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“Well, you surprised me,” she admitted.
He raised a brow. “How so?”
“You knew it was me. How?”
“I guessed,” he lied. “If it had been your parents, they would have knocked or just came right in. Instead, you tried to make as little noise as possible by slowly opening the door.”
“I don’t see how that would make a difference. I was trying not to wake you in case you were still sleeping,” she frowned.
He grinned and motioned for Airon to come closer. She stood up in the bed, wrinkled her nose, but then she carefully walked over his legs and sat next to him. She bit at her lip and bent her head down.
Oh no, don’t be upset,Alzerion thought.
“It’s no use trying to be quiet anyway. I’m a light sleeper, Airon.”
The two sat in silence for a few moments. Alzerion noticed that she was looking at the bruises on his arms.
He smiled and said, “Yes?”
“Nothing,” she said. “I was just wondering how you’re feeling. You were badly hurt.”
“I’m feeling better than I did. Still a little sore but otherwise much better.”
“How did it happen to you?” she asked as she moved her feet under so she could kneel.
“Well, I got into a fight. I had something valuable, and I guess someone really wanted it. Where I live, people are struggling just to survive. They took one look at the object and tried to take it, but I put up a fight.”
She shook her head. “I’m sorry. They could have killed you, and for what?”
“Technically, yes, they could have, but I’m stronger than I look.”
“Airon, I have a question. How long have I been asleep?”
“About three days,” she answered. “I should let my mother know you’re awake.”
With that, she got up and left the room. Once she was gone, Alzerion’s smile turned a flat line on his face. He had been out longer than he had anticipated.Crap.
* * *
A month passed, and Alzerion was still not back in Bachusa. He knew that the king and queen might be worried, so he had contacted them. He knew they would only be happy when he returned. He had not talked to Warren or Ulbrick for fear that they would try to find him. However, in that time Airon turned seven.
Alzerion sat on the back porch overlooking the summer atmosphere. The weather was beautiful and he was currently fixated on the many flower beds that were scattered about. The sweet aromas and the many colors,Ah,he thought, not quite as nice as Gorgeous Garden, but it was well done. Home. I wonder how the king and queen are doing. Ugh, Ulbrick. What will I tell him?He was sure to get an earful from him for his absence.He enjoyed getting to know Airon better. If it was possible, they kindled some sort of friendship.
He was in a daze thinking when Isabella sat in the swivel chair next to him. He wished that he could stay forever. Daniel was laying out on a lounge chair, when Isabella broke the silence.
“Alzerion, what has been going on at the palace?” Isabella fumbled with the beading on her blouse.
Daniel opened his eyes and sat up on his lounger.
Alzerion shook his head and narrowed his gaze on the two of them.
“All sorts of troubling things,” he replied. “But I fear the worst is yet to come.”
“Why? What’s happening?” Daniel leaned forward.
“Well, I didn’t want to worry you two, but Bachusa is nearly ready to revolt. The many townspeople are not happy because someone is making the king and queen look bad. You see, they don’t know how to fix the problems, and when they try to help, even worse things happen. Things are getting out of control, and—” he stopped abruptly. He saw Daniel’s jaw drop and Isabella’s eyes start to fill with tears.
“I had no idea,” admitted Isabella. “I can’t believe things are that bad. How are the king and queen coping with this?”
