I Must Not Fear

Chapter Two

Ingtar smiled at him.

"You truly are just and fair, my friend. Have I ever told you how proud I am to have you as my king?"

Lan rolled his eyes. "Remember you said that to me the next time I send you to Fal Dara for the monthly meeting with Lord Agelmar",

Ingtar groaned in protest.

"Why not send me to edge of the Spine instead? I'll take that. I'll suffer the desert rather than to listen to Lord Agelmar's never-ending stories of his greatness", and that caused Lan to burst into laughter.

A month later, Bukama returned.

"Well", Lan urged once they're alone in his study.

He chose to not include Uno and Ingtar because he didn't want to be swayed by their reactions. If he's going to decide, it must be based on Bukama's observation.

The man is his most trusted advisor and protector. He is family to him. He helped raised him. He believes in him completely.

"The Lady Moiraine is quite a stunning woman, I must admit, if one is concerned about appearances", Lan made a face. Bukama knows that he is not one to be concern about that. The old man chuckled at his reaction. "She's quiet, keeps to herself mostly. I was told that she is fond of the books. The tower's library is her most frequented spot in the White Tower. Whenever she leaves the tower, it is to visit a tea shop nearby or to purchase some books. She got friends but she's guarded. Even in the tower, some of the women use her bloodline to get a rise out of her. She never indulged",

"How about her intellect?" he followed up.

"We didn't get to talk. She didn't know I was there either. I was only allowed to observe by the Amyrlin Seat, nothing more",

Lan sighed. That's not much to go on, is it?

"What do you recommend then?"

"She knows of her heritage but it seems the very notion of it brings her shame. She shies away from it despite the fact that, technically, she is a princess. As the last living Damodred, if she wishes it, she can reclaim Cairhien and rule it. Perhaps, it's because she's been raised as an Aes Sedai since she was a child. If the worry lies with her blood, there is no trace of it in her heart. That is all I can say about her. The rest, you must determine for yourself, I fear", Bukama answered.

Something about that is enough for Lan however. If Lady Moiraine is a danger to him, Bukama will say it upfront. He can sense that for some reason. As much as he loathes the idea of a concubine, it is the only way to stop the Council from pressuring him to produce an heir or to find suitable wives from other houses. It will delay that dilemma with Lady Moiraine's presence in Malkier.

"Very well, make the necessary arrangement. I will write to the White Tower and have them send Lady Moiraine in Malkier", he decided.

Bukama nodded before leaving his office.

That decision displeased Uno, not much Ingtar, but none of them protested. Perhaps, Bukama explained everything to them. The Council has reservation but soon, they saw the benefit of having Lady Moiraine in Malkier. More importantly, they saw the potential in her heritage.

An heir born of two royal families in the Westlands. Their child will have claim in both Malkier and Cairhien.

"My lord, there has been a breach on the eastern wall of the kingdom. Bandits..."

Lan groaned internally. Of all the days, they chose to cause mayhem the day Lady Moiraine is to arrive in Malkier. What kind of impression does that make? It's not safe in Malkier? He must deal with it right away.