Away

Chapter 7

"What do you mean?" Naira asked as Uncle Thomas guided her out of the ballroom and into one of the big hallways of the palace. Her uncle was a free spirit and a humorous person person, and often teamed up with Henry to play pranks on her, but this was not a matter to joke about. Besides, the King was right beside him, and the King of would hardly have time to participate in such things.

"There has been a problem." Uncle Thomas started. "The French and Scots have forged an alliance and the French have provided an army to the Scottish border. This is a huge threat to us."

Naira nodded, still waiting for her uncle to get to the part that explained why he said they could not go home.

"The King would like me to accompany the two diplomats that are going to the French court. To aid in negotiations and to report back to him discreetly." He finally explained, while the King nodded in agreement. Neal who was standing across from the King looked just as surprised as Naira by this news.

"But why must it be you?" Naira asked after a few moments of silence.

"Because your uncle is the only person I can trust right now." The king replied. He looked around to see if anyone was nearby, but they were the only ones in the big, dark, hallway. Sounds of music and laughter drifted in from the ballroom.

"This kingdom has a great many enemies, and even those working closely with me can commit treason or be bought." He added in a low voice.

Naira did not know what to say. She looked from her uncle, to the King, to Neal. They were all looking at her expectantly, as if this international situation depended upon her answer. As if her yes or no would determine peace or war.

"It is a lot to ask of Miss Naira." Neal finally said.

"I know, my dear." The King replied. "But Naira would be very comfortable, and well taken care of here, in the royal palace."

"Here?" Naira repeated weakly. They could not be serious. There is no way she could stay in this place, away from home until her uncle came back.

"I have stayed alone at our estate before, while Uncle was away for work." She protested.

"This is different." Uncle Thomas countered. "I will be gone for much longer. As of now, we don't even know how long. I cannot leave a young girl living alone like that. People will talk. And most importantly, it is not safe." There was a finality to his voice that scared Naira. She knew the decision was made and she could not change his mind.

"We can arrange for your little brother to be brought here, too." The King added, but Naira shook her head. She thought of her brother here, in this unrealistically huge palace, with tiki torches lined up on the walls of the hallways, expensive and delicate glass and ceramic decors at every corner, intricate fabrics serving as curtains for the large windows. Her brother was used to running around their whole house, playing football outside and dragging in mud into the house with his shoes when he came back from playing, never having to worry about getting in trouble except for a mild scolding from her. This place, with all of it's spacious luxury would make him feel caged.

"It is better if he remains with Cianna and her family." She said, looking at her uncle, hoping he would agree with her. He was there right now anyway; they had left him with them in order to attend the wedding. "Cianna's brother, James, and Henry are good friends. His studies would also continue undisturbed as they both have the same tutor."

She sighed in relief when Uncle Thomas nodded.

"Very well, then." he said, patting her shoulders. "I shall inform them Henry is to remain with them a while longer. I shall also have some money sent to them for his needs."