The Sentinel of Cassendar: Resquarian

Leal walked down the hall slowly with Dracia leaning heavily on his arm. She had been adamant that she start walking when she could after staying off her leg over two weeks, but Leal wished she would take a little more time. He knew she was anxious to heal and be prepared to go fight for Lanoxan, but Leal would not have her go until she was completely well. She was in enough danger at full strength. He couldn’t imagine what could happen if she tried to fight when injured.

“Are you sure you shouldn’t just go to our rooms, dearest,” said Leal. “You have been up for much of the day. I am sure you need the rest.”

“I wish to spend time with Maia. Ethen says she is feeling better, but is still sick in the mornings. If I want to see her, the evenings are the best time. Besides there is no telling what time you will be back tonight, and I will get lonely.”

“I will not stay out late, not knowing that you are here waiting for me,” said Leal as he leaned towards her.

“No telling what condition you will be in. I imagine my cousin can hold his liquor rather well, unlike you,” said Dracia as she looked at him.

“I don’t know what you speak of, dearest. I rarely overindulge enough to actually be impaired in anyway,” said Leal with a smile.

“It is true, but usually I am with you to keep you occupied in some way, so you don’t have the opportunity to do it.”

“I will have plenty of distractions tonight, though they aren’t as entertaining as you,” said Leal.

“Be careful with Roderick and Galen, your majesty. I would like to see them both happy,” said Dracia.

“And you think I wouldn’t?” asked Leal. “Galen’s happiness affects my own dear sister, and I know how important Roderick is to you. I only want to help them,” said Leal.

“How do you plan to do it?” asked Dracia as they walked up to Maia and Ethen’s door.

“You let me worry about it, and you have a pleasant evening with your friend,” said Leal as he took her hand and kissed it before turning and knocking on the door.

The door was answered by Ethen who smiled at them both and then stepped aside, letting them in. Dracia walked over to sit by Maia on the sofa as Leal could see Lady Selene sitting in a nearby chair. Perhaps Dracia could do her part tonight to help along Roderick’s happiness as well.

“Are you ready, your majesty?” asked Ethen.

“I am,” said Leal. He looked at Dracia. “Have a nice evening, dearest.”

“You as well, my king, but remember to be the wise and upstanding king I know you are,” said Dracia with a raised eyebrow.

“I will strive as always to be a king you are proud to call your own,” said Leal with a small bow.

“You be good as well, Ethen,” said Maia.

“Of course,” said Ethen with a smile. “I dare say you three here could cause more trouble than anything the king and I could do.”

“I think the three of us might actually solve all the land’s problems while you are gone,” said Maia with a smile at Dracia. “Of course, being men, you two will probably just mess it up again.”

Ethen only shook his head and smiled widely. “Have a good evening, my love,’ said Ethen as he walked towards the door.

Leal took one last look at Dracia who was already happily chatting with Maia before he walked out into the hall with Ethen.

“You don’t mind me asking Roderick and Galen Ellis to join us, do you?” asked Leal.

“No, of course not. I believe it could add to the enjoyment. What can two old married men really talk of for long? Two young, forlorn lovers will add much to our entertainments tonight,” said Ethen with a laugh.

“It will, but I would actually like to help them in some way, push them in the right direction,” said Leal as they walked.

“You want to meddle like some match making mother?” asked Ethen.

“No, I would never push them towards something they do not want, but I know Galen loves my sister, and I think Roderick could be happy with Lady Selene,” said Leal.

“Selene has been quieter than usual. I believe she might have finally met a man who could suit her, and she has been through a lot of men at this point,” said Ethen. “Very well, I will help you tonight. We are both very happy with our wives. Who should have more knowledge in the area of loving the right woman than us?”

They met Galen and Roderick standing by the front door of the palace as a member of the Aurorial guard came up to them.

“Are you going out tonight, my lord?” asked the guard to Ethen.

“I am for a while,” said Ethen. “We are just going into the city to grab a few drinks and enjoy conversations amongst friends.”

“Two of the guard can attend you, my lord. You should not go out alone,” said the guard.

“We have two Elites of the Sentinel of Cassendar with us,” said Ethen, glancing at Roderick and Galen. “King Leal and I are both able to protect ourselves, if need be. We will not need the services of the Aurorial guard tonight.”

“You are sure, my lord?”

“Yes, very sure,” said Lord Ethen. “We will not be gone long. Keep you post here at the palace. I would rather know you are protecting the ones we are leaving behind then wasting your time watching grown men drink and have boring conversations.”

Ethen walked out the door, and Leal nodded to Roderick and Galen to have them follow. Leal gave the guard a small smile before walking out into the cold night. They walked briskly over the stone bridge and through the palace gates into Radarial. Leal pulled his cloak around him against the harsh wind that blew. It wasn’t snowing, but as Leal looked up and saw no stars, he wouldn’t be surprised if they had to walk home in snow later.

They didn’t have far to walk as Ethen led them to a handsome inn that rested just past a few manor houses that stood close to the Aurorial palace. Leal walked into the inn behind Galen, happy to find himself in large warm room that appeared neat and tidy. There was a good number of people about, but not so much they couldn’t easily find a table towards the back of the room in a corner.

“Good evening, my lord,” said a large man with a kind smile. “It has been a while.”

“It has, Avery, and I am very glad to see you. I hope you have been well,” said Ethen as he and the others sat down.

“Very well, my lord. Business has been very good, even with the rumors from Navalia. I was glad to see you came back safely, and even brought back a lost member of our High Nobles.”

“Yes, she helps strengthen our family and our kingdom,” said Ethen.

“Who have you brought with you tonight, if you don’t mind me asking?” asked Avery.

“These two fine looking fellows are Galen and Roderick Ellis. They are Elites of the Sentinel of Cassendar and seconds to the High Captain,” said Ethen.

Avery smiled and bowed slightly. “It is good to meet both of you. I have long enjoyed stories of the Sentinel. I should like to catch a glimpse of your High Captain someday, if the reports of her are true.”

“Careful, Avery, she is my cousin and a High Noble, as well as the wife to this man here,” said Ethen good naturedly. “Allow me to introduce you to King Leal Cassendar. The King of Lanoxan.”

Avery’s eyes grew wide and he bowed deeply. “Your majesty, I did not realize.”

Leal smiled and put his hands up. “I want none of that tonight. I am just looking forward to spending an evening with my friends.”

“Really, Avery, you don’t show me such deference. I am one of your actual rulers, you know,” said Ethen with a small laugh.

“Of course, my lord, but I have known you all your life. I have never met the king, but I have heard rumors of his power, and of course of the skill and beauty of his queen,” said Avery.

“Perhaps my greatest accomplishment is convincing her to be my queen,” said Leal happily.

“No argument here,” said Roderick quietly as Leal turned to him.

“Drinks, Avery, we need drinks,” said Ethen. “Bring my usual to all of us. I can assure these men there is no finer spiced mead in all the land.”

Leal looked around the room as they waited for their drinks. He could see there were several groups of men sitting around, most looked wealthy and succesful. He wouldn’t be surprised if most were lords with a few tradesman. He could see a few women around as well, all very well dressed, and most were very attractive. As he watched, some would stay at the same table, but others would visit different men.

“You are looking at Madam Odila’s ladies, my king,” said Ethen with a grin. “I wouldn’t think you would have a wondering eye.”

“No, not at all,” said Leal as he turned around. “I was merely observing the room. I can guarantee I have eyes for only one woman.”

“I know you do,” said Lord Ethen. “But they are rather nice to look at. Very genteel and good at conversation as well. They are skilled in many different areas actually.”

“You have experience with them?” asked Leal.

Ethen shrugged. “I was a young man once with no attachments until I fell in love with Maia. Did you not meet with skilled ladies before you fell in love with Dracia?”

Leal smiled. “I knew I loved Dracia before I was seventeen. I think I have loved her in some way since I have known her. I have only ever wanted her.” Leal paused for a moment. “I did visit a certain manor owned by Lady Rosalyn’s once, but it wasn’t to partake of any pleasures.”

Roderick gave him a skeptical look as their drinks were delivered.

“What is that look for, Roderick?” asked Leal as he took a drink.

“Why would you go to a place like Lady Rosalyn’s if you weren’t looking to partake of pleasure as you put it?” asked Roderick.

“I had business there, but you can rest assure I have never broken faith with your High Captain,” said Leal. “I am not stupid, Roderick. Why would I ever jeopardize what I have with such a woman?”

“So,do you want tell me what business you could possible have at Lady Rosalyn’s?” asked Roderick after he took a drink.

“I might,” said Leal with a small smile. “If you will answer a few questions for me first.”

“What questions do you have?” asked Roderick.

“Well, to start, how far have your relations gone with the beautiful Lady Selene?” asked Leal.

Roderick looked over at Ethen who looked back at Roderick with interest as he took a long drink.

“I have been nothing but a perfect gentleman, I assure you,” said Roderick.

“Why?” asked Ethen with a laugh. “The lady has given you ample encouragement. Are you telling me you haven’t even kissed her?”

“How could I kiss a lady knowing nothing could ever come of it?” asked Roderick.

“I am fairly certain many men have kissed ladies and done more, knowing full well there was nothing but the pleasure of the moment,” said Leal. “I am sure the ladies were aware of it as well.”

“It is not who I am,” said Roderick. “I would not further any relationship with a woman like Lady Selene without knowing if there was a future for us.”

“So, you like her it seems. I know she likes you very much. Why could there not be a future for the two of you?” asked Lord Ethen.

“He is the middle son of a low lord of Lanoxan,” said Galen miserably. “What right does he have to court a lady of Siccaria who is connected to the High Nobles? What right do either of us have to court a lady so high above us?”

“We will get to you in a moment, Galen,” said Leal. “I have plenty to say to you in regard to my sister, but let me deal with your brother first. Roderick, do you really believe you aren’t high enough in the kingdom to court Lady Selene?”

Roderick shrugged. “I am not worthy of her,” he said quietly as he took a drink.

Leal looked at Ethen as Ethen glanced at Leal. “Roderick, do you consider me a friend?” asked Leal.

“I believe you will be a good king to our kingdom, your majesty. I have every confidence in your ability to lead Lanoxan,” said Roderick.

“I am glad to hear it, but that is not what I asked,” said Leal. “I would like to know if you see me as your friend, because I consider you a very close friend.”

“You do?” asked Roderick.

“How could I not after all you have done for Dracia and me. I know you did it mostly for her, but I have benefited from your help and support,” said Leal. “You have also told me the truth and held me accountable when I needed it. I consider you a very good friend, Roderick.”

Roderick took a drink and looked at Leal. “I am very honored, your majesty. I may have helped you mostly for my High Captain, but I do think you are a good man. If I didn’t, I would have found a way to convince Dracia to leave you behind.”

Leal nodded. “So, you are friends with the king of the largest kingdom in the land. You are, dare I say, essential to the queen of Lanoxan, and the son of a lord. In what way does that make you unworthy of a second daughter of a normal lord of Siccaria?”

“She is the sister to a High Noble. She is rich, and she is beautiful. No matter what my connections are, she could find someone much more able to give her a life she deserves,” said Roderick.

“What about what the lady actually wants?” asked Lord Ethen. “I know my sister very well, and I can tell you she has been approached by very rich men who could buy her anything. She has grown bored of all of them. You are the first man I have actually seen her show any interest in longer than a few weeks.”

“She is young,” said Roderick. “I am sure she will have opportunities to meet other men.”

“Are you not interested in her, Roderick?” asked Leal. “I think you are, but if I am wrong, I will leave you be, and let Dracia know as well.”

Roderick sighed. “I cannot say I am not very fond of her, because it would not be true,” said Roderick before finishing his drink.

Ethen motioned for Avery to see to more drinks as all were empty around the table.

“Then enough with this you not being good enough for her. It is nonsense,” said Leal. “You should let the lady know your feelings and ask her what she wants.”

“That is easy for you to say, your majesty,” said Roderick as he was handed another drink. “You could have any woman you ever wanted practically. Which, I suppose, is why you ended up with your wife.”

Leal smiled. “I have been fortunate. You know I know how blessed I really am in my queen, so we don’t need to rehash it, but just because I was the crown prince, it did not mean I could automatically get any woman I wanted. Even though I have been with Dracia for some time, it does not mean that I have ever really felt worthy of her.”

Ethen nodded. “I can’t tell you how many days I have wondered if I could actually be the man Maia needs, but she has picked me, so that is enough for me.”

“You see, Roderick, we all have our doubts, but we have gotten through them,” said Leal.

“It is not the same, and you know it is not,” said Roderick as he took a long drink.

Leal shook his head deciding to move on for the moment. “Galen, how long are you going to avoid my sister?”

Galen shrugged. “It seems she may not want me. Not after what she said the other day.”

“I know what she said,” said Leal. “She wasn’t exactly whispering in the hall outside my door. I don’t believe she meant it. I know she did not. She has told me repeatedly she will have no one but you.”

“Perhaps she should change her mind,” said Galen. “I am an Elite of the Sentinel , and I don’t see it changing. How could I offer her any kind of life?”

“I could see it changing if you wish it,” said Leal. “I have seen your skills, and I know I need you on my council. I can create a lordship for your, Galen. I can give you a fine home, or you could live in the palace.”

“I don’t know, your majesty. It is very generous, but I am not sure it is who I am,” said Galen shaking his head before taking a drink.

“I haven’t told you the best part yet, Galen,” said Leal. “My queen is not one who will sit around parlors all day. I know she is not. I plan to have her oversee the kingdom’s defenses, working with the new High Captain. I believe she could use another person to help her, a lord on my council. I know no one who resides there now who is clever enough. I would like that lord to be you.”

Galen raised his eyebrows at this. “You would have me work with the queen?”

“Yes, I think it would make her very happy. She is fond of you, and I believe you both share many things in common. You are both brilliant, and I think Lanoxan’s safety could not be in better hands.”

“I will think on it after we save our kingdom, your majesty,” said Galen.

“And you will talk to my sister as well, correct?” asked Leal.

“She is sorry, Galen, you know she is. I have told you so,” said Roderick. “If you love her, you should try.”

Galen nodded. “I will think on that as well.”

“You give that advice so easily to your brother, Roderick,” said Ethen. “But you do not take it yourself?”

“I am not in love, my lord, not yet,” said Roderick before draining his glass.

“Hello, my lord,” said a very pretty woman who had walked over to their table. She leaned on Ethen’s chair and smiled down on him. “How is married life for you?”

“I am very happy, dear woman. I hope you are well,” said Ethen as he smiled up at the woman.

“I can’t complain. Business is very good. I have met some very interesting men lately, though not so interesting as you,” said the woman. “How is the rest of your party tonight?”

“I believe they are all very well and settled, my dear, so you would do best to move on,” said Ethen.

“Are you all happily married as the lord here then?” she asked as she moved over to Leal’s chair.

“I am beyond happily married,” said Leal as he leaned up.

“Are you sure?” asked the woman as she brushed her hand across Leal’s shoulder. “Your wife doesn’t seem to be here tonight.”

“She is waiting for me back in the palace, and as lovely as you are, nothing could tempt me not to go to her tonight,” said Leal.

“You will get no where with that one,” said Roderick looking at the woman. “You do not want to anger his wife either. You should believe me.”

“What of you then?” she asked as she walked over to Roderick. “Are you married as well?”

“I am not,” said Roderick as he motioned over towards Avery for another drink.

“Well, I suppose you are not,” said the lady. “You are wearing the uniform of the Sentinel of Cassendar, are you not?”

“I am an Elite of the Sentinel,” said Roderick as he looked at the woman.

“Well, that is something. I have heard rumors of the Elites that I would very much like to verify,” said the woman flirtatiously. “Would you like some company tonight?”

Roderick looked at the woman as though considering her offer for a moment before shaking his head. “No, it is as Lord Ethen said, you should move on.”

“Are you sure? I can make your night very interesting in a number of ways,” she said as she leaned down further towards Roderick.

“I am sure you could, but I am not in the mood for female company, and I am sure my brother is not as well. At least not the excellent company you would bring. You should move on,” said Roderick.

“Very well,” said the lady standing up. “If you change your mind, I will be here for a while. You could come speak with me,” said the lady.

“I will keep it in mind,” said Roderick as he accepted another drink form Avery.

“She would give you an interesting evening,” said Ethen with a smile as the lady walked away. “I know from experience.”

Roderick shook his head. “I am not in the mood.”

“Maybe not for her company, but I think you would like another’s very much,” said Leal as he took a drink. “We could go back to the palace if you wish. I am sure your lady would be easy to find.”

“I’d rather hear your story of Lady Rosalyn’s that you promised me, my king,” said Roderick with a smile.

Leal drained his second glass and stared at Roderick for a moment. “I have no shame in the story I will tell you, though perhaps it could cause some embarrassment. I would like it if it would stay at this table.”

“I will not tell anyone,” said Roderick.

“I don’t doubt you or Galen’s secrecy. I am more worried about Ethen,” said Leal as he looked over at the High Noble.

“Why would you think I would tell tales?” asked Ethen. “You just met an interesting lady you have learned I have spent time with. Do you think I want that spread all over the kingdom, especially to my wife?”

Leal sighed deeply and called for another drink. He waited until it was brought to him, and he drained half of it in one swallow. “As you know I knew I realized I loved Dracia at a young age. I say it first dawned on me at sixteen. I tried to push it away, figuring I was much too young to already decide on a woman. I kissed a few girls that year, but nothing more. It wasn’t always awful, but it didn’t really feel right.”

“You probably didn’t know what you were doing,” said Ethen with a laugh.

“You could be right, but I didn’t want to figure it out with any of those young women. I only wanted one, it turned out. I waited until her sixteenth birthday before I kissed Dracia, and that one was what I was waiting for. As far as I know, she had not kissed anyone, and she was less practiced than the other young ladies I had kissed, but I would take a tentative first kiss from Dracia over anything from the most experienced woman.”

Leal paused and took another drink. “After that I couldn’t fool myself anymore. I only wanted her. We spent much time together learning new things and new ways to show our passion. She was probably a quicker learner than me,” said Leal with a smile.

“She has Siccarian blood,” said Ethen. “Siccarian woman are very passionate. You should remember it, Roderick. Perhaps it will urge you to quit stalling on Selene.”

“Indeed,” said Leal. “Dracia is a very passionate woman, though I doubt that would surprise any of you. Still, we held off progressing too far. She was a lady after all. I wanted to do things right with her.”

“You waited until your marriage?” asked Lord Ethen with skepticism.

“No, of course not,” said Leal. “A few days before we both joined the Disciplines, we found we couldn’t wait any longer.”

Ethen laughed and Roderick gave a small grin.

“I’m not going to tell of any of our specific times together,” said Leal in irritation.

“You might with another drink,” said Roderick with a lazy smile as he finished off his glass.

“I will only say that I have no complaints. I never have,” said Leal.

“How does this relate to you going to see a certain kind of lady?” asked Ethen.

“I am getting to it,” said Leal. “As I said I have never had any complaints, and I wanted to make sure my lady did not have any complaints either. Problem is, I had no idea what I was doing.”

Ethen laughed as Roderick gave a disgusted noise.

“Are you telling me you went to go gain experience from one of the women at Lady Rosalyn’s so you could please Dracia?” asked Roderick with revulsion.

“No, of course not,” said Leal hastily. “I have only ever been with my wife, and I am not ashamed to admit it. I only went to gain information. I met with Lady Rosalyn herself. She offered me a woman to show me of course, but I declined. I just wanted to know how with no physical demonstrations. I had an interesting and eye opening conversation with the mature lady. She had much to tell me, and I paid her well for her information and discretion.”

“And did the information you received, do the trick?” asked Lord Ethen.

“I am married to the woman, aren’t I?” said Leal with a small smile. “You think Dracia is the kind of woman to put up with a man who can’t see to all her needs?”

Ethen laughed as Galen put his head down on the table after going red. Roderick shook his head with a smile.

“Are you satisfied with my story, Roderick?” asked Leal as he finished his drink.

“I supposed it is as detailed as you will get, so I will have to be,” said Roderick.

“I will say that I can vouch for Lord Ethen’s statement about Siccarian women. I have found mine to be very passionate, and beyond having no complaints, I think I might be one of the luckiest men in the land,” said Leal standing up.

“In fact, I am very ready to go to her now, but before I go, I will say this to you Roderick. If you think there is even a chance you could find happiness with Lady Selene, you should do something about it. I believe my choice in a bride shows that I know a good woman when I see her, and I believe Lady Selene is a good woman. You are a fool if you don’t do something about it.”

“I thank you for your advice, your majesty,” said Roderick as he raised his glass.

Leal nodded. “Galen, I expect you to speak with my sister tomorrow. You know she is sorry for what she said, and you know she didn’t mean it. So, stop sulking around, and let her apologize to you. Whatever happens after that, I do not need to know,” said Leal before turning to Ethen. “My lord, I take it you can see these young men to the palace?”

“Yes, we will be leaving in a moment. I would also like to go spend time with my wife, and I am sure these men need to get their rest before they see to their futures.”

Leal nodded. “Good, I wish you all a good evening.”

Leal put down a large stack of coins and walked from the inn to the palace. He hoped Dracia was back in their rooms as he walked through the halls, feeling the effect of the liquor in his head as he bumped into the wall once or twice. He entered his room to find Dracia sitting on the sofa with a book. She put her book down and smiled at him as he walked over to her and sat down heavily besides her. Without hesitating, he grabbed her and kissed her passionately.

“You have been drinking,” said Dracia as she pulled back and wiped her mouth with her hand.

“So, have you,” said Leal with a smile. “I didn’t realize they had your favorite wine here.”

“Yes, Maia had some in her room. I may have had a few glasses,” said Dracia with a smile.

Leal leaned forward and kissed her softly, tasting the wine on her lips. He sighed and pulled back. “I rather like that wine as well. At least when I taste it like this.”

She put her arms around him and leaned into him. “Did all go well, tonight?” she asked as he put his arms around her waist.

“Yes, all went fine. Your seconds remain unharmed and hopefully a little wiser.”

“I am glad to hear it. Poor Lady Selene is quite pining for Roderick,” said Dracia. “I do hope they can figure it out.”

“They will, but right now I would rather focus on other things besides Roderick and his problems or even Galen and my sister.”

“I would as well,” said Dracia as she leaned forward and kissed him again as Leal pulled her up on his lap.

“I do have a small question for you,” said Leal as he rubbed his hand against her side.

“Oh, what would that be?” asked Dracia as she leaned against him.

“When we where first together,” said Leal with emphasis on together. “How did you know so much of what to do?”

Dracia laughed. “You know who my mother is, Leal. Did you really think she wouldn’t teach me all aspects of being a lady and a wife? She had some very interesting books on the subject.”

“Then for the first time, I am very grateful for your mother’s instructions towards you,” said Leal. “I have benefited from them greatly.”

“Then you are well pleased with your wife?” asked Dracia as she shifted slightly in his lap to be able to look at him.

“That would be an understatement, and I think you are well aware of it, my love,” said Leal as he moved her robe off her shoulder and kissed the base of her neck.

“What about you?” she asked with a sigh. “Where did you learn to love a woman so?”

Leal leaned up and looked at her. “I did my own research. After that it has been mostly trial and error with you, I am afraid.”

“Not much error, if you want to really know,” said Dracia with a small laugh.

“I’m very glad to hear it,” said Leal. “I’m always looking to expand my studies, though, and I think tonight would be the perfect time.”

“I believe it is, my king, and I am a very willing subject.”

Leal groaned before kissing her, spending his night doing all he could to make sure his queen was very happy with her situation.