Arrangements

Chapter 15

One Week Later

Prince Zargot's POV:

The letter arrives in the claws of an eagle. As quick as it arrives, it's gone.

It's here.

I wish the best fortune upon your task, brother.

My gratitude, sister.

I open the letter per Father's request careful to wait until in the full company of our officials. He reads for a moment before slamming the paper on the table. No one moves. "What of this? She suddenly wants the generals in attendance? What do you make of this, Zargot?"

"They fought together I doubt it be more than the wish to be among friends during her wedding." He looks wearily on his gathering. There is anger in his gaze as he knows as well as I that he cannot deny her this, not with witnesses.

"She can have her desire, but you must all remain in the back. I want no disturbances during the ceremony, this union must be flawless." It is far too late for that father. There is a look in his eyes that unsettles me: suspicion.

I contact Serina immediately following the meeting. He accepted, but he unnerves me, he seems aware to something amiss.

That was always a possibility, tread carefully, brother. and zar?

Hm?

Blessings to you during your ceremony. I shall ask the spirits to guide you. I love you.

And I you, thank you. Hopefully all goes well.

The coming of age ceremony...I had forgotten. Wonderful, another issue to be dealt with.

King Arzon's POV

What is that girl up to? That is not something you decide on a whim. I don't like this, not at all. What does she know? I best leave the matter rest for now, I have a ceremony to plan. Tanze stands as I do, yet the usual obliviousness is absent. Those eyes are far too knowledgeable for my liking. Perhaps we will...discuss the matter later. She's never hidden anything before. When did everyone become so secretive? ...Oh, right.

Prince Zargot POV

Mother Settles beside me the night before my challenge. "She knows, doesn't she?"

"Of what mother?"

"What would have happened to her."

"Whatever do you mean?"

She freezes, evidently, her knowledge she had thought was already passed on to me.

The clarity in her eyes has me turning to her completely. I shiver at the dark look in her eyes, "Mother?" she refuses to meet my gaze as she recounts Serina's past fate. With each word my blood boils. I force myself to remain where I am, yet all I see is red. That sick, power-hungry bastard! What ill-will could his own daughter have caused?! Any regrets I may have had of his punishment disappear. His opinion is obvious: if one does not live in ignorance, they must not live at all.

Suddenly mother's behavior becomes crystal. The near blind faith with which she follows father, the silence on matters I know she abhors, the clueless attitude with which she holds herself outside of the presence of her children. "I'm sorry, mother."

"It is I who owes the apology, Zar. My dear child, do what you must." I know she has accepted the plans she has no real part in.

"Would you have let him do it?"