Something Found - Book 2

Chapter 36: Confessions

• Four Moons Later •

Berthold Castle
King's Suite
First Light

Alanis rolled over in her large bed, studying the empty space beside her. It had been over seven moons since Alexander's passing. It was a strange feeling, despite her acceptance that he was gone, there were times she half expected him to walk through the doors of their bedchamber. As ruling became easier, she found herself thinking of him more often than before, dreaming of what could have been had he lived.

   Occasionally, when she least expected it, she would also think of northern king. Most days she pushed those thoughts away as they were bitter and unwanted. Though, when she allowed herself to, she found herself wondering if she haunted his thoughts too.

Since her return to Ati Harei, Charon had written her several times, offering clues to what Faris was up to in each letter. In them, the young princess had wrote he was doing well and had made a full recovery from his injuries, and like Alanis, had been busy keeping up with his duties.

   Meanwhile, in the passing months, the settlements grew quiet. Though, it was only a matter of time before they would be back. Until then, Berthold's Queen would prepare for their return.

   And this time they would be more than ready.

   The doors of the king's suite opened and through them walked Amelia, carrying a tray of breakfast for the pair. They both sat out on the balcony and enjoyed the morning sunlight as they ate.

"Have you heard, the boys have come back from their scouting mission, my queen," Amelia said, pouring herself a glass of juice. She glanced up at Alanis, noticing her smile.

   Two moons past, Wesley and a group of soldiers had departed Berthold to spy on the remaining settlements. Due to the nature of their task, no correspondence was allowed, for fear they would reach the wrong eyes.

"I pray they come bearing good news," Alanis replied easing her smile.

"Don't fret, my queen, they came back to us in good health. I take that as a sign, a very good one, I might add. Oh, and you won't believe it, but—" Amelia stopped gaining Alanis' attention by her excited tone. "I heard that Lord Fulton cropped his hair like a true northerner."

"No way," Alanis said sitting forward, "I don't believe it."

"I swear it, that's what I heard."

Was it coincidence, Alains thought, recalling the last vision she had of The Otherworld. Her other self had been traveling with a short-haired Wesley, which peaked her curiosity further with Amelia's news.

"Hmmm, what will his followers think? They'll be plenty of weeping in the streets of Berthold, to be sure." Before he left, the ex-captain had gained favor with a lot of the local women, so she heard.

   Amelia laughed and stopped herself from biting into a buttered biscuit.

"You know... I thought the two of you would have made a great pair, under different circumstances, that is." Amelia took a bite of the biscuit and looked to the streets below.

"No way, he deserves more than I could give."

Even with their current standing, she meant what she said wholeheartedly. It was true, he deserved to find love, real love. It was something she couldn't give him, not with their bond and her past.