CHAPTER 5
In the grand hall of the Palace of Valla, voices rang out as the king and his council engaged in grave discussion.
"Your Majesty, when you journey to Aethelgar, I urge you to propose a betrothal between Prince Hosea and Princess Alissa," spoke a bald councilor, his fine blue robes trailing as he stepped forward.
"Is it not too soon for such a proposal?" another man questioned.
"Nay, it is not. Aethelgar stands as the wealthiest and most formidable kingdom in the North. We are but a lesser realm in comparison, and many would vie for the place of ally in our stead," another councilor pressed. "Yet, we hold an advantage-our late King Eris once saved King Hosea's grandsire, the very man after whom the prince was named. That debt is not easily forgotten."
"But the princess is yet young," one among them hesitated.
"Young, aye, but she is of an age fit for such discussions-she is fiftee-"
"Enough!" King Mathias' voice rang, sharp as steel. "I have heard enough of this matter. You are dismissed."
"Your Majesty," the councilors echoed in unison, bowing low before taking their leave.
A heavy sigh escaped the king's lips as he turned to General Grendy, the lone man who remained at his side.
"Leave us," he commanded the guards. Without question, they obeyed, shutting the doors behind them.
Once they were alone, Mathias rubbed at his temples. "I know not what to do, Grendy."
"Your Majesty, I do not doubt the burden upon your heart, but you must weigh the boon this marriage would bring. An alliance with Aethelgar would strengthen our position."
"As king, I see the wisdom in it. But as a father..." Mathias hesitated, his gaze dark with worry. "I fear for my daughter."
At that moment, the great doors creaked open, and Prince Alistair strode in.
"Father, forgive my lateness," he said, bowing his head in respect.
"Your Highness," General Grendy acknowledged with a nod.
"What matter did I miss?" Alistair asked as he took his place beside his father.
Mathias exhaled deeply. "The council urges me to offer Alissa's hand in marriage to the Prince of Aethelgar when I arrive at court."
A shadow passed over Alistair's face. "That must not come to pass, Father."
Grendy hesitated before asking, "If I may speak plainly, Your Majesty... has the princess shown any signs of the craft?"
"None that I have seen," Mathias admitted.
"But if she were to manifest such gifts in their court?" Alistair interjected, his tone unyielding. "We know well what King Tommen does to those born with magic."
A heavy silence filled the chamber.
"Alistair speaks truly," Mathias said at last. "I will not take such a risk."
"As you will, Your Majesty," Grendy said with a solemn nod.
"And more than that-if Aethelgar finds our kingdom of little use, they would sever such an engagement with ease. We hold no sway over them."
Mathias straightened in his chair. "Prepare for the morrow, Grendy."
"At once, Your Majesty." The general bowed low before departing.
Once he was gone, Mathias turned to his son, weariness etched into his face. "I swore to your mother that I would never allow harm to befall your sister, and I mean to keep that vow."
He reached out, gripping Alistair's arm. "Promise me, if ever I am not here, you will see to her safety."
Alistair's jaw tensed. "You speak as if you will not always be here, Father. You shall protect her yourself."
Mathias gave him a tired smile. "If the gods so will it, there is naught I can do."
"The gods know you are a just king. They would not take you from us," Alistair said, clasping his father's hand.
Later that evening...
"That was a fine meal, Lady Elena!" Alissa exclaimed, dabbing her lips with a linen cloth.
"I am glad it pleased you, Your Highness," Lady Elena replied, a warm smile gracing her features. The woman, in her middle years, bore long dark hair and cheeks flushed with the warmth of the kitchen.
Alissa sighed. "I have told you before, when we are alone, there is no need for such formalities."
"I dare not, my lady. You are a princess, and I am but a servant."
"Nay, you are Adam's mother. That makes you as a mother to me as well," Alissa said, reaching to clasp her hands.
Just then, the door creaked, and Adam entered, boots muddied and a shovel slung over his shoulder.
"What mischief is this?" he asked, smirking.
Alissa turned, laughter in her voice. "You look well, farmer boy."
"A jest? I shall remember that. Come, step outside with me," he said, setting his shovel aside.
The night air was cool, carrying the scent of wildflowers upon its breeze. Alissa lay back in the soft grass, gazing up at the endless sprawl of stars. Beside her, Adam sat cross-legged, idly twirling a blade of grass between his fingers.
"The night is fair," she murmured.
"Aye, it is," Adam replied. He hesitated, then reached into his pocket. "I... fashioned something for you."
Alissa sat up, curiosity sparking in her eyes as Adam drew forth a small bracelet of woven rope. A tiny wooden charm dangled from it, carefully carved into the shape of a heart. Upon its surface, etched with care, was the names Alissa.
Alissa's breath caught. "Did you make this?"
Adam shrugged, glancing aside. "Aye. Thought you might take a liking to it."
A wide smile graced her lips as she slipped it onto her wrist. "Like it? I treasure it!"
Adam finally met her gaze, his mouth twitching into a smirk. "Good."
She ran her fingers over the carving. "You have skill in this craft."
Adam leaned back, arms bracing him against the earth. "'Tis naught but a trifle."
Alissa shot him a playful look. "It is dear to me."
A silence fell between them, one not of awkwardness but of quiet understanding. Then, from within the house, Lady Elena's voice called her name.
Alissa sighed, rising to her feet and brushing the grass from her skirts. "It seems I must take my leave."
Adam gave a mock sigh. "I suppose I shall endure your absence."
She stuck out her tongue at him before stepping toward the waiting carriage. As she climbed inside, she turned once more, finding Adam still watching her, his ever-present grin in place.
Alissa touched the bracelet at her wrist and smiled.
The future remained uncertain, yet she knew one thing with certainty-Adam would ever be her dearest friend.