anyone suspecting Erspien was not at his uncle's house for his usual visit. It was best for everyone if they didn't know about the night she meant to steal away. Because she would have to break her promise to Romike and explain to everyone how she stumbled on her. And how Romike had begged for her help before fainting. And how she had asked Erspien to help her. And how Erspien had come up with the plan of pretending to pay a visit in order to have access to the rarely used courthouse so as to have a place to keep Romike. And how Simbi had barely slept for fear of what would happen to Erspien, Romike and Hannah since they had to sleep under the open sky. And how Romike was yet to open her eyes after five days. Tears spilt down her face at the last thought. They needed all the help they could get.

"Yes, I'm here." She whispered at last.

"Can you pull up the blinds?"

Simbi hurriedly dabbed her face with a cloth before pulling up the blinds. Erspien's brows rose the minute he spotted her red-rimmed eyes.

"Don't tell me you've not stopped crying."

She sniffed. "I can't seem to help it. What if she does not know her whole family is dead?"

"You don't know that."

"That's more reason I'm sad. What will happen when she wakes up? Won't she end up being worse?"

Erspien's gaze softened. "Dear cousin, you have to start being logical about this."

"Are you saying I'm not using my brains?" She cried.

"What?"

She tightly clutched the cloth in her hands. "That is exactly what you mean Erspien."

"No. It's not. I don't know why you're suddenly getting defensive but I only meant to say that she might not be waking up because she doesn't want to. Think about this. She might have witnessed the murder and that might be the reason she has this...this...mind sickness."

"Is that what it is? Mind sickness?"

"I don't know. I'm only making a guess. It's the only explanation for why she's not awake. Her head is not bruised and she doesn't appear to have been beaten."

"Is there nothing we can do to help?"

"I don't know. The royal healer or one of his apprentices might be able to help."

Her face brightened. "Why didn't I think of it? I know one of the royal healer's apprentices. She is my friend's..." Her face dulled.

"What's wrong?"

"Do you remember Araye?"

Erspien frowned. "No."

"My friend with the pretty hair. The one you said you like seeing around."

"Oh, yes, I remember. She has a very nice smile too."

Simbi wiped her eyes and Erspien sighed.

"Are you crying because I complimented your friend? Because if that's the case you also have a –"

"No, that's not it. She's missing."

"You're joking, right?"

Erspien frowned. She didn't look like she was joking. And talking about looks, she looked fifteen years older than she was when he arrived at Central Eritonia days ago.

"The last time I came here you told me she was engaged."

"Yes, she was. And she even got married. No one knows what happened and her husband has been distraught since she went missing."

"Do you think there's something sinister going on?"

"I didn't think so. But after the murder of the Blackwoods, I've changed my mind."

"Do you think they'll find her soon?"

"They should." She bit her lips. "Seriously, I don't know."

Erspien nodded.

"But I know how we can get Drella – the royal healer's apprentice I was talking about. She has a brother who is a blacksmith." She paused and held the cloth to her eyes. "Araye never failed to correct me when I call him that. She'll tell me she's not a blacksmith but a metalsmith."

"Uh...I suggest you stay at home while I look for this metalsmith."

She sharply raised her head. "No."

"No?"

"Yes. Araye will think I'm using this as an opportunity to avoid Gordon. All I need is a little time to pull myself together."

"What are you talking about?"

"Just...something that happened."

# CHAPTER 9

Gordon raised his sweaty face and saw her. He blinked rapidly to ensure his brain was not playing tricks on him. He dropped the hammer in his hands on a stool and absentmindedly straightened his shirt. His hands paused in their task when he noticed the man beside her. An uncomfortable feeling rose within him and he recognized it for what it was. It didn't make any sense for him to feel jealous, did it? He didn't even know her well enough. He took in a deep breath and stepped into the bright sunlight.

"Good morning, Miss."

Simbi smiled in a way he felt was too bright – just like the sun burning through his clothes.

"Good morning, Gordon. We've known each other for a while. Please call me Simbi."

"Yes, Simbi."

"Meet my cousin – Erspien." She looked at Erspien. "Meet the one and only metalsmith in Central Eritonia."

Gordon flushed. "Nice meeting you, Erspien. I'm Gordon."

Erspien smiled as he held Simbi's gaze. "I've heard quite interesting things about you."

Simbi kept a pleasant expression as she gritted her teeth. She would love nothing more than to make that large-mouthed cousin of hers pay for what he just did.

"I'm surprised you've heard anything at all." Gordon replied.

"Believe me when I say I have."

"Erspien." Simbi called sharply while managing to keep a smile on her face. "I'm sure you don't want to bore him with...the tales I'm sure you've heard."

Erspien grinned. "I don't think so."

She held his gaze. If he wasn't doing her a favour, she would have sent him back to Giordia.

"Are you also from Central Eritonia?" Gordon asked.

"No. I'm from Giordia." Erspien replied with pride.

"Girodia is in East Eritonia, right?"

"Yes, that's correct."

"Awesome. We rarely get visitors from the east around here. It's an honour talking to one."

"Thank you."

Simbi coughed. "I'm glad to see you two are enjoying each other's company." Her face grew pale. "But we came here because we needed to see Drella."

Gordon frowned. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, I am. Thanks for asking."

"No, it's nothing. You look ill and you just coughed."

"I'm fine. It must be the dust."

He raised a brow. "Dust?"

"Yes. Is Drella here?"

"No, she's not. And she won't be back for at least a year. She is currently at Iryan."

Simbi closed her eyes against the pain she felt.

Her lips trembled. "When did she leave?"

"Several weeks ago. Is something wrong?"

She summoned a smile. "It's nothing. Don't worry. We'll sort it out. Bye, Gordon."

"Bye."

He watched as she and Erspien turned to leave and a weight settled in his chest. There was something she was not telling him. The thought of appearing too inquisitive occurred to him but he squashed it. The least he could do was to try to help.

"Simbi, wait. Can I see you for a moment?"

She shared a meaningful look with Erspien before nodding gently. He waited until Erspien was several paces away before speaking.

"You can always talk to me. You asked for my sister and she's not around but I feel I can help. You won't know if you don't try me."

"You can't help me if you don't know about healing."

"Ha. You need the healer's art. Why not try the city healers?"

"No."

"What about the royal healer?"

"No."

He frowned. "I thought you needed a healer. Except you want to keep it a secret, I don't see why..." He raised his brows. "I see. You need to keep it a secret."

"Yes."

Simbi was about to tell him she was leaving when she realized he could misunderstand. For all she knew, he could think she was pregnant and was trying to get rid of it. His frown grew deeper and she realized that was exactly what he was thinking.

"I made a promise. All you have to know is that somebody needs the healer's art and that person is not me."

She held his gaze and waited for her words to sink in. Junia ran up to them, causing her to shift her gaze.

"Gordon, Prince Dovian requests your presence immediately." Junia said breathlessly.

"Forgive me, Simbi, but I have to go."

"Wait. Uh..." She moistened her lips. "Did I just hear him say the crown prince requests your presence?"

"That's correct."

"I would love to go with you. Prince Dovian can help us."

"What?"

***

'Your highness, I actually didn't mean to bring her. I only allowed her to follow me because she said you are able to help this secret friend of hers.'

Gordon shook his head. No, that wouldn't do. He had to think of something convincing. Something that will make the prince understand he wasn't trying to take advantage of the access he gave him. Another option was to stop Simbi from seeing the prince. It didn't matter that they were already in the palace. He could –.

"The prince will see you now."

Gordon smiled his thanks at Furbian before turning his gaze on Simbi. She did the right thing by not taking Erspien along. How was he supposed to explain the presence of two people when he couldn't explain one?

Simbi faltered in her steps and her throat went dry. She had expected to see only Prince Dovian. If she had known the king and the prince's brothers would be present, she would not have jumped at an opportunity to see him.

She curtsied on trembling legs. "Your highness."

King George stared at her with a blank expression. Prince Rafau and Prince Andrew exchanged glances while Prince Dovian raised a questioning brow at Gordon.

"Forgive my intrusion my king. I asked...uh...Gordon to...Gordon didn't mean to. I...was the one who tagged along."

King George's face gradually brightened with a smile. "If I didn't know better, I would have thought you've done something grievous. Be at ease. You've done nothing wrong except for appearing unannounced. And that might not have been a problem if we were not in the midst of a very crucial meeting."

Sweat dripped down her back despite the room being cool. She carefully met their gazes and swallowed. They were obviously expecting her to explain her presence.

"Gordon, will you explain what is going on here since the lady has lost her voice?"

Simbi winced.

"Forgive me, my king. She only told me Prince Dovian can help a friend of hers."

"Dovian, do you know anything about this?"

"No, Father."

"Young lady, you will have to summon the courage to speak. Or would you rather I talked to you privately?" He gestured towards the princes. "Away from their searing gazes."

She shook her head.

"I understand. This might surprise you but I fully understand how it feels like to be nervous."

Her eyes grew wide.

"You're surprised." He smiled. "I do get nervous. The only difference is I don't lose my voice when I'm nervous; I lose it when the queen insists on eating my share of pudding with hers. Seriously, I think I'll make it illegal for Eritonians to eat another person's share of pudding."

Everyone laughed and Simbi found herself relaxing.

"I need you all to promise not to tell the queen. It wouldn't do for the ladies in Eritonia to go on a public holiday." He looked at Simbi. "I believe you understand what I'm saying."

She smiled. "Yes, your highness. I do."

It was common knowledge that the third queen of Eritonia got so angry at her husband that she propelled him into promising to grant her request during the Festival of Kings – a festival where several kings of several lands came together and celebrated. When she was asked for what she wanted, she said she wanted all women in Eritonia to go on five days break. Needless to say, after two days, all men in Eritonia gathered at the palace and begged the queen to revoke her request.

"So, what was it you wanted to see the prince about?" He asked.

"Romike."

The atmosphere in the room grew tense as all eyes fastened on her. All traces of laughter left the king's face as he stared at her.

"What about her?"

"I was leaving...uh...going to the Hel...going out one night with my maidservant when I felt a cold hand on my leg. I almost panicked because it was dark and I couldn't see who it was. She had been lying on the road and I would have stepped on her if she had not touched me. She asked me to help her because some men wanted to hurt her. I didn't understand at the time so I told her I would take her back home." Simbi sniffed. "She begged me not to and I...er...asked...finally asked my cousin for help. We've been taking care of her since then."

"Is she at your father's house?"

"No, my king. Yes. Not really." She inhaled. "We hid her because she told me her safety depends on it. I didn't tell my parents because if I did, everyone in my household will know."

"Is there someone who cannot be trusted in your family?"

"Not among my family members. I was afraid of the servants getting to know. And that would have happened if I had not kept it a secret."

He smiled at her. "Well done. I would have enjoyed listening to how you were able to keep it a secret from your father for this long, but, there are more pressing matters. She's been with you for four days, right?"

"Yes, my king."

"I want to see her. I'll send some guards to bring her immediately."

"Uh... There's a little problem, my king. She has not woken up since she fainted that night. And that was why I came to see the prince. I heard that he..." Her cheeks reddened. "...he and Romike were...uh..." She spared a look at Prince Dovian and her lips grew heavy.

"You were saying?" King George prompted.

"I...uh...thought she might wake up when she hears his voice."

King George glanced at Dovian. "This is interesting." He returned his gaze to Simbi. "I'll send a carriage to get her. The royal healer will take care of her from now on."

"Thank you, my king."

"No, I should thank you. Is there something I can do for you in return?"

"No, my... Yes, my king."

"What is it?"

"My parents are making arrangements for my marriage without my permission and I don't want to get married to the man."

The whole room grew silent for several moments.

"Do you know the man?" King George asked

"No, your highness. Even if I do, I don't want to have an arranged marriage. I want to choose my own husband."

He nodded. "I think I'm seeing your point." He stared at Dovian. "Would you feel the same way if I chose a maiden whom I think is befitting for you?"

"I trust your judgement, Father, but I'd rather do the choosing."

"Are you saying you will not marry her if I did?"

"I will because I know you want the best for me. The only thing is, I'll prefer it if I get to choose."

"Ha. I understand." He smiled. "Don't worry, young lady. The arranged marriage is no longer existent. I, the king of Eritonia, say so."

She twirled in excitement. "Thank you, my king."

He rose. "Dovian, explain everything to Gordon. I have urgent matters to attend to."

"Yes, Father."

He turned to Simbi. "Parents will no longer be allowed to choose their children's partner without the children's permission. I'm making it a law."

"Thank you, my king."

***

Araye inhaled the familiar scents of the dining room. She remembered serving Tritoan meals she had managed to keep warm. She ran her fingers along the table and savoured the happy memories of the times she had had in the house. Her meeting with King George seemed faraway while it had only been two days ago. The only time she and Tritoan talked after she returned home was when he told her he would be paying a visit to the palace later in the day. Anger had risen in her heart, catching her unawares, and she had barely been able to get her words out. Her words must have been filled with the anger because Tritoan flinched at her reply and barely looked at her. But, he couldn't blame her. No one could. He was the one who trapped an innocent girl into marriage in order to use her for his selfish gains. A voice in her mind reminded her she willingly agreed to marry him despite Prince Dovian's intervention, but, she ignored it. She was not about to accept the fact that she might have contributed to all that happened. Her eyes misted as she thought of Dovian. She missed their conversations and she missed listening to him more. He had severally told her to let go of her anger and hurt and she had thought she could. There was something about his quiet gaze and gentle voice that made her believed she could forgive Tritoan. But, now, she knew better. She couldn't. Every fibre of her mind rebelled against the thought of doing good to the man who knowingly trampled on her heart. And not only that, her mind rebelled against the thought of being good to anyone. Why should she when all her goodness only brought her pain? She heard footsteps behind her and turned. Her eyes grew wide and she could barely speak.

"Is this really you?" Simbi whispered.

She nodded.

"You look so different." Simbi held her hands. "And so beautiful."

"I...I'm sorry for not informing you."

"No. You don't have to be sorry. Nobody knows what happened and it is fine if you don't want to talk about it."

"That's not the point. I was the one who left. I should have informed you but I didn't."

"What are you talking about?"

"Nothing. I just want you to know that I'm sorry for all the stress I caused you."

Simbi sat. "Are you keeping secrets from me?"

"I wouldn't say secrets. It's more like not talking about things that shouldn't be talked about. You really have to trust me on this."

"Alright. Just don't do it again."

"I won't. I want to tell you something. Promise you won't scream."

"You should know me. Screaming is not ladylike."

"I'm pregnant."

"Okay. Wait, did you just say –" Simbi's eyes grew wide. "Aaaahhhh." She screamed.

"Sshhh. I thought you said it's not ladylike."

"Forget etiquettes for a moment. How come you're pregnant?"

"It was shortly after the wedding."

Simbi blushed. "Now you're making me feel shy."

"Come off it. There's no one else here."

A sound behind them got their attention. Tritoan's face went hot when they turned to see him, so, he hurriedly pointed at his cravat.

"I wanted to...ask for a second opinion...on...how this looks."

Araye frowned. "It looks fine to me."

"I...I guess it does." He pointed to the door. "I'll just take my leave then."

"Okay."

He nearly stumbled as he walked towards the door. Simbi didn't bother to hide her dismay at the coldness of their conversation. She had witnessed several conversations between Tritoan and Araye before they got married, and none had been this – this lifeless.

"Don't even think about it."

Simbi's eyes grew wide. "Think about what?"

"I know you're wondering what happened between Tritoan and I. Don't pretend otherwise."

"Of course I'm wondering. And even more than that, I'm curious to know."

"I know. That was why I told you not to think about asking me. It's nothing you'll be interested in."

"Why not leave it for me to decide?"

"Simbi." She drawled. "Just leave it be."

"How can you tell me to –"

"You're wearing me out with your stubbornness. Is there something you would love us to talk about?"

"Yes. Unlike you, I consider you a part of myself. I promised to keep this a secret but as I said, you are a part of me."

"Go straight to the point." She muttered impatiently.

"Araye, you surprise me. What made you this way? This sour attitude doesn't fit you one bit."

"Maybe it's the baby. You know this thing they say about pregnant women and emotions."

Simbi creased her brows. "I see. Maybe it's the pregnancy then."

She smiled tightly as she wasn't about to tell her it had nothing to do with the pregnancy.

"You were saying?" She prompted.

"Yes. Did you hear about the massacre of the Blackwoods?"

"Yes, I did. It's such a sad thing."

Simbi nodded. "And you heard that Romike is missing?"

"Yes."

"The truth is, she's not missing."

"How would you know that?"

"I saw her lying on the road to Helloway River the night her family were murdered and she asked me to hide her."

She gasped. "We have to tell the king immediately."

"I already did. One thing led to another and I had to tell the king the whole story in front of the princes." Simbi blushed. "Not only that, the king asked me what he could do for me and I told him about the arranged marriage."

"What did he say?"

"He said it's cancelled."

"Why would he say something like that?"

"He is the king. He can do anything he wants."

"Yes, he can. But, that does not include overriding the will and desires of others. It does not make sense for him to tell you it's cancelled when he only just heard about it. He didn't even bother talking to your parents."

Simbi lifted a finger to her forehead. "Now that I think about it, you're right. Something sounds wrong. I don't think he was surprised to find out about the marriage. If anything, he sounded like he knew about it."

Araye's eyes lit up. "Can you tell me exactly what happened?"

"It was nothing much. After I told him of the arranged marriage he asked me if I know the man, and I told him no. He then asked Prince Dovian what he would do if he did the same to him."

"And what did the prince say?"

"I'll confess to you. I didn't pay much attention. I was busy looking at the way his eyes twinkled when he spoke."

"Simbi, I believe this is more serious than you think. You have to remember if he supported parents arranging marriages for their children or not."

Simbi shrugged. "It sounded like he wants to be the one to choose his wife."

"Ha."

"Is there something I'm missing?"

"Yes. You might not like to hear this but I think Prince Dovian is the man your parents were arranging for you to marry."

"What!"

"Think about it. Why did the King ask for Prince Dovian's opinion? Why didn't he ask for that of Prince Rafau or Prince Andrew?"

"I don't know. Because he is the crown prince?" Simbi replied weakly.

"Maybe. Maybe not."

"My parents should have told me. They knew I would do everything I could to stop the marriage, yet they kept quiet."

"I think you need to calm down."

"No, I don't need to. The only thing I need is to ask Mother if you're right."

"If I'm right, you can't marry Prince Dovian except if he chooses you and –"

"And the possibility of that is nearly non-existent; especially now that Romike is being cared for in the palace." Simbi ended.

Araye's heart thudded. "Romike is in the palace?"

"Yes. The king ordered for her to be brought to the royal healer's quarters. I forgot to tell you she was unconscious during the whole time I hid her."

Araye narrowed her eyes. Tritoan had gone to the palace. He must have known about Romike. He had the guts to tell her he had not been with Romike since they got married, yet, he hurriedly went to see her as soon as he knew she was in the palace.

"Araye, are you alright?"

"Yes." She whispered.

"Should I get you water or something?"

"No, don't bother. Continue with what you were saying."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"I really think you're not fine. How about you take a rest while I go back home and ask Mother about it? By the time I come back, you would have regained your strength and I would have known the truth."

"You're right. I need to rest. Please do me a favour. Don't come back today. Make it tomorrow."

Simbi frowned slightly before brightening up. "I'll do just that."

# CHAPTER 10

Araye silently fumed as she watched Tritoan beneath lowered lashes. She pushed her food around the plate and dropped the spoon when she finally got tired of feigning interest in it. The slow way Tritoan chewed showed her he was enjoying it, and that pushed her anger to near its breaking point.

Tritoan looked up. "What?"

She shrugged. "Nothing."

He returned his gaze to his plate and Araye finally decided she had had enough.

"I said nothing and all you could do was to continue eating?"

His gaze clouded. "I don't understand you."

"Don't tell me you don't understand me." She grated out.

He dropped his spoon with more force than was necessary. "What is it this time?"

She blinked at his question.

"Please tell me what you want me to do and I'll do it. I've told you the whole truth. I've apologized to you severally. I even risked my neck in order to get the king's help and it's not enough for you. What else can I do to make this right?"

Her eyes widened. "Stop making it sound like I'm the one at fault. You're the one who betrayed the people who helped you and your family." He inhaled sharply but she ignored it. "You're the one who couldn't keep your pants on. You're the one who deceived me into marrying you. Now tell me; what can you do to make things right?"

He dropped his head and sighed.

"I didn't think you would have anything to say." She pushed her chair away from the table. "Goodnight."

"I wish I could deny your accusations but you're correct."

She stopped in her tracks.

"Another fact you failed to mention which I believe you don't know is that I desire – strongly desire to be the next king of Aragududu. Feeling this way is pure insubordination to Eritonia but it's the truth. My desire to be the king is something even I do not understand. I don't know if it's because my grandfather was meant to be the king of Aragududu, but, whatever it is, I'm not running away from it. But you – Araye, you are refusing to face the truth. Turning your back on all of this will not make it go away. I don't mean to sound cruel but what has happened has happened. We have to think of a way to deal with it."

She pointed a shaky finger at him. "You – not we. You will have to think of a way to deal with what you caused. Don't push me, Tritoan, I beg of you. The highest insult to a lady is trampling her love for you beneath your foot. You didn't only crush my love for you, you crushed the right to use the word – we."

"You can't possibly –"

"I can possibly, and I have. How did you think I felt when I realized you didn't marry me because you loved me? Do you have any idea how it made me feel about myself and every other thing? Discovering you didn't think I was good enough to be your wife was excruciating." She laughed. "Don't even think of it, Tritoan. We – don't exist."

"Araye. You're not getting the point. Do you really believe what l told my men? No, don't answer that. I just need you to think about it. Do you think I didn't have another way of getting the secrets behind the gates of Eritonia? What am I even saying – I discovered the secrets behind the gates two days before our wedding. Why do you think I still went ahead to marry you? Don't get me wrong but I didn't have to marry you to know the secret."

She lifted a frail hand. "Stop. Just stop."

His gaze softened and he lowered his voice. "I didn't realize it at the time but I was not interested in you because of the secret. I tried convincing myself over and over but I had to face the truth when I finally laid my hand on the secret. The fact that I still desired to go ahead with the wedding confirmed the suspicions I had not paid attention to."

"What about that morning? You were telling them that –"

"Yes. They don't know I know the secret and I don't want them to. And don't worry; I didn't snoop around your father's study. I met with the great-grandson of the man who designed the current gates of Eritonia. I realized he loved drinking so I got him drunk. He told me all I needed to know."

"I thought the secret was duly protected. If he could tell you, he can tell any other person. You have to tell the king."

He frowned. "That's not the point."

"Why?" She snickered. "Of course, you don't want to. Why should the crown prince of Aragududu be interested in the safety of Eritonia?"

"I am interested in the safety of Eritonia." He stressed. "Just not in the way you think I should."

"I don't care. You've already made your decisions."

"Stop acting like a pig-headed young woman. Will it do if I renounce my position as the crown prince of Aragududu? Will that be enough for you?"

She stared at him in shock.

"Answer me. Will you forgive me if I renounce the position?"

"I...I don't know." She whispered.

"I thought as much. There's something else and it's not about Aragududu. What is it, Araye? Tell me."

"Why did you go to the palace this morning?"

His face grew hot and her heart sank. She recognized the expression on his face. It was the one he had whenever he was determined to keep a secret.

"I went to see the king."

"Liar."

"It's the truth."

"Don't play games with me, Lord Courtney. Did you see Romike when you were at the palace?"

"It's not what you're thinking."

"So, you did see her."

"Yes. But it was only because I heard she was awake."

"You even made it a point of duty to know."

"I didn't make it a point of duty. I just got to know."

She shook her head. "I can't... I can't do this anymore. I have to go for a walk."

"Where are you going?"

"I don't know."

"It's dark already and you're with child. You can't possibly think of walking alone."

"Don't bring my child into this."

He frowned. "Your child?"

Her voice thickened. "Our child." She picked a cloak on her way out. "I'll be back soon. Don't wait for me."

***

Araye picked her way through the quiet town. Her feet took the lead while her mind pondered Tritoan's words. The things he said didn't make sense to her and after many minutes of pondering, it still didn't. He didn't want the guys working with him to know he already knew the secret. He married her because he wanted to, yet, he made Sertes and the others feel it was because of the secret. He was willing to give up his position as crown prince – which was something that rightfully belongs to him – yet he couldn't give up his relationship with Romike. He was in alliance with Aragududu, yet, he chose to help Eritonia. Who exactly did she get married to? She stopped walking as she grew conscious of her environment. It would have been funny if her heart wasn't so heavy. She had unconsciously walked towards the palace and hadn't even realized it until she had gotten past its gates. Talking to Dovian would have been an easy way to lighten her burdens, but, she knew the guards wouldn't let her into the inner grounds of the palace because she didn't have a – she paused – no, they will let her in. She had a pass. Dovian had given her the clip-like seal in case an urgent need arose. She pulled out the permanent pass, which she had used in pinning her hair, and showed it to one of the men guarding the inner grounds. The door was quickly opened and she inwardly smiled at the quiet respect they all accorded her. She walked through the grounds with purpose and stopped just as she was about to reach Dovian's quarters. She chewed her lips as she wondered if he would appreciate her coming at such a late hour.

"Araye."

Her face lit up in a smile despite the uneasiness crawling through her. She curtsied and didn't stand until Dovian dismissed the men with him.

"I almost didn't know it was you."

"Forgive me, my prince. A lady shouldn't visit at such a late hour."

He grinned. "I knew what I was doing when I gave you the permanent pass. I wanted you to be able to visit at any time of the day. Just try not to wake people up by coming when everyone is asleep."

She laughed. "I couldn't do that."

"Please take a walk with me." He smiled. "You don't have to look guilty. Furbian will follow us."

"I was only caring about your reputation, your highness."

"Thank you. But let me care about my reputation."

She smiled. "I understand."

"You sound bitter, Child."

"I guess I am."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"It's Tritoan. We had a discussion tonight and he said some things I found shocking."

"He told you he already knew the secret before your wedding. And he probably also told you of his desire to be the king of Aragududu."

"How did you know?"

He shrugged and Araye knew he was not going to answer the question.

"Fine. Do you think I should believe him?"

He stopped walking and stared at her. "It doesn't seem to me like you're finding it hard to believe him. If I'm correct, you already believe him. The only thing I want to understand is why you are bitter."

"His decision to go along with the wedding after finding out the truth doesn't excuse the initial plans he had. And the fact that he didn't want my family to be murdered by King Lenuti doesn't excuse his affinity for Romike."

He smiled and resumed walking. "I see."

"Tritoan has damaged the trust I have in him. I don't think I can go on with it."

"What will you do then?"

"What do you mean?"

"After the issue with King Lenuti is sorted out, what will you do?"

"I don't know. I guess I'll go somewhere far-away with my child. What about you?" She blurted out. "What will you do?"

He laughed. "I'm not the one who has a lot of decisions to make. My decision has already been made."

"What are you talking about?"

"That is something you'll soon discover, my child."

"I don't mean to sound rude but you're not that older than me, your highness."

His eyes twinkled. "If ten years does not count, then, nothing does."

She crinkled her nose.

"Actually..." He continued. "...age does not really matter as much as the ability to take responsibility. A five-year-old boy who carries out the responsibilities of a fifty years old man is a fifty years old man."

"That's true, Wise One."

He laughed.

She grinned. "I think it fits you quite well – Wise One. Or do you prefer Wise Man?"

"What about Wise Prince?"

"That's also a good one. So, Wise Prince, what do you think I should do about Tritoan? I'm personally tired of being a typical good lady. I want to – I want to live for me and not just follow what others do."

"Okay."

"Is that all you'll say?"

"Your mind is made up. There's nothing I can say."

"No, it's not."

"Yes, it is."

"No, it's not."

"Fine. You're right. I believe you."

"Why did you just do that?"

He grinned. "I was not about to have a tug of words with you. My sister already taught me a lesson."

She laughed. "I wish she didn't. I just missed what could have been a good argument."

"I'm glad you did. In answer to your question, do whatever you want to do."

"I can't believe I'm hearing this from the crown prince of Eritonia. Are you not supposed to be convincing me of how important it is for me to uphold the values of the land?"

"I don't think so. Everyone lives to please something. You can either live to please the One you can't see, yourself, or things that don't even deserve your attention."

"You're talking in parables again."

"No, I'm not. You'll see and understand when you truly desire to. I'll only be wasting my words when all you currently want is someone to back up the subconscious decisions you've made."

"Are you also accusing me of pig-headedness?" Her voice caught.

"I'm not accusing you of anything. You can't really expect me to tell you my opinion when you're not ready to hear it."

"I am." She argued weakly.

"No, you're not."

"Try me."

"Do you know why I helped you?"

"Because you're the crown prince and I'm an Eritonian."

"No. Try again."

"Because I was your friend's intended."

He glanced at her through the corner of his eyes. "Definitely not."

"Because you pitied me."

He laughed. "Pitied? No."

"I've run out of ideas."

"I helped you because I love you."

Her face went hot and her tongue grew heavy.

He stopped and faced her. "I forgave your attitudes and mistakes because I love you. I tried convincing you not to get married to Tritoan because I care about you. I came looking for you in the rain because I love you. I protected you because I love you. Not because you're the best lady in Eritonia. Not because I'm the crown prince. Not even because I desire to marry you." She drew in a sharp breath and he smiled. "It was because I love you."

"You love me?" She whispered.

"Yes."

"Like, now?"

He grinned. "It's not something of the past. I love you right now."

"It doesn't make sense."

"I know."

"I've done nothing to deserve it and I even went ahead to marry Tritoan. How could you still love me?"

"I don't know. I didn't even realize it. I just know I do. And because I love you, I want you to be happy. But you – how is it that your love for Tritoan is this feeble?"

"It's not the same thing. Tritoan betrayed me." She cried.

"Is it not? Let's not forget the fact that he risked everything to protect your family."

"I...I... He could be lying for all we know."

"Yes, he could be. But that is not the point. The point is that when you choose to love someone, you love them irrespective of what happens. We might not be able to control or change others, but we can definitely determine how we react to them."

"I'm sorry. I can't do it. I'm not you."

"But you love him, right?"

"I don't know."

He sighed. "At least, you used to love him."

"Yes. But that is not enough reason for me to stay with him."

"Nobody is telling you to stay with him. That is your decision to make. I understand what you're going through and I admit that what Tritoan did, or intended to do, is very callous. But, I'm only asking you to treat others the way I've treated you. I'm only asking you to give the same thing I gave you. Please, that's all I'm asking."

"Stop." She screamed. "I don't want to do good to anyone anymore. I just can't."

"If that's your decision, it's fine. You didn't believe me when I said you weren't ready. Now you see I was right."

Her lips trembled. "I have to go, your highness. I'm sorry I took so much of your time."

"And I'm sorry I couldn't give you what you wanted."

She curtsied before walking away as fast as she could. She wished she had gone somewhere else. She had been glad to see Prince Dovian, but not anymore.

***

The heat steadily increased as the sun shone brightly in the skies of Eritonia. The streets of the capital city were crowded with men, women and children. All headed in different directions. Only a few of them gave thoughts to the person next to them, and none of them could have guessed the content of the letter King Lenuti had sent to King George the day before. If they did, they wouldn't carry on like nothing mattered. Every member of the royal family had been withdrawn and silent when they heard about King Lenuti's request – or threat as it may be. Even the king and queen's brothers and sisters had been sent the same letter by King Lenuti. Making most of them turn up at the capital city of Eritonia as soon as they could. King Lenuti had asked to see Prince Dovian and Lord Tritoan Courtney.

Prince Dovian stared at the letter like he had done since he got his copy. His surprise at knowing his uncles and aunties also got the same letter had been great. He knew the only reason King Lenuti would have done so was to pressure his father into releasing him. King Lenuti knew his father was not moved by the thought of war, but the same could not be said of the rest of the royal family. He raised his head as Furbian came in with a flushed face.

"My Lord. Your cousin is here to see you."

"Which one of them is it this time?"

"Princess Georgette."

His face brightened. "Georgette?"

"Yes, my lord."

"Is she alone?"

"Yes. And I think she's mighty eager to see you."

"Don't keep her waiting. Usher her in."

"Yes, my lord."

Dovian's excitement passed on to Furbian and he hurried out with more enthusiasm than was normal for him. Dovian stood as Georgette's tiny voice flittered through the room.

"Dovian." She came towards him with stretched arms. Her smile grew wide as she placed a kiss on his cheeks. "You look better than the last time I saw you. I can't believe I ever thought Karidang was treating you well."

He laughed. "There's no place like home, my dear."

"You're right." She inhaled deeply. "I felt like a weight lifted off me the moment our carriage entered Eritonia." She lowered her voice. "I couldn't help wondering why Father had to leave this place. And don't tell me he felt it was his duty as the second son of the king."

He smiled. "I wasn't going to say that. Come to think of it, I wouldn't want Rafau or Andrew leaving Eritonia when I become king. I think your father did that because he wanted to find his own way."

"You're sounding just like him. I wonder what they've done to you. Is this the same Dovian I knew?"

He laughed.

"Why are you laughing?" She smiled. "You can't imagine what I went through in order to get Jonas to let me come here with Father."

"I would do the same if I were him. I wouldn't want anyone near my wife. Especially one as beautiful as you."

She smiled. "You're a tease. Although, I would have preferred it if that was his reason. He didn't want me to come because he does not want to be alone with the children for a long time."

He grinned. "That's typical of him."

"He realized it was important for me to come so he had no choice but to agree."

"What did you tell him?"

She winked but didn't say a word.

"In order to get him to allow you to visit me at Karidang, you reminded him daily of the fact that I am your favourite cousin. And that you needed to be sure the future king of Eritonia was faring well. I really want to know how you blackmailed or should I say, sweet-talked him this time."

Her eyes misted and Dovian stopped smiling.

"I didn't mean to hurt you. I was only joking around."

"I understand, Dovian. I got him to agree by telling him this might be the last time I'll see you. I saw the letter and I could see the many unspoken words. No one knows his plan and for him to mention the fact that..." She paused. "It's not true, right?"

"What are you talking about?"

"The letter. King Lenuti accused your father of murdering his family before mentioning that it was only right for him to send his son to end the feud between the two nations."

"Father didn't murder his family. He was framed by someone else."

Her gaze softened. "I knew it. I was telling Jonas it couldn't be true but he just yawned and told me he was going to bed."

He laughed. "I've always liked Jonas. He has a special way of calming your wild ideas."

"No, that's not the word. He has a special way of infuriating me." She smiled.

"Seriously, I'm glad you came."

"So am I."

She walked around the room and picked up a flower vase. She carefully ran her hands over it as she stared into space.

"You know, I was wondering." She said after some time. "Is there a woman in your life?"

"Georgette. You're the only one I know who asks me this kind of question."

Her face brightened. "That's good to know. Now tell me, is there a woman in your life?"

"No."

She creased her brows. "Really?"

"Not in the way you think."

She dropped the vase. "I knew it. Dovian has been finally caught in the love web."

"It's not what you think, Georgette."

"Then explain it to me so I won't misunderstand you."

"There's someone I..." He cleared his throat and Georgette raised her brow as she patiently waited for him to continue.

"Can we not do this?" He asked.

"We have to."

He blew out a breath. "There's a lady I'm attached to but she's married. Funny thing is, if there's anything I can do to make her happy – in her marriage – I'll do it in an instant."

She shook her head. "This is worse than I thought."

Dovian's face reddened and Georgette almost broke into laughter.

"Don't get me wrong." She continued. "It's a beautiful thing that you want her to be happy with her husband. I'm just concerned for you. It looks to me like you're not being sincere with yourself."

"Are we really having this conversation?"

"No, we're not. We're only dancing at your wedding ceremony."

He smiled. "That's unfair."

"At least it made you smile."

"I don't know what you want me to do, Georgette. I can't allow myself to be bothered about these things."

"I'm surprised King George allowed you to stay unmarried for this long. You're one of the few crown princes who are still unmarried after their twenty-fifth birthday. And I feel you'll remain this way even after coming back from Aragududu." She blinked back tears.

He gazed at her softly. "That is, if I come back, right?"

She sniffed. "Let's not dwell on what-ifs. You are coming back. Now that I've set my eyes on you, I can't believe any other thing."

"Yes, your highness."

She smacked him playfully. "I've not had someone call me that in a long time. Sometimes, I forget I'm a princess."

"Lacking the consciousness of your royal estate does not change who you are. You are the granddaughter of the former king of Eritonia. Never forget that even when you're stressing Jonas."

She gasped. "I can't believe you're taking his side. I'm one of the gentlest women that ever existed."

He gave an exaggerated bow. "It is impossible for you to tell a lie, your highness."

"If I wasn't a married woman, I would have your hide right now."

He chuckled. "It's good you're married then. Since it will help my cause, I want you to remember you're the mother of three healthy boys."

She fanned her cheeks with her hand. "I'm glad there's no one witnessing this conversation. This is so embarrassing."

He smiled.

"Wipe that smirk off your face this instant."

"I'm not smirking, your highness. I'm only smiling." He bared his teeth. "You see what I mean?"

"If it will make you feel better, I'm the epitome of decorum whenever I have company."

"I guess Jonas and I just have a way of bringing out the beast in you."

She smiled. "You can add the children to that list."

# CHAPTER 11

Araye hastily closed the door against the cold. She breathed into her palms and rubbed them together. The sudden drop in the temperature made her glad she had taken the initiative to pay Simbi a visit instead of waiting for her to show up. Simbi would never venture out in the cold and that would have meant a loss of meaningful conversation for Araye. She had felt a twinge of sadness when Simbi confirmed her suspicions. King George had indeed sought Simbi's hand in marriage for Prince Dovian. The rumour that the king was secretly searching for maidens for the crown prince turned out to be true. She bumped into Tritoan and nearly tripped. Her surprise at seeing him at home must have shown on her face because his smile grew strained.

"We need to talk." He said crisply.

She took several steps away from him and would have gone further if her back was not already against the door. She swallowed. "We have nothing to talk about."

"This is not about us. The prince and I are leaving for Aragududu tomorrow. I wanted you to know about it."

"Why is he going to Aragududu?"

Tritoan frowned. The fact that his wife cared more for the prince didn't elude him.

"King Lenuti sort of summoned him. He said he was going to end the feud between the two nations if King George would allow the crown prince to come to Aragududu."

"How did you know about the letter?" She pursed her lips. "Of course you'll know."

"Think whatever you want. I only wanted to inform you."

"I can't believe Prince Dovian is allowing you to go with him. How are we sure this is not another one of your... your plans?"

"I'm surprised you didn't use the word evil plans."

"I was going to before I changed my mind."

"Truthfully, there's no way you can know. You'll just have to hope King Lenuti and I are not planning on getting rid of the prince."

"There's no use hoping. You already tried to get rid of him once."

"When?"

"Ralis water."

"Ha. That. I wasn't planning on getting rid of him. The intention was to make him develop sores."

She gasped.

"There's no need to be shocked. I have nothing else to hide from you. I wanted a bit of dissension between Eritonia and Iryan. It would have taken attention off King Lenuti and me. King George and the prince were bound to suspect me and I wanted to delay that for as long as I could."

"Are you even listening to yourself?" She cried. "He could have been paralysed or he could have died."

"Well, he could have if I hadn't watered down the ralis. The paralysis or death of the crown prince would have been highly investigated and sooner or later, one or two evidence would have led back to me. And I seriously couldn't afford that." He clasped his hands behind him. "If you want me to always be honest with you, you'll have to learn to listen without reacting. And, I fail to understand why it's getting you worked up. Even the prince was not this shocked when I told him all about it."

She blinked. "I...I...what are you trying to say?"

"Exactly what I said."

Disbelief masked her face. "How could you possibly do these things to us? How?"

"I have no excuse. Neither do I have an explanation that will satisfy you."

"I wish I didn't marry you."

He flinched.

"I regret the day I met you." She continued. "I wish you never came to Eritonia."

His face grew expressionless.

"I regret the fact that we're having a child. I wish I don't ever have to set my eyes on you. I wish you'll just disappear and leave us all alone. Go to Aragududu and leave Eritonia alone. Leave us alone!"

"I'm afraid that's too late." He replied calmly.

"What?"

"I intend on following the prince to Aragududu, and if I follow him, I will have to return with him."

"Then, I'll go with you."

His brows rose.

"I believe King Lenuti will be glad to meet the wife of his crown prince. I'm surprised he hasn't summoned me."

"Hmm."

"I'll ask the prince or even the king if I have to."

"You won't need to do that. You're my wife and it won't be abnormal for you to follow me. In fact, I think it will be perfect considering the things I have in mind."

He walked away without waiting for her response. Araye stared after him with uncertainty. Should she warn the prince or take actions as she deems fit?

***

The next morning dawned with eerie stillness. Araye dumped a few necessities into the carriage — which was apart from the luggage Tritoan had hauled for her. She climbed in without help and stared out stiffly. Tritoan joined her and the silence seemed to thicken. The horses trotted towards the palace where they were to meet the prince. Tritoan had managed to send a missive to him a night before, informing him of Araye's decision to follow them. She might not have realized it but that decision had done a lot to their plans. They had initially planned on travelling on horseback but they had to opt for carriages — except for the knights following them, Sertes, and the rest of Tritoan's men who felt more comfortable on horseback. The prince had been more than gracious in his reply, leaving Tritoan a mite confused. He buried his head in his hands as he mulled over the words Araye had said to him. He might not admit it to her but her words had pierced right through him. Hearing she wished she had never met him had seemed extremely painful until she said she regretted the fact that they were expecting a child. The carriage stopped just outside the palace's gate and Tritoan peeped out. Araye watched as he got down and walked over to the prince. Prince Dovian's eyes briefly met hers and he gave her an almost invisible nod. Heat spread across her as she remembered the last conversation they had. She briefly wondered how awkward it must be for him to see the woman he loves with another man — the man she couldn't find it in herself to trust. Tritoan returned and the journey to Aragududu started. They travelled for several hours and Araye thought her bladder would burst open by the time the carriages slowed down. She rushed out the moment they stopped and technically ran to the woods. By the time she returned, she found Dovian watching her with concern and Tritoan's face was as red as it could get. Even her maidservant blushed as their gaze met. She understood Tritoan's embarrassment at not realizing she had been pressed. But, they currently didn't have the kind of relationship where she could explain how frequently some pregnant women urinated. A knock on the carriage got their attention. Tritoan opened the door and Dovian's smiling face came into view.

"We'll take a short rest every two hours." He glanced briefly at Araye. "Except for hard riding, Aragududu is more than a day's journey. Getting there in the morning or evening makes no difference to me as long as the lady is comfortable."

Tritoan murmured his thanks and the carriage resumed movement several moments later.

"Araye."

She looked up.

"Do you wish to be with the prince?"

"What nonsense are you talking—"

"Carefully think about it and give me a reply. It must be the truth or don't bother answering."

She looked away as she couldn't bear him seeing the thoughts her eyes were obviously reflecting. His question had caught her off-guard and if she was being sincere, she wished to be with the prince. She had been given the chance of being with Prince Dovian but forfeited it because she loved Tritoan. Her eyes filled with tears. And here he was, asking her such–such useless question. Anger rose within her, filling her mind with words a dead man would run from. She shook her head as she decided that saying hurtful words wouldn't do. If they had to be in close proximity until the next evening, she might as well make it bearable.

She sighed. "I don't want to talk about it. I declined his proposal because I loved you. At the time, I couldn't bear the thought of not being with you."

"Loved?"

She remembered Dovian comparing his steadfast love to her own wavering love and she inwardly flinched. What must he think of her now?

Tritoan took in a breath. "I betrayed you. I guess it is only normal that you get rid of any kind of affection you might have had for me."

Weariness spread through her and her heart filled with fresh hurt. She slowly ran her gaze over his face, remembering the many times she'd placed a kiss on his forehead.

"This is the first time you've truly looked at me since you left home."

She smiled. Home indeed! In a flash, she remembered telling Dovian she was tired of trying to be good and discovered she really meant it. She wanted to be free. The unfortunate thing was, she didn't know what true freedom felt like. Or if she would like it.

"Tritoan." She drawled. "Do you know why I was disappointed? Why I gave up on ' _us_ '?"

"Because I betrayed you."

She wrinkled her nose. "Not really."

"Because I acted dishonourably towards Eritonia."

"No. No. I've told you before. It was because you trampled on my love for you." She shook her head as Tritoan opened his mouth. "Wait, let me finish. Hearing you tell your men you got married to me for the secret was like telling me you didn't want me. Hiding the fact that you're a crown prince made me feel I wasn't good enough for you. If you thought I was good enough, you would have trusted me."

The carriage entered a pothole, throwing Araye from her seat. Tritoan held her until the carriage got settled and she gently pushed away from him.

"Thank you." She murmured.

He nodded. "Please continue."

"I thought I was angry because of your betrayal but now that I think about it, I was angry because of its implication. Your betrayal implied that our marriage and Eritonia amounts to nothing in your eyes. In summary, you used me — or planned to. Either one of the two means the same thing to me. And that is something I cannot forgive. I can't forgive it because I loved and trusted you."

"I'm sorry I made you feel that way. I don't know what to say."

She smiled acidly. "Good. So now you'll understand why I'm finding it difficult to have a civil conversation with you."

"If it'll make you feel better, I'll ride with one of the men."

"And have them wonder why you left your pregnant wife alone in the carriage?"

"It's better than —"

"Leave it alone. I don't think King Lenuti will like it if Sertes reports that Prince Tritoan and his wife are not getting along. Monarchs are expected to lead by example."

Tritoan frowned as his suspicions grew. He had not expected Araye to act in such a thoughtful manner. He had been bracing himself for another outburst. He watched her beneath lowered lids and saw that she had switched her attention to embroidery.

***

The rest of the journey passed without further ado and they arrived at Aragududu the following evening. A procession of noblemen welcomed them and Araye managed to keep a smile plastered on her face as they were ushered into King Lenuti's grand-hall. The grand-hall was so superbly lit Araye would have thought it was day if she hadn't seen the moon amidst the dark sky. King Lenuti rose from his golden throne which sparkled as much as his beautiful robe. The sheer beauty of it all rendered her breathless. The king pulled Prince Dovian into an embrace and Araye momentarily doubted the truth in everything she'd heard about him. He moved on to Tritoan and one could sense a bond that ran deep between them. When he stood before her, she froze. She seemed to drown in his glassy dark eyes. Something in them tugged at her heart and she desperately resisted it. He smiled at her and threw a knowing glance at Tritoan. When he finally returned to his throne, Araye found that she was able to breathe again.

"I felt the same way the first time I saw him." Tritoan whispered.

Araye replaced the metallic smile on her face with a less enthusiastic one. "I see." She muttered under her breath.

"Don't try to fight it. Just play along. It wouldn't do for him to sense resistance from you. After all, you're supposed to be my wife."

Her smile froze. "Yes, my highly exalted husband."

He blew out a breath. "No sarcasm tonight, please. I need to stay alert."

A question directed at Tritoan cut off the reply she had in mind and she boiled with the unspoken words burning in her mind. Was he seriously calling her a distraction? She pulled her attention away from her thoughts and focused on her surroundings. Prince Dovian was involved in an animated discussion with the king and Tritoan was equally engaged by one of the noblemen. She smiled at everyone who met her gaze while wondering what she was expected to do until they're dismissed. Apart from the fact that her body ached from having to sit for so long, she badly needed to sleep. Her unspoken thoughts must have been heard because King Lenuti dismissed them after requesting their presence at his dining hall the next morning. They were led to a private part of the palace and she and Tritoan were given a room across from Prince Dovian's. Her breath caught when she stepped into what King Lenuti had called a modest room. It was anything but modest. It was superbly extravagant. Her fingers tingled when she brushed it against the silk curtain.

"Oh my!" She gasped. "This is beyond words." She stared at Tritoan. "Was your grandfather truly the rightful heir to the throne?"

"Yes."

She sighed. "I can see how tempting all this is. It would take a man with extra strength to resist all this. Imagine being the ruler of this land."

"I know."

She frowned. "Do you think Eritonia can be this beautiful?"

He laughed and Araye discovered she had forgotten how it sounded like. He had not laughed around her in a while. "Aragududu's beauty and treasures cannot compare with that of Eritonia. People of Aragududu envy Eritonians."

"Really?"

He lowered his voice. "Yes. Eritonia have rulers that truly care about her. Rulers who are wise and fair. Rulers who are accessible to their people. Rulers who give more than they take. Aragududu cannot boast of the same."

"I feel uncomfortable hearing this from you, seeing you're the crown prince and all. Shouldn't you, at least, give your loyalty to this land?"

"I wanted to. And the price I paid was great. I'm not doing it anymore."

"I don't understand you. You told me you had this innate desire to rule Aragududu."

"Of course I have the desire. I am a son of Aragududu whether I like it or not, and something about this place calls to me. It's just that, I've decided it's not worth it."

"You're making my mind foggy with your words. What's happening?"

He blew out a breath. "Forget I said anything. I have to see Prince Dovian. Tomorrow will be a very long day and you'll need your strength. Rest well and have a good night."

He closed – no – slammed the door behind him and she flinched. She paced the floor as she mulled over his words in her mind. She dropped her hands in frustration and finally decided on a course of action. She will invite herself to the meeting – some might call it eavesdropping, but that was not the truth. It was only a way of arming herself with the necessary information. And come to think of it, Tritoan might have lied about the meeting. She smiled. She was only doing them all a favour by carrying out the investigation. She picked Tritoan's cloak and wore it over her gown. She mentally scanned through her luggage for something that could serve as a good cover for her hair.

"Ha." She murmured as the perfect option presented itself.

***

Araye peeped out of her room and was glad to see that Dovian's door was unguarded. In her attempt to disguise herself, she had painted her face with kohl, making her look hideous and suspicious. Her appearance would raise more suspicion than covering her hair with a, her cheeks reddened. It was better not to think about it. She pushed the door open and peeped. Again, the room was empty. Her eyes darted to the double-drawn curtain which was obviously meant as a demarcation and she grinned. She heard low voices from the other side of the curtain as she approached. She could lie between the curtains and if the room was just like theirs, the left side was where the bed was. And that was exactly where she laid.

"I am not telling you this as the crown prince of Aragududu. I'm telling you this as a man whose entire life has been spent in Eritonia. You have to send a message to General Williams. Let him mobilize the army. In that way, we'll be ready for any surprise King Lenuti might spring."

Dovian tapped his finger against the table.

"King Lenuti has not sent me any message since I got here. I'm afraid Sertes might have gotten a wind of my betrayal and reported it to him."

"If that's true, then it's for the best. I wouldn't feel comfortable having you report his plans directly to me."

"But, your highness —"

"I can't send a message to General Williams. There is still a spy in the palace and we don't know who it is."

"Like I told you, King Lenuti does not inform me of all his plans. He only tells me what he considers important. But, I know a way we can draw out the spy."

"How?"

"Let the king call for everyone in the palace and let him announce that a spy of King Lenuti has been caught. Let him stress the fact that the spy has confessed to the fact that there's another spy in the palace. Then, he should inform them that even if it would take him to mutilate the spy, he will find out who the other spy is. He should also get a trusted servant who can act as the spy that was caught and the servant should be kept in prison. The person who sneaks in to see him will be the spy you've been looking for. And if the spy is weak-minded, he or she will take a flight before the day runs out."

Dovian clapped. "That's impressive. I'll send a message to Father." He picked up a quill and paper and signalled to one of the knights. "Lester, I need you to deliver a message to Father. I don't know when we'll return to Eritonia but make sure he gets this latest by noon tomorrow."

"Yes, your highness."

He folded the paper. "Take the fastest horse and take care of yourself."

"Yes, your highness."

"And don't bother coming back. Take the week off. I heard you've not been spending time with your mother."

Lester's voice quivered. "Thank you, your highness." He bowed and stumbled when he got to the curtain.

"Aw. That hurts."

Every man in the room drew out their sword as they approached the lone figure. Tritoan's brow twitched with suspicion.

"Araye?" He called.

She glared at him and he sighed.

"What did you use on your face? And why did you cover your hair with a —" He frowned. "Were you eavesdropping?"

She quietly met the gaze of every man in the room and her heart sank. Even Prince Dovian didn't look happy to see her. She swallowed.

"He asked you a question, Araye." Dovian enunciated.

"No...uh...not really. I just wanted to be sure Tritoan was not about to bet..."Her voice trailed off at the look on Tritoan's face. No, not that. The look on Dovian's face. Well, maybe both. They looked disappointed and annoyed. But, she had done nothing wrong. She was only trying to know the truth.

"Casper." Dovian called.

"Yes, your highness."

"Escort the lady back to her room and make sure she stays there."

She lifted her chin despite her embarrassment and walked out, but not before hearing Tritoan say, "What about General Williams?"

# CHAPTER 12

Araye glared sheepishly at Casper who seemed to be oblivious of her. It felt like hours since she returned from Dovian's room yet Tritoan was yet to return. Curiosity burned within her, making it hard for her to sit still. Casper had given her monosyllabic answers every time she tried to start a conversation with him. And that had been more frustrating than knowing there were several things going on which she knew nothing of. She stood from her seat and paced the room. She sharply turned towards the door when it creaked open. Her mind burned with several questions she couldn't ask – not with Casper present.

"Thank you, Casper." Tritoan said.

"It's nothing. I was only doing my duty."

Casper bowed. "My lady.

She curtsied and watched as he took his leave.

"What were you doing eavesdropping? You shouldn't have done that. Apart from the fact that it's a dent on your character, I didn't — and I still don't like the fact that you didn't believe me. You might accuse me of many things but lying is not one of them."

She snorted.

"Have I ever lied to you?" He asked.

"Yes."

"When?"

"Ralis water."

"This ralis water is starting to get on my nerves." He muttered under his breath.

"Are you talking to me?"

"See, I truly wanted to use it to get rid of the wolves. I thought about using it on the prince several days after you told me you'll ask Drella for help."

"That does not change anything. Lying and intentional omission of vital facts, or deception as the case may be amounts to the same thing."

He shrugged out of his coat. "Maybe it does. But that does not excuse what you did today. In case you didn't know, spying on an important meeting such as that is punishable by imprisonment."

Her face coloured. "I wasn't spying. I only wanted to know. I was just curious. And I didn't think it was that important."

"Well, it was. A matter of life and death for every one of us."

She bit her lips. "Do you think the prince can forgive me?"

"I don't know. But I think you have nothing to worry about. It doesn't seem like he is going to take it up."

She released a breath. "That's a relief."

"You have to know that our success depends on our ability to work together. I'm not asking you to trust me but you have to be able to trust the fact that as long as we're in this place, I'll always tell you what you need to know."

"Listen to yourself, Tritoan. We're in Aragududu and you are the crown prince. King Lenuti hates King George and he's doing all he can to bring down Eritonia. How do you expect me – us – to trust you?"

Tritoan walked over to Araye and shook her.

"Listen to me, woman. And listen carefully. Your survival – including that of Prince Dovian and his men – depends on me. Stop being biased and see what is right in front of you. King Lenuti will kill Prince Dovian if we fail to show him proof that his wife and son were not murdered by King George."

She frowned. "What are you talking about?"

"Was I not plain enough?"

"It doesn't make sense. Does Prince Dovian know about this?"

"Yes. And believe me when I say it makes all the sense in the world to him."

"Why are we still here then?"

He dropped his hands and stepped back. "Stop thinking like one of those women who know nothing about – life."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound childish."

"We're still here because the honour of King George demands it. The prince can't escape like a fugitive when he's done nothing wrong."

"How will you get the proof?"

"I'm planning on seeing a few men tonight."

"Won't it be better for Prince Dovian to send his men?" She reddened. "I didn't mean to imply that you cannot be trusted."

"Even if that is what you meant, it makes no difference. I tend to do a thorough job when I'm on an assignment. The only difference between then and now is the side I'm on."

"But still, you're the crown prince of Aragududu."

"That only makes it easier. Prince Dovian told me of some men who have been following this matter for a long time. They've discovered a number of things which I find quite interesting but they've not found any solid evidence. I plan on rectifying that."

Tritoan rummaged through his clothes and brought out a hood Araye didn't even know he owned. He wore it and strapped on his sword.

"Don't you think you should take some of the knights?"

He smiled. "I'm flattered to know you're worried about me but I intend on working with the men the prince talked about. I'll be back soon."

***

Morning dawned with no traces of Tritoan and Araye's body ached as she sluggishly got out of bed. She went through the routine of cleaning up and finally decided on wearing the beige gown Tritoan had gifted her when he came back from one of his many travels. A sinking feeling settled in her stomach and she couldn't decide if it was the thought of seeing King Lenuti or having to explain why her husband decided to decline the king's invitation. Her maidservant came in and flushed brightly when she saw her dressed.

"My lady, I didn't know you're awake."

"It's fine. I should have called you but I didn't feel like it."

"My lady?"

"Seriously, it's fine. Is there any message for me?"

She blushed slightly.

"I see I have a message. From Prince Dovian, right?"

Her blush grew deeper. "Yes, my lady. He said he wanted to tour the grounds so you will have to go ahead of him to the dining hall. He said he will meet you there."

"Didn't he think I'll need an escort?"

"He said Lord Casper will escort you. And you're to be ready before he comes because he tends to be..."

A knock on the door cut her short and Araye's heart dropped when she saw that it was Casper. He bowed and she had barely curtsied when he offered her his hand. She slipped her finger into the hollow of his arm and followed him. She kept her gaze on the floor but that didn't stop her from noticing the little things she had not paid attention to the night before. Like the way the hallway seemed to reflect light. Or the delicate way the stones of the walls had been arranged. Her breath caught when they entered the dining hall. She thought she had been prepared for what she would see but she had not. Goblets of different colours were arranged on the tables and the goblets themselves looked transparent. The chairs were covered with jewels; some were familiar to Araye, others were not. Casper pulled out a chair for her before taking his seat at the far end of the table. She swallowed her protest at being left alone when Prince Dovian and the rest of his men entered the hall. The prince looked different, far more different than any of the times Araye had set her eyes on him. She couldn't explain it but if majesty was a robe, he seemed to be wearing it. He gave her a customary bow before taking the seat on her left. His men filled out the seats from where Casper sat, leaving a seat to her right. Sertes and the rest of Tritoan's men soon entered and they filled the other end of the table. If anyone noticed Tritoan's absence, they didn't mention it and that knowledge made Araye uncomfortable. King Lenuti came in shortly after and they all rose. His eyes swept over them and rested briefly on Araye. He motioned for them to sit and signalled for the food to be brought in. Araye's stomach grumbled loudly, making Prince Dovian stare at her with a partially concealed grin. They were halfway into their food when King Lenuti spoke.

"I must say I'm curious as to why Lord Courtney decided to miss a meal as delicious as this." He raised his brow at Araye. "Even if he is not hungry, he should have honoured my invitation."

Araye's hands trembled. Her mind muddled with words and she ended up stammering. Prince Dovian squeezed her hand before turning his gaze to the king.

"Your highness, Lord Courtney is not to be blamed. I am."

King Lenuti's eyes flashed. "I do not understand."

"Something urgent came up and he had to attend to it. I wouldn't have sent him if there was someone as capable as him. Please forgive me."

King Lenuti smiled stiffly. "There is nothing to forgive. He is your subject and he is under your rule. Whatever you do is right."

"You are most gracious, your highness."

Everyone resumed eating and Araye breathed a sigh of relief. Her mind wandered to Tritoan and what he might be doing. She would have been more worried if she knew Tritoan had almost blown his cover when he went searching for the assassin who had been employed to kill King Lenuti's wife and son. The men carried on small talks as they ate and it kept Araye's wandering mind in check. She got so engrossed in their discussion she felt a little disappointed when they started wiping their mouths. She should have known they would finish eating sooner or later.

"Thank you for a wonderful meal, your highness." Dovian said.

King Lenuti grinned. "I'm glad you liked it. I specifically ordered for the best."

"It's really the best."

"I wish breakfast can go on forever because its ending only means the beginning of business."

Dovian stared at him.

"I see you don't understand my words, my prince. What I'm trying to say is, we have to talk about the reason you're here. It's so unfortunate Tritoan is absent. It would have hastened things. I have so many things to say to you and I believe you don't want your men to hear them."

Dovian smiled. "Don't worry about me, your highness. As long as you don't have a problem with it, they can stay."

King Lenuti held Dovian's gaze for several moments after which he broke into a grin. "They can stay then."

"You're most gracious."

Araye frowned–inwardly–because she didn't understand why Dovian thought King Lenuti was most gracious. He was not someone to say things he didn't mean or she would have thought he was flattering him.

"As a ruler, you know there are consequences to every action. Or am I wrong?"

Dovian grew still. "No, you're not."

"Now, don't get me wrong. I was going to let it all go but the noblemen of Aragududu wouldn't hear of it."

Araye tuned out the king's next words as anger steadily rose within her. She had seen all sorts of things but not a king who lies. And the most annoying part was, it was too obvious. She took deep breaths and refocused her attention on the conversation. Getting angry would get her nowhere. In fact, it was useless.

"...and the murderer's offence is a very grave one. He didn't only insult the throne of Aragududu, he insulted every family in this land."

Araye spared a side glance at Prince Dovian and saw that his hand was tightly clenched even though his expression was as calm as ever.

"Your highness." He said. "You're correct to say that murdering the crown princess and the prince of Aragududu is a very grave offence. What I fail to understand is why you waited this long to punish the crime? And not only that, I've been hearing rumours of your son's return. Is there any truth in it?"

King Lenuti quietly observed him as he pondered on the answer to give. Tension radiated all over the room and Araye started feeling the urge to urinate. The urge grew as the tension grew and by the time King Lenuti cleared his throat, she was sure her face was as red as it could get.

"Why do you think I waited this long?" King Lenuti picked a goblet and vacantly stared at its contents. "There's a way wine tastes better with time and revenge is the same. If you give bitterness, anger and hatred enough time, they will foster into something much more different than what you started with. Something darker and more propelling than the initial emotions."

Araye shifted in her seat as her lower belly burned. She took a glance at the door and a drop of urine escaped. She gripped the table and decided to keep her thoughts on the danger lurking around them.

"Tell me, Prince Dovian, what do you think should be the punishment of the person who committed such a grave offence?"

"The just punishment would be death by hanging." He replied without blinking.

King Lenuti raised his brow. "I'm impressed you can say something like that while fully knowing your father is at fault."

Several men gasped around the table. Dovian unconsciously turned his gaze to Araye and was surprised when he saw her. The smile she kept on her face was wobbly and she obviously didn't feel well. She tried grinning at him but it turned into a pained look.

"Are you alright?"

"No. Uh...I...feel terrible."

"What's wrong?"

"Remember when we were coming?"

Realization dawned on him and he smiled. Araye would have been embarrassed if she wasn't feeling so uncomfortable.

He returned his gaze to King Lenuti. "Your highness, I realize this is a very touchy subject. I want to suggest that we discuss it privately."

"I thought you said..." He stopped. "When do you suggest?"

"This evening."

"I can only agree to that if Tritoan will be available. If he isn't, I'll no longer negotiate with you. And a war won't be avoidable by then."

"I understand."

Araye managed to curtsey before walking out of the hall as fast as she could. She left the men behind and the minute she got out of sight, she raced to the bathroom.

***

She fidgeted as the sun gradually took its place behind the clouds. Prince Dovian had left a message telling Tritoan to join them as soon as he can before leaving for the meeting. It was already an hour since he left and Tritoan was yet to be back. Hurried footsteps echoed in the hallway, followed by a rapid knock on the door. Araye opened the door and almost wept in relief when she saw Tritoan's smiling face. She gave him a summary of what had happened, excluding the trick her bladder played on her, as he cleaned up. By the time he was done dressing, she was almost choking with memories of the intimate times they've had together.

"I hate to leave you here but I have to join the meeting."

"I know. I'm surprised Prince Dovian could convince him after what he said. I thought King Lenuti would refuse."

"Prince Dovian is more intelligent than most people think."

She smiled. "And so are you."

His gaze softened. He pulled her close and gently placed a kiss on her forehead. She leaned into him before remembering she was supposed to be angry at him.

"I want you to come with me."

"What...what?" She stepped back. "It's a private meeting."

"One I want you to witness. Believe me; you don't want to miss it."

"I don't know. Won't the prince get angry or something?"

"He'll understand."

"Okay. Uh...Is my dress okay or do you think I should —"

He grinned. "No. You look beautiful as always. Shall we?"

She deftly hid a grin. "We shall."

Placing her hand in the crook of Tritoan's arm reminded her of the many walks they took while courting. Emotion clogged her throat and her heart throbbed. Another memory floated in her mind and it left her feeling shaken. Remembering the night Prince Dovian came looking for her in the cave shouldn't have affected her in such a way. A tear slipped down her face and she quickly wiped it. If she could go back in time, she would surely do things differently. Tritoan didn't seem to notice her struggles as he smiled at her before giving a code signal to a man she felt she had seen before. He led her into a room that looked like a study and they met King Lenuti and Prince Dovian in a heated discussion. King Lenuti insisted on making King George pay for his action. The only allowance he gave Prince Dovian was to choose between a full-fledged war, Eritonia becoming a province of Aragududu, or the resignation of King George with a public admittance of the role he played in the death of his wife and son. Tritoan had been right. She wouldn't – no – nobody would want to miss a meeting like this. King Lenuti was yet to notice them and Tritoan did nothing to make him do so. Prince Dovian looked their way and stood.

"Lord Courtney, I can't tell you how glad I am to see you. King Lenuti and I were just discussing the future of Eritonia. Was your journey successful?"

"Yes, your highness. But not without some complications."

"Complications?"

"Yes. I've taken care of some. Others will just have to be avoided."

"We'll talk about them later. Should I assume that you've found what we need?"

"Yes, your highness."

Dovian smiled. "Good."

Tritoan walked up to King Lenuti who had now risen. The king gripped him tightly on the shoulder before turning to Prince Dovian. "I have something to tell you."

"Before that, my king." Tritoan swallowed. "I have something to tell you."

King Lenuti moved his jaw. "Son, you can always tell me some other time. As royalty, you have to know that it's not proper to cut a king short."

"Forgive me, your highness. It's highly important."

"Alright. Go on."

"I'm renouncing my position as the crown prince."

Araye gasped and King Lenuti stared at him with wide eyes.

"Your highness has been kind in choosing me but I can't do it."

King Lenuti narrowed his eyes. "Does this have anything to do with the rumour of my son's return? Because if it does, I want you to know I started it. And it's only for a political reason."

"No, it does not."

He eyed Prince Dovian. "It has to do with him then. He has managed to sway you."

"No, your highness. I've chosen to live within my estate and not to bite the finger that fed me."

"What about me? Haven't I fed you? I trusted you and chose you as my successor. And the best way you could repay me was to collide with the very people who —"

"Your highness, that was why I decided to find out the truth. King George was not the one who murdered your wife and son. Your father-in-law did."

King Lenuti's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Do you know what you're saying?"

"The assassin who was hired by Lord Faulkner is currently outside with some of the men who worked with me. You can question him when —"

"Bring him in." King Lenuti ordered.

The door opened and three men dragged in a bulky man. His hands were tied to his back and when he raised his head, King Lenuti's eyes widened.

"You?"

The king's legs gave way as he crashed on the floor. Tritoan and Dovian ran to him and helped him to a chair.

"Your highness." Tritoan whispered.

He raised his hand feebly. "Please, bring me some wine."

"Yes, your highness."

He held a goblet to the king's lips and didn't take it away until he drank more than half.

"Bring that villain close to me."

"Yes, your highness."

The man bent his head under King Lenuti's intense gaze.

"You, look up." King Lenuti beckoned to Tritoan after seeing the man's face again. "Give me the goblet. I need more wine"

"Yes, your highness."

"Your highness." The man whimpered.

"Shut up." King Lenuti bristled. "I made you a member of my household and you murdered my wife and son? You even had the guts to witness against my best-friend. How dare you, Krautus?"

"Forgive me, your highness."

"His name is not Krautus." Tritoan said.

King Lenuti laughed dryly. "Of course. What was I thinking? He couldn't have used his real name. What is his name?"

"Fergus."

King Lenuti pointed at Tritoan. "Fergus, I really want to believe he is wrong. Hidden behind these walls are men who wouldn't blink an eye before drawing their sword. And not only that, every servant in this room has been trained as warriors from birth. So you have nothing to fear if you say the truth. I'll save and help you if you won't lie. Were you the one who killed Rosalyn and Guston, or did any of these men force you to pretend like you did?"

"Your highness —"

King Lenuti held up a hand. "Let him talk, Tritoan."

"I was forced." The man said in a strangled voice.

Disappointment flashed through Dovian and one of the men tightened his grip on the man's shoulder, making him wince in pain.

"Fergus, do you know what I hate more than the person who murdered my family?"

"No, your highness."

"Those who lie to me." King Lenuti turned his face. "Guards, take this man away and do not give him rest until he confesses the truth."

Araye's mouth dropped open as she had not envisioned the sudden turn of events. King Lenuti was definitely not a man whose thoughts could be deduced from his expressions.

King Lenuti sighed. "I might believe the fact that King George didn't murder Rosalyn –" His voice caught. "But some people in Aragududu will not. I won't be surprised if their spies have gone ahead to report all that happened." He stared at Dovian. "Tritoan understands these things and he will explain them to you. Leave while you can. I'll give you some trusted men who can go with you."

"Thank you, your highness. But I'll have to decline your offer."

"No, I insist. It's the least I can do for your father. I've erred against him and I feel so ashamed. You must leave tonight."

"I appreciate your kindness."

"Tritoan, you know you can always change your mind."

"I don't think I will. I'll be a puppet in the hands of noblemen if I give in now."

King Lenuti nodded in understanding and watched as they left. Nobody said a word until they got to the hallway leading to their rooms. And even then, Tritoan cautioned everyone to keep quiet until they get outside the palace walls. Araye hurriedly packed her clothes and couldn't decide between being pleased and annoyed when she discovered Tritoan had sent her maidservant along with some others to the port. Tritoan grabbed her luggage and hurled it to the passage where Prince Dovian and his men were already waiting for them. Tritoan led them out of the palace through the servants' quarters and led them to the stable. The stableman on duty was one of Tritoan's trusted men so he quickly led Araye to the carriage that brought them. Araye was sitting in the comfort of the darkness when the carriage's door flew open.

"We decided that it will be safer if we all ride on horseback."

"Is it safe for a pregnant woman?"

Tritoan swallowed. "It should be."

Tears clouded her eyes. "I don't like this. What exactly is going on? After all, King Lenuti already believes you."

"Didn't you hear what he said? There are others who want the downfall of Eritonia. And they've been the one fuelling his hatred. They were comfortable with being in the background as long as King Lenuti's desire to get even with King George stays alive. Now that he knows the truth, they'll take matters into their own hands."

"Why can't King Lenuti get rid of them? Are they not his people?"

Tritoan pulled her out of the carriage. "He can't, because, they are the backbone of his rule. They have four points out of every ten points that should naturally belong to a king."

"How can they have so much pow—"

He carried her and placed her on a horse. "This is Aragududu, not Eritonia."

She scoffed. "This kingdom needs a revolution."

Tritoan swung on his horse. "They sure do." He tightened his hold on the bridle. "Yah."

# CHAPTER 13

Everyone rode as fast as they could with Tritoan telling them – more like shouting to their hearing – all they needed to know. Tritoan had arranged for them to return to Eritonia by sea and Dovian had approved it. Those on their tails would expect them to return by land. Except, they were wrong. Standing few miles away from them were hundreds of horsemen who included Sertes and few of Tritoan's men. Dovian and those with him halted just in time to avoid a collision with them. Dovian trotted his horse towards Tritoan and positioned himself between him and Araye.

"I need you to deliver something to Father." He pulled out a parchment from his breast-pocket. "Tell him that it must be read in the presence of all Eritonians. Or at least, those in the capital city."

Tritoan's hands trembled. "Your highness. I can't possibly leave you here."

"You have to protect your wife and unborn child. And this message is very important. You have to guard it with your life"

"No. We will return to Eritonia together."

Sertes and the men with him drew their swords, making Dovian groan.

"Tritoan, you don't have a choice. It's a command. The rest of the men and I will create a path for you. Don't stop until you get to the sea. And board the ship as soon as you're there."

"What about you? What about others?"

"We'll meet you there."

"There's no need for me to take the message then."

Dovian placed the parchment in his hands. "I want you to have it. It's an order."

"Yes, your highness."

Dovian trotted his horse forward and raised his voice. "Men, you do not need an explanation for what is happening tonight. Draw your swords and fight for the honour of your king."

"Yes, your highness." The knights chorused.

Swords clashed as Dovian's men sort to create a path for Tritoan and Araye at Dovian's directive. Tritoan managed to disarm three of the men who had been under his command until that morning – that is if they had ever been under his command. The plot of treachery in Aragududu was a very thick one and he had been caught in its web a couple of times. King Lenuti had been the one to give him Sertes and several other men in order to aide his work in Eritonia. Now, those same men were not following his wishes. Dovian shouted for Tritoan to leave while blocking a strike. He groaned as his horse got knocked down, sending him sprawling on the floor.

"Your highness." Araye screamed.

"Leave." He shouted.

He was dealt another blow which he deflected. He stared at Tritoan who was torn between duty and desire to obey the prince.

"Tritoan." He called.

"Forgive me, your highness. I really don't want to leave." He said as he took on two men while protecting Araye at the same time.

"I... gave... you... an... order." Dovian drawled, each word corresponding with the swing of his sword.

Tritoan pulled out of the fighting zone as obedience won the fight against duty. He knocked one of Sertes men off his horse and placed Araye on it before climbing after her. He rode as fast as the horse was willing to go and didn't slow down until he got to the port. He climbed aboard and paced as he waited for the rest.

***

The moon shone brightly, making a mockery of the heaviness in the hearts of those aboard the ship. Even the captain who had been hurriedly contacted to make his ship available for royal use seemed to see the need to leave everyone alone. Tritoan kept his gaze trained on the path leading to the dock. His brows quirked as he caught sight of something. He waited in anticipation but was disappointed when nothing came forward. It had probably been his imagination. He resumed pacing and this time, his ears picked up sounds. It was a sound he was more than familiar with. Pounding hooves. Men came into view and Tritoan called for all the servants to gather around. Just like he imagined, several wounded knights were being held by others. The groaning sent most of the people on board scurrying back to land. They carried the wounded men to the ship and tended to them while Tritoan discussed with the captain if they should take the horses or leave them behind. Someone called for the prince and Tritoan's pulse quickened. He had not seen him since most of the men returned.

"Has anybody seen the prince?" Tritoan asked in a loud voice.

The knights exchanged glances and that action got on Tritoan's nerves.

"I asked a question. Where is Casper?"

"I'm here." He replied quietly.

"You were at the prince's side. What happened to him?"

"I don't know. He ordered me to leave when I got wounded."

"Do you mean nobody has seen the prince?" Tritoan raged. "Nobody at all?"

He raced down the docks and jumped on a horse. He rode at top speed as guilt washed over him. His mind flashed with memories of the times he had spent with the prince. Memories of his betrayal. Memories of the prince standing up for him before the king. Memories of the prince choosing to believe him when the truth sounded like a lie.

"The prince can't die." He cried. "He is my friend."

He reduced his speed as he neared the spot where the fight had taken place. Several bodies littered the floor and he checked to see if any of them belonged to the prince. He heard a whimper from one of the bodies and listened carefully until he confirmed where it came from. He turned the body and discovered it was one of the knights.

"Freg?"

"The...prince." He lifted his hands and pointed eastward.

"What about him?"

He coughed. "He was trying to save Hermas when he got stabbed."

Tritoan shivered. "No...no. That can't be."

"Kildron tried to take him away but those men wouldn't let him, so he stirred the horse towards that side."

"Let me get you to the ship."

"What about..." He coughed. "...Prince Dovian?"

"I'll gather the rest of the men and we'll look for him. Do you know where Hermas is?"

Freg closed his eyes. "He was killed after the prince got wounded."

Tritoan closed his eyes against his tears. Prince Dovian got wounded for a man who ended up dying. His throat bubbled. Why did he do something so stupid?

"Let's get you to a comfortable place." He said as he helped Freg up.

***

They all felt like their light had been snuffed out. The men cried unashamedly after Tritoan repeated everything Freg told him. Those who were unhurt wished they had not obeyed the prince when he told them to leave with their wounded friends and to stay in the ship with them. The nagging thought in most of their minds was that the prince saved their lives while laying down his. They didn't consider the fact that he might have known they would be overpowered even if every one of them had been present, so, he had reduced the casualty by sending them away. But, they will never know since the prince was nowhere to be found. Those who could sit upright on a horse followed Tritoan as they went in search of the prince. They got to the place where they had fought and decided that two men should stay back and check if there was anyone left alive while the others continued eastward. They journeyed for a while before they saw several dead bodies littered across the road. Tritoan lighted a torch before approaching the bodies. He didn't bother telling those with him his real intention was for them not to wrongly identify one of the bodies as Prince Dovian's. He was not ready to deal with something as shocking as his death. The first body they identified was that of Kildron and Tritoan almost swayed on his feet. His heart pounded within him as they checked the rest of the bodies. His body filled with relief when they didn't find the prince among them.

"The prince is not here." Casper noted.

"Maybe he survived and is on his way to the port." Tritoan suggested

William who has been quiet all along shook his head. "I don't think so. We would have noticed him if he did." He stared at Tritoan. "Can you recognise all of those men?"

"No. They were so many. And..." He swallowed. "I already saw those I knew among them. They are dead."

"I feared this would happen" William muttered.

"What are you suggesting?"

"I think one of them probably made away with his body." He replied.

Tritoan winced.

"What are we going to tell the king?" Casper asked.

"I don't know. We'll think about that when we set sail. But first, let's bury our brothers who died tonight. Then we'll spread out in search of the prince. If we don't find him by nightfall, we'll set sail." Tritoan closed his eyes. "That is what he would have wanted us to do.

***

Araye's eyelids grew heavy with the steady rise of the sun. She was standing in the same position she had been when the men rode out in search of the prince. Sweat trickled down her back, making her dip a cloth into a bucket of water. She wiped her face with it and her body shook with the tears she had refused to shed since she heard about what happened. Her knees gave way beneath her and she didn't seem to notice because her mind was filled with thoughts of the prince. Grief took hold of her heart as she finally realized the truth. She liked him a lot. And if she would be totally sincere with herself, she loved him. His easy smiles had etched themselves on her heart. The way his voice rumbled in his throat had become very familiar to her. She had not paid attention to the fact that she was getting attached to him because her knees had not grown weak the way they did with Tritoan, and neither had her stomach fluttered in a way she was totally familiar with. It had slipped up on her as gently as possible. He had become a part of her. And now – he was gone.

"My lady."

She wiped her tears.

"I think you should return to your cabin." The captain glanced around the deck. "The men are feeling uncomfortable seeing you this way."

She sniffed and spoke with a heavy voice. "I'm sorry. I just wanted to –" Her throat closed up. "I got overwhelmed."

The captain nodded his understanding and helped her up.

"I'll tell the cook to bring you something. You look like you need a lot of rest."

"Yes." She whispered. "I do."

"If there is anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to let me know."

"I won't. Thank you, Captain."

He bowed. "It's my pleasure. Should I escort you?"

"No." Her voice tightened. "No. I don't want to be a bother to you. I'll just take my leave."

She blinked rapidly in a bid to push back fresh tears. She returned to her cabin and went straight to the bed. A knock on the door announced the presence of the cook and the scent of freshly baked bread swirled around her nose. She smiled her thanks at the chubby woman who seemed to share her grief without saying a word. Her stomach grumbled with gratitude as she shoved down as much food as she could without choking. Tears slipped down her face. She had enjoyed all the times she had had the privilege of sharing a table with the prince. If one would exclude that of Aragududu's royal dining hall.

"Why does everything remind me of him?" She muttered angrily as her lips trembled at her effort to keep back tears. She curled on the bed and drifted to sleep but not before soaking her pillow with tears. Another knock on the door jolted her out of sleep and she was surprised when the cook came in with food. She was more surprised to discover she felt hungry when she had only eaten some few —. She frowned and glanced around her. A candle glowed steadily on the table and the cabin looked darker than the last time she remembered it.

"How long have I slept?"

"I don't know but it's been six hours since I came here with your lunch."

"Six hours?"

"Yes, my lady."

She scrambled out of bed. "Is Tritoan back?"

"I've been in the kitchen all day. But the captain has already set sail, so I reckon the man you ask of is aboard. The captain is not one to leave a fellow behind."

"Thank you. I'll enjoy the meal."

She stuffed her mouth with mashed potatoes while blushing slightly at the prospect of someone catching her in the act. She was a lady and a lady was supposed to act elegant, even while eating. She had definitely not behaved properly when she ate her lunch and certainly not now. She gradually became self-conscious and stared up to see Tritoan watching her. She jumped and something close to a smile appeared on his lips.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you. The door was partially opened and I..."He shrugged. "I enjoyed watching you eat like a –"

"A hungry bear?"

"No." His gaze softened. "A hungry child."

She dropped her gaze and continued eating.

"You've not asked about the prince?"

Her hands shook as she gently replaced the spoon on her plate. "Did you find him?"

"No. We didn't find him."

She nodded quietly and forcefully picked up the spoon. Tears rolled down her face and she sniffed loudly.

"Araye."

She swallowed and looked at him. "I knew it. I wasn't going to face it but I knew. And I miss him so much. He's been a very good friend to me and despite everything I –"

He held her hands. "Look at me. I know. He was there for you when I disappointed you and he was consistent even when you didn't understand him. He proved to be your friend even when you misunderstood him."

"How did you know?"

"He told me all about it. He wanted me to realize how fierce your love for me was. And how loyal you could be."

She sobbed. "He did that?"

"Yes. He's been a better man than I am. And I can't tell you how sorry I am that this happened to him. He..." His voice shook. "He believed me when no one else did. He gave me a chance. Today, I couldn't stop thinking of how he died. He was trying to save a man who ended up dying. At first I felt he was – stupid, but, as I thought about it, I realized it was the right thing to do. I placed myself in the position of the man he wanted to save and I couldn't help seeing how self-centred I've been."

Araye's tears flowed and she did nothing to stop it. "You know, he once told me to treat you the way he treated me. I thought he didn't understand how I felt. I thought he didn't understand the depth of my pain but now I know better. I feel so much pain in my heart but it's not because of you or what you did. It's because I..." She sniffed. "I didn't show him how important he was to me. I know I told him a couple of times but not the way I should have. I should have listened to him. I should have trusted in his love for me. And I'm sorry, Tritoan. I'm really sorry."

"I don't...I don't know what to say."

She smiled through her tears. "I know. I've decided to make him proud." She clasped Tritoan's face in her hands. "This is not easy for me but I forgive you. I wish it didn't take his death for me to see the truth. I'm willing to make things right. I'm sorry if this is not what you want to hear but, if Prince Dovian was willing to trust you, so am I."

He smiled. "It's the best news I've heard since our little one." He placed a kiss on her stomach. "I love you, Araye."

She closed her eyes as she pulled him into a tight embrace. Her mind might have decided to let things go, her heart was not feeling the same.

# CHAPTER 14

The ship glided over the ocean, bringing its occupant closer to home. Men worked quietly on the deck and none of them gave thought to the sweat glistening on their faces or the breakfast served by the cook. They all chose not to eat in honour of the prince – or so they said. Some of them were not willing to admit that their fear of the king's reaction to the prince's death, and their leaving his body behind was responsible for their lack of appetite. Several hours later, when the sun was shining at its peak, they arrived at the dock of West Eritonia. Waiting for them at the dock was a long-bearded man with several horses and carriages. Araye would have bothered to ask Tritoan how he knew the man and how he had managed to send him a message if she wasn't feeling so tired. Her night had taken longer than usual with Tritoan sleeping beside her. She had meant her words when she told him 'I forgive you' and that had made the feelings of resentment which crept up in her heart more tiring. She finally understood the reason some people chose not to forgive. Letting things go can prove to be hard work.

"Are you alright?"

She smiled reassuringly at Tritoan as he helped her into a carriage. She couldn't possibly tell him yes because she was absolutely not alright. If only the prince didn't die. He would have told her –. She cleared her throat in an attempt to put a stop to her thoughts.

Tritoan raised his brow. "Were you about to say something?"

"No."

"Good. I'll ride with the men."

"Tritoan. How long is it to the capital city?"

"In good weather, it should take about a day." He frowned. "But now, I can't say. The weather is unpredictable."

She nodded before looking away. Her chest tightened as her mind filled with images of Prince Dovian and the way he had understood her needs.

"Tritoan?"

"Yes, my lady."

"We'll make stops, right?"

He smiled. "Yes, we will. I've learnt my lesson and I'm not about to forget."

True to his words, they made several stops so the ladies could refresh themselves. Even the knights relished the feel of the country. No one mentioned it but they were not eager to get to the capital city. And that was why they subconsciously relaxed their hold on the bridle when the capital city came into view the next day. The day gradually turned into night and the capital city shone with light amidst the darkness. Even Araye almost suggested that they spend their night outside the city but she realized Tritoan wouldn't hear of it. The guards at the west-capital-gate delayed them for a while because they had expected them to return through the road connecting Eritonia with Aragududu and not the West Road. When they finally entered the city, Tritoan rode straight to the palace after making sure Araye made it home. And that might not have been the best thing because curiosity kept her awake till daybreak. When Tritoan didn't return by mid-morning, she picked her cloak and headed for the palace. Her body tingled when she saw several – many people headed in the same direction. The palace gates were wide open and no one attempted to stop the throng as they strolled into the palace. She got more puzzled when she realized everyone seemed to know exactly where to go. She glanced around and missed a step which sent her tumbling into the woman in front of her.

"Watch where you're going, Miss."

"I'm sorry." She mumbled with a hot face. She followed the throng to the arena and followed suit when they greeted the king and the queen as they entered. She scanned the dais for Tritoan and swallowed thickly when she didn't find him. The king gestured for a parchment to be handed to him and Araye faintly recognised it as the parchment Dovian had handed to Tritoan. That could only mean one thing. Tritoan had delivered the message. So, where was he!

"My dear Eritonians." King George started. "It is with a heavy heart that I called for you all. I was informed during the early hours of the morning of the death of my son and crown prince."

A deathly hush settled over the crowd and even Araye held her breath.

"Dovian asked that..."The king's voice broke and several people – probably all of them – sniffed as tears flowed from their eyes.

"He asked that this message be read in the hearing of everyone. Gathering everyone in all parts of Eritonia will be stressful, especially for those leaving in North Eritonia. That is why I have decided that copies of the message be made available and sent to every city in Eritonia. Those living in the capital city – that could not make it here due to the impromptu nature of this meeting will have access to the copies which will be pasted in all parts of the city. The prince specifically asked that his friend Tritoan do the honour of reading out the message for the first time."

A tired – more like worn-out – Tritoan was escorted to the dais by several guards and Romike. A pang of anger shot through Araye at seeing her walk like she had a right to be by his side. She blew out a breath. Getting angry wouldn't do. Romike has been at the palace for more than a week and it was only normal that she feels the need to be–. She looked from Tritoan to Romike. She was done making excuses. She wouldn't even try to rationalize anything. As long as there was no evidence, she would not treat her suspicions like the truth.

"Greetings to all Eritonians." Tritoan began in a clear and steady voice which was a contrast to the weariness on his face. "As I face what might be my last days, I realize the importance of living in a worthwhile manner. Many will wonder why I bothered to do this but I hope you listen to this with an open heart. I've been hurt by the people I loved. I've been wounded by the ones I hold dear."

Araye sucked in a breath. "That's me."

"I've been taken for granted severally and I must confess that it brought me pain. I spent so many years in Karidang and during those times, I missed you all with every breath I took. I thought of you before making decisions and I wish I could share the several things that happened during my stay there. I'm not trying to bore you with words. I'm only trying to show you my heart. And I want you to understand the reason I'll be making some grave decisions." Tritoan paused. "Although, I hope I won't have to make them. If you're hearing this message, that means I didn't return to Eritonia. And that means that you will have to honour my last request. Please forgive Tritoan."

The parchment fell from Tritoan's hands as his whole body trembled. Somebody led him to an empty seat as another person picked up the parchment. Confusion rippled through the crowds at hearing the words and seeing Tritoan's reaction.

King George cleared his throat. "I know that most of us here do not understand the gravity of the prince's request. I will explain what you need to know because even if I don't, rumours of Tritoan's actions will spread through the land. Tritoan is rightfully an heir to the throne of Aragududu."

Several people gasped around Araye and she had this sensation they were starting to stare at her. Which was funny because she didn't do anything. She frowned. Had she? King George gave her a knowing look and her cheeks grew red. She had definitely done something. But, what? She had only been willing Romike to take her hands off Tritoan's shoulder. A glance towards Tritoan and Romike told her it had not only been in her thoughts, she had also said it aloud.

"Oh no!" She groaned.

"As I was saying, Tritoan is a descendant of one of the former kings of Aragududu. And in a bid to be loyal to the land of his ancestors, he was disloyal to Eritonia."

Araye smiled gratefully at the king's obvious attempt to lessen the gravity of Tritoan's actions. If he told the people exactly what Tritoan had done and how it had indirectly led to Prince Dovian's death, he would have to leave Eritonia – forgiveness or not.

"I won't fail to mention the fact that Tritoan aided in ending a long time feud which existed between me and King Lenuti due to a misunderstanding. I believe Tritoan should have gotten over his shock by now. Let's listen to the rest of the message."

Tritoan resumed his position on the dais and swallowed before opening the parchment.

"I ask you to forgive him because I know people act the way they think best. And if most people knew better, they would act better. I request that you do not forgive Tritoan alone but everyone who has ever hurt you. Those who deserve to be forgiven and those who don't. Treat them well. If you ask me why you should, I would say it's because I know it's one of the best things you can do for yourself. And don't ever think you're not good enough. The truth is, there is someone somewhere who loves you enough to take your place, even in death. With love. From Dovian. The crown prince of Eritonia."

Females all over the arena wailed. Even their young ones joined in. Men could be seen cleaning their eyes as they comforted their wives, daughters and sisters. The queen left the dais and Araye figured the emotional outburst must have triggered her own grief. The crying went on for several minutes before the king spoke.

"Prince Dovian did a heroic thing by giving his life for his men. And I will stop at nothing until his body is found."

The king must have forgotten the people didn't know about the prince's missing body because wails rent the air afresh. He stood and raised his hands, rendering everybody silent.

"I don't want you to spend your time and strength crying. I'd rather you spent it obeying his last wishes. If you love him as much as your tears declare, obey his wishes. This meeting is dismissed."

The crowds slowly dispersed but Araye felt rooted to a spot. She was touched by the prince's message, making her miss him more. But that was not the only reason she could not bear to turn her back. Romike had managed to slip her hand into Tritoan's – right in the presence of the king. As if that was not a problem – right in the presence of almost everyone in the capital city. And as if that was not enough! Right in her presence! Tritoan chose that moment to look at her and the smile she placed on her face must have gotten him alarmed because he signalled for her to stay where she was. And she would have, even if he hadn't asked her to. She had no intention of leaving, not when Romike stuck to his side even after King George took his leave.

"He surely has an explanation." She muttered over and over until he got to her.

"You don't look good." He noted.

"That's correct. The same can be said about you."

"The reason for mine is obvious enough. What's going on?"

"I don't feel good."

"Do I have anything to do with it?"

She swallowed. "Of course, you have everything to do with it."

"What did I do?"

"What...Are you...Seriously? What did you do?"

"I don't understand you, Araye. What exactly is the problem? I can deal with others misunderstanding me and getting angry with me and choosing not to forgive me, but, not you."

She blinked.

He smiled. "I see I left you speechless."

She cleared her throat. "Yes. Yes, you did."

He lowered his voice. "Tell me, darling. What did I do this time?"

"It...it...wasn't...uh...really what you did. Romike was, you know, and I didn't like it."

His smile grew wider. "Were you jealous?"

Her cheeks grew bright. "No. It's just that you're married. And the two of you were...were carrying on like you're not in the presence of the whole capital city."

He held her hands. "I've told you this before and I'll tell you again. I can't deny the things I did in the past but that's it, it's the past. I've not been with any other woman since I got married to you and I don't plan to. I don't know why Romike was like that but I assure you, it has nothing to do with what you were thinking. And it looked suspicious to you because you know of our history together."

"I saw the way she held you, Tritoan."

"So did every other person who was present. So did the king and the queen and every nobleman. So did everyone who knows us. You have nothing to worry about."

She dropped her gaze. "Are you saying I overreacted?"

"Just a little. And to be sincere, I like it." He laughed. "It's nice to know you're watching out for me."

Someone cleared his throat beside them and they turned to see Prince Rafau's placid look.

"Father requests your presence."

Tritoan tightened his hold on Araye. "I guess you'll have to leave without me."

"He wants to see both of you." Prince Rafau held Araye's gaze. "You don't have to worry. He plans on honouring Brother's request. He just wants you to recount your experience before the whole court and to strategize on how to..." He paused and swallowed. "...on how to find Brother's body."

***

Three years later

Araye desperately prayed for it not to rain as she spread the blankets on the line. She smiled when her gaze rested on Dovi who was running after the butterfly she was yet to catch despite several attempts. She returned to the well which served the people of Jinax village and filled a bucket with water. She returned to the backyard and stopped when she saw Dovi playing with strangers. She dropped the bucket loudly and her action achieved what she wanted. Dovi came running to her.

"Dovi." She said in a voice filled with caution.

"Mama. She caught it." Dovi said with excitement as she tried to show her the butterfly.

"Release the butterfly. You'll only hurt it."

"Mama." She pouted.

"Now."

Dovi smiled up at Araye as she released it. Araye carried her and placed a kiss on her head before returning her attention to the strangers. One of them stepped forward and uncovered her hair.

Araye gasped. "Drella?"

She curtsied. "My lady."

Araye gently dropped Dovi before pulling Drella into a hug.

"I've missed you so much."

"So have I, my lady."

"You need to stop calling me that. I do not hold that position any longer. Tritoan and I have chosen to live an ordinary life."

"I see."

"I insist you call me Araye. Most people here call me that. Unless you're interested in calling me wood-wife."

"Wood-wife?"

She laughed. "After we came here, Tritoan took on carpentry and when someone asked me what he does, I said he works with wood. I didn't know he was around so he said that makes me the wood worker's wife. It was later shortened to wood-wife."

Drella smiled. "I'll pretend like that makes sense."

"I'm so happy to see you."

"So am I. Your daughter looks just like you. I can't believe how much she's grown."

"In case you've not realized it, you've been gone a long time."

"That's true. How old is she now? Three?

"Not yet. She will clock three soon."

They stared at each other and grinned.

"You look different." Araye noted

"You're the only one who thinks so."

"I'm serious. You look...I don't know. I can't seem to find the words. Like you've seen things."

"Wise?"

"No. Not really. More like magical."

Drella laughed. "Magical indeed. I think it's the kohl. Healers in Iryan have a habit of wearing it and it's something I picked up."

"It looks befitting on you."

"Thank you."

"What are you doing here?"

"We came to see you, my lady."

"You really have to take me serious, Drella. I no longer go by that title."

"I'm sorry. I don't think I can do that. Please don't ask me to. You are my lady irrespective of your station or position."

"I've forgotten how stubborn you can be."

Drella smiled.

"Have you seen Gordon?" Araye asked.

"Yes. Simbi was very excited when she heard I was coming to look for you. She wanted to come but Gordon didn't think it was wise."

"Is she sick?"

"No." Drella smiled. "She's pregnant."

She grinned. "Oh my! Who would have thought Simbi will end up carrying the metalsmith's baby."

"Is something wrong with my brother?" Drella asked mildly.

"No, not all. I like Gordon as much as I like you. I meant to say Simbi used to have an aversion to Gordon. Yet she ended up marrying him, and now, she's carrying his baby."

Drella smiled. "She hinted at that but I was not able to hear the full story because we were in a hurry to get here."

"How did you know about this place?"

"Gordon told us."

"Oh. Gordon." She frowned slightly. "Wait. We? Us?"

"Yes. We came to see you."

"I don't understand you. Who is 'we'?"

"The crown prince and I."

"Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait. You're getting me confused. Which crown prince? Has the king crowned Prince Rafau?"

Drella smiled. "No. I meant him."

Araye glanced at the man who had stood aloof all through their conversation. He removed his hood and she swayed on her feet.

Her lips trembled. "Prince Dovian?"

Dovi tugged on her mother's skirt. "Mama. Up."

She carried her. "Sorry, Sweet."

Dovian smiled. "It's nice to see you, Araye."

"I thought you were dead." She said as her eyes filled with tears. "How could you do this to me?" She sniffed. "I cried for so many days. And when I was finding it hard to forgive Tritoan, you were not there. And I couldn't bear it. I missed you so much I felt like–."

"Mama." Dovi sobbed.

"Sorry. Mama is just feeling shaken."

"I'm sorry, Araye." He walked up to her and lightly touched her cheeks. "I can see you're doing well. How is Tritoan?"

"He's fine." She whispered.

Tears welled up in his eyes. "You named her Dovi."

She nodded. "Yes. I – We wanted to keep your memory alive."

He ruffled Dovi's hair. "You're pretty, little one."

Dovi chuckled as she tried to hide her face behind her chubby fingers.

"We thought you were dead." She repeated in a calmer voice.

"I was."

"So what happened? How can you possibly be alive?"

"That's a story for another day. I came to see you." He paused. "And Tritoan."

"Dovi. I need you to go to your father. Tell him Prince Dovian is alive."

Dovi frowned. "Print Dobian?"

She smiled. "Yes. Print Dovi." She dropped her. "Hurry."

# EPILOGUE

Three years after the prince's death, rumours of his return spread all over the capital city. Several believed it and others didn't. Members of the royal family were also divided in their beliefs. The only one who seemed unshaken was Princess Georgette who claimed to have seen the prince in the capital city during one of her family's routine visit to the palace. But, the truth about the prince can only be revealed by Drella. After all, she had witnessed the death of Krautus and Prince Dovian in the hands of Sertes. And she had also witnessed the death of Sertes.

***

COMING SOON: DRELLA (#2 Tales of Eritonia)

**Send a message to** **jedidiahbamidele@gmail.com** **to get notified once it is released.**

# AUTHOR'S NOTE

I hope you enjoyed reading Araye as much as I enjoyed writing it. This story came out better than I had planned. When I started writing, I couldn't have imagined the death of Dovian, neither could I have imagined Tritoan's change of heart. Maybe I could have, I just didn't. The reality of the story was strongly impressed on my heart and I caught glimpses of the truth from the lives of every character. Take Simbi for example. The way she ruined her chance with Prince Dovian would have been a constant source of heartache for her but she ended up marrying a man who is just as true – a replica of God's ability to bring something good out of our mistakes. The strength of Dovian's love and the seeming stupidity of his actions bring the Lord Jesus to mind. Dovian is a fictional character, Jesus isn't. He is truly the Son of God who came as a man in order to take man's place in judgement and restore him to God. Man could not help himself irrespective of how good or bad he was. Only God could, and he did. All it takes to be a partaker of everything the death of Jesus made available for man – the right to be called a child of God and everything God owns – is to believe in who Jesus is and what he did. And to confess him as lord and saviour. If you've done this sincerely, you're a child of God.

Kindly send your reviews of Araye or any of my books to jedidiahbamidele@gmail.com – you know I love hearing from you. If you gave your life to Jesus or rededicated your life to him after reading this, please, send me a message. You can also send me a message if you're interested in learning about Jesus.

Log onto www.jedidiahbamidele.blogspot.com to access any of my previous works and don't forget to share this book with as many people as you can – if you loved it. Thanks for reading. I love you.

Yours sincerely,

Jedidiah Bamidele.
