“Father,” Adalia smiled at him. She sat next to him on the bed and held onto his hand. “I don’t blame you. But I think that it would be best if I chose m own husband from now on.”
“You are my little diamond, you know that right?” His palm cupped her face and Adalia leaned into it. “I would never make a decision that would harm you.”
“I know daddy.”
“Your highness,” Adalia turned just in time to see Conan send a way a guard that she never knew had joined them. Conan’s brow drew together in a formidable frown, as his fingers curled around the hilt of his sword. “The rebels have formed a front line, just outside the palace walls.”
“And where is Xander? Adalia rose from the bed, and with three large strides she was at Conan’s side.
“He is with the palace guards. Apparently he is forming a defensive line,” Adalia could see the doubt and disbelief written on the seasoned warriors face. Something wasn’t right, Xander was up to something.
“Bring him here,” Adalia could see the curios looks burrowing holes in her face. “He cannot suspect that something is amiss. We need to treat him just as we did before Archer’s attack.”
“Adalia, what are you up to?” She felt the gently pressure of Archer’s fingers digging into her flesh when he grabbed her elbow.
“I am keeping my enemies close,” she cast him a cherry glow. “And my loved ones even closer. Considering what you told me, I would be more comfortable if you were at my side at all times.”
Archer’s eyes mocked in laughter, as he planted a feathery kiss on her forehead. “I will never leave your side.”
“I’m glad,” Doran cut in. “because we have a slight problem. During your outburst you accused Princess Adalia of some heinous crimes-,”
“I know, and I am sorry. She forgives me.”
“Do I?” She teased.
“That is fantastic. But whoever went to the North guards to tell them about your fight, left out the resolution.”
“What are you saying Doran?” Adalia could feel Archer’s body tense.
“They will not fight with a family that tried to kill their future King.”
“I will command them to,” Archer bellowed.
“It doesn’t work that way my son,” Lionell cut in. “This is one of the reasons why kingdoms have marriages of convenience and alliances. We need to unite the South and the North as one. We have no idea the number of rebels Xander has amassed, considering the many tiny villages living in the forests. You have to do your duty to your people.”
“You have to marry,” Gabrielle put in.
“But Randi and Novia are married. Our kingdoms are already united. Why won’t they fight under that union?” Adalia asked, unaware of the damage her query had done. Before she knew what was going on, Archer had stormed out of her father’s room. “Is it something I said?”
“Sometime dear sister, I am not quite sure of how big your brain in,” the corners of Randi’s eyes crinkled as he laughed.
“Archer thinks that you are rejecting him,” Novia said.
“Isn’t that preposterous! All this time I have been weeping for him, does he think I did it for my own benefit?” Adalia asked.
“You need to tell him that you will marry him.”
Adalia looked into Novia’s eyes, and they looked so much like Archer’s. She envied the young princess in one thing, how open she was about her love for Randi. But Adalia didn’t think she could be that vulnerable again. When Archer disappeared she felt like an open nerve, exposed to every emotion out there.
“What are you thinking about?” Randi’s question pierced into her thoughts.
“I am thinking about how much I wish I could be like your wife. I fight battles, and stare into my enemies eyes and will not back down. But when it comes to this emotional part of life, I cower behind practicality and duty. I could tell Archer how much I love him, but then-,”
“But then- nothing my love,” Liora held on to the top of Adalia’s shoulders and shook her. “There is no right and wrong when it comes to love. Now, you better find Archer and ask him to marry you before he disappears again.”
“Why would I ask him, it’s not proper?”
“I asked your father. You are going to be queen; you need to start taking charge now.”
“What if he says no?”
“I won’t.”
Adalia turned around and found Archer staring at him. The angry look on his face, replaced by a sly smile. He didn’t look like someone who had just been rejected, but there was a teasing smile playing at the corners of his lips.
“You ask me,” Adalia countered.
“You are the one who wanted to take charge,” he teased her.
Coloring prettily a warm glow lit up his eyes. “I won’t ask you.”
“It doesn’t matter. The priest is waiting for us at the chapel.”
“What?” Adalia asked shocked. “I thought you were angry. Isn’t that the reason you stormed out of here like a toddler who didn’t get his sweets.”
“A toddler? You liken me to a toddler. My little brother Noel is a toddler. I on the other hand am a man, and your husband.”
“Not yet you aren’t,” Adalia smiled as she rose to her tip toes. She was just about to kiss Archer, when they were grabbed, pulled apart and rushed to the chapel. They were hurried down the aisle, like two criminals being pushed into the gallows. For a second, a knot of fear formed in her throat. She couldn’t resist, or turn back and run away. Not because she was unwilling, but because she was no match for Conan’s strong warrior hands. They stood before the priest and Adalia’s knees begun to buckle. She didn’t feel this nervous when she almost married Xander. That was because she was detached and the wall around her heart protected her. But since she heard the deep timbered voice of Archer- when he disrupted her first wedding- she felt like a bare nerve, left to feel every emotion in her body.