Blood and Betrayal

-06-

Ian walked through the halls of the palace, mind spinning through everything Westin Charan had said.

He could've sworn he'd caught a glimpse of the man staring after them, with an expression the prince couldn't decode.

He stopped at a pair of elaborate doors. The guards on either side dropped to their knees.

"Is she in there?" Ian asked.

"Yes, Your Highness," the one on the right said.

The prince nodded.

"Ian, is that you?" A feminine voice from within called.

The guard stood up and, head still lowered, opened the doors.

The prince took a deep breath and walked inside.

Queen Dessa smiled warmly at her son as he entered.

"How are you, mother?" He greeted her smoothly.

The queen waved her hand. "Oh, that's what everyone's been chittering about these days, how is the queen, is she okay, all that nonsense. Of course I'm fine! Now sit! I'm sure you're exhausted! I have to tell Adin to stop sending you on all of these nonsensical trips to Astria knows where!"

"Your Majesty, be careful, don't tire yourself out." One of the ladies sitting next to the queen admonished.

"Oh, sush, Shandra. I'm perfectly fine." Queen Dessa paused. "I heard two young women came back with you."

The prince laughed. "Oh, mother, it's not what you think. I just followed Father's directions and... it just happened to be so."

"Well, don't blame me for being hopeful."

Ian sighed. "And what do you mean by that?"

The queen turned. "Oh, you know perfectly well what I mean." She lifted her sleeve with one hand as she added sugar to her tea.

"The last person I ever saw so close to you was Aliane, wasn't it?" His mother continued. "A pity. Such a nice girl, too. Very... energetic and feisty." She raised her eyebrows suggestively.

Ian felt his cheeks burn.

"She was the one who left me, mother, not the other way around."

Queen Dessa went on like nothing had happened. "Oh yes, I remember so well that night. You and her-"

Ian shook his head.

Her hand fluttered to her mouth. "Oh dear, I am so, so sorry. I didn't realize it was still... a sore topic for you. You haven't heard- heard back from Aliane, have you? Humph- left you for a pampered fool. Imagine!"

One of the queen's ladies-in-waiting coughed.

Ian's mother seemed to realize they weren't alone.

"Ah, yes, Lady Tiffian, would you be so kind as to go on ahead first? I have some things to discuss with Ian."

"Of course, Your Majesty." She dipped her head, signaling for the other people to follow her.

Ian leaned forward.

"Mother, could you by any chance tell me about what happened between Father and Lord Charan?"

The queen exhaled. "It's a long story."

"That it is," a voice came from the balcony.

Ian's mother frowned. "Why haven't you followed the others out?"

The speaker dropped her gaze. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty, I just overheard, and..."

"But what really happened?"

She walked down the stairs. "My brother has always been one to hold grudges."

The prince blanched. "Brother?"

The woman smiled. "Idole Charan at your service, Prince Ian."

He blinked. "Does- does that mean you're Anthrea's... aunt?"

Idole nodded. "That I am. I'm also so excited to see her again! The last time was- oh my, it must've been years ago, wouldn't it?"

The queen cleared her throat. "Idole," She said warningly.

She curtsied. "My apologies, Your Majesty. But, in answer to the prince's question, it indeed is a long story."

"One too long for today," The queen said sharply. "Shouldn't you be somewhere?"

Idole sighed. "Yes. I'm sorry for intervening. I-I'll be going now." She bowed her head and left the room.

The prince frowned. "What was that about?"

His mother smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Idole tends to... interfere with things that don't need interfering with. No matter. You must be tired, go back and rest, why don't you?"

"But-"

"Listen, Ian. These things don't need you to care about. They're far too complicated. I expect you to not spill a word about our conversation, you understand?"

He stared at the ground. "Yes, mother."

The queen relaxed. "Good, now, I have an appointment with someone."

The prince sighed as he got up. "Don't tire yourself, mother."

She waved a hand. "Oh, shush, I'm fine. Go on, now. I'm sure your father is waiting for you also."

"Of course he is," He muttered.

"What was that?" The queen called.

"Nothing," He replied. "Nothing." 

Word Count: 750

A/N:  So, the coming chapters may be a bit shorter, These days I'm quite busy. Uhm, then they may get back to normal? Possibly?