FOREVER KNIGHTS: #16 To Keep Her

WaterRose, Meadow Mountain, Grier Country

ALAZAR

The next few days passed quickly. With Alazar accommodating Riaura, giving her a wide berth.

She saw little if anything of him for many days. She spoke with Jessica again as the maid readied her for bed.

“I’m going to ask him to see, Charles.”

“That’s bold. How will he take that?”

Not well. Alazar thought from where he stood on the otherside of the closed door. His back to it. And the bottom of one boot pressed to it as he leisurely inspected his nails. Shamelessly eavesdropping.

“He’ll be angry with me. But I must know Charles is okay. He’s unwell.” Riaura explained.

Not as much as you think.

“Why do you favor him?” Jessica asked. “Your husband is the embodiment of good health and comeliness.”

Riaura breathed threw her nose. “I can’t deny that. But true companionship is more than that. Charles is everything Alazareth is not.”

Ouch. Not for the first time, Alazar wondered how close she’d truly been to Danbury. Did she lay with him?

“How so?” Jessica asked.

“Charles is kind and patient where Alazar is cold and unmoving. Dispassionate about most things.”

“He doesn’t seem that way when it comes to you!”

“He’s hardly come near me in the days since we wed.”

Because you’re bitter and resentful.

“Would you let him?”

Riaura’s mouth whitened but she chose to press on with the previous subject. “Charles is tender and Alazar callously direct.”

Honest whereas he is a liar. There is a difference.

“How can you even consider that a flaw when looking at such a handsome figure?” Jessica pointed out.

“I trained myself to see beyond that to his many flaws. His heartlessness. And to recognize the rarity of his shows of gentleness.”

That’s what she thinks?

“Could it not be that they are rarer because they’re so genuine?”

“I thought that. But Charles helped me see.” Riaura explained.

He helped you see a handful of lies. Or more.

“Isn’t that what any man competing for his woman should do? Does that make it all so certain?” Jessica wisely argued.

“No. He fairly pointed out, that if Alazar knew so many things why would he choose not to stop the torment from happening to the peasants?”

“How could he know about them?”

“He knows everything else!” Riaura’s voice rose.

“But-”

“No.” Riaura cut her off. Please. Not tonight. “I want to see if I can see my Dear Charles. I’d like to focus my thoughts on that.”

“And how to ask him…” Jessica frowned shaking her head slowly. “I’d caution you against it. As you said, I suspect your husband will not take the request kindly.”

“He never does…”

No, I will not. In-fact he couldn’t bear the idea of hearing it from her lips again. He spent the night dwelling on it. Sickened to the pit of his stomach.

Today had dawned brightly.

When Riaura went downstairs, she was met by a servant bearing a parchment note. Opening it reluctantly, revealed the masculine scrawl of her newly-acquired husband. Stating he’d every intention of assisting her in avoiding his presence. And indicating she could find Danbury in the MidGale City in the Barrister Household. Offering a clear warning that should she attempt to bring him back, his life would end. Signed simply, ‘Your King’ as a subtle reminder.

The Barristers were renowned for their kindness and generosity. They commonly took in lone children and animals from Nightway, tending to care for anything needing.

The ride to MidGale wasn’t extensive. Wind blew through her hair and whipped it into her face. The small house came into view. And outside it was the Danbury carriage.

A smokey finger curved from the chimney. A sure sign the hut would be a good deal warmer than the biting chill out here. She dismounted. Knocking excitedly on the door.

Mrs. Barrister reluctantly appeared. A round face marked with deep dimples and crow lines at the corner of her eyes from much laughter. All framed by waving gray hair. Upon realizing it was Riaura at her door, a smile lit her face.

“The Nightway Queen! What a delight to see you. You haven’t visited since you were a girl!” The words were made more genuine by being accompanied by an affectionate hug, there was no doubting the integrity of her words.

It wasn’t until she was released from the hearty hug that she observed a room toward the back of the house. From here, she could clearly identify Charles Danbury in the bed. Appearing wan and clearly shivering under the coverlets.

His eyes were closed and despite his shiver, he looked asleep.

“Is that Lord Danbury?” She pointed.

“’Tis.” Mrs. Barrister nodded soberly.

“It looks as though he’s only barely being taken care of!”

Mrs. Barrister shrugged. Offering Riaura some tea as she took a seat.

“It’s uncharacteristic of you to treat a guest thus!” Riaura gestured in shock.

Mrs. Barrister only glanced up at her from under lowered lids. Pouring the tea. Glancing over her shoulder, she shot the ill man on the cot a scathing look. “Aye. I cannot believe he’s here either. ’Twas your King’s decision to bring him and all his vileness here.”

“Vile!” Riaura was indignant.

“Sit, Your Highness. Have some tea.”

Riaura slumped into a chair. Confused beyond belief.

“Had the new king not been so kind to us thus far, I’d have blatantly refused. I’d rather have my home infested with rodents than him and all his evil.”

Riaura blinked at the older woman in bafflement. It was unlike Mrs. Barrister to speak so heatedly about anyone.

“Why does Charles warrant such scorn?”

“He’s a horrible man!”

“Has Alazar paid you? Deceived you?”

“No!” Mrs. Barrister reared back as though slapped. “I’d never be swayed by naught but mine own eyes.”

“I-I don’t understand.”

“If Nightway Keep knew I was housing a baby killer in my house. I doubt I’d be safe.” Mrs. Barrister clarified.