Eveline

After a few days on the road, we finally came to Nifar. It was bustling with life. I could sense Dark Bloods- not as many as when we were in Reytor, but there were some that probably were Halflings that could look human enough to pass unnoticed. It looked cleaner than most other provinces. The people were friendly.

"We should find a hotel," I said tiredly.

We'd been in the saddle almost all day and my back was killing me. I also would have love a bath. Just the thought of soaking in a hot tub for at least an hour sounded tempting.

"We should look for the prince. I don't want him to leave and we lose him again," he said.

"Alistor, I don't want to deliver bad news tonight."

He sighed. "It's our duty."

How had I guessed he would say that?

"Fine," I said begrudgingly.

He chuckled. "A few more hours won't kill us."

He was right, but I was just ready to be done for the day. I needed time to think about how to tell Chris his father was dead. I didn't want it to be the same way I had found out mine had passed.

"Eve?"

"I just ... I don't know how to tell him."

We had argued the last few days over who would tell Chris. I had won somehow. Probably because Alistor had a problem saying no to me.

"I can go look for him and you can find a hotel room so you can prepare how to tell him."

I said nothing for a minute. It was a logical thought honestly.

"Thank you."

I still didn't like being away from him. Even for an hour. It was because of what the Keltcher did to me as well as when I didn't know if he was alive in the battle in the castle. I needed to stop worrying so much, but at night I still saw Maverick's face as he bested me.

We rode through town looking for a decent hotel. Finally, we found one called Remedy that we checked into. Once we had taken our things upstairs, Alistor gave me a light kiss on the forehead and left to go try to find the prince.

I took a short bath and redressed in some finer clothes so that, if he did find Chris, I would be presentable. I then used the ink, quill and parchment that were on the desk to brainstorm my words. I sighed, drumming my fingers on the desk. Why had I been so stubborn about telling Chris?

I held my forehead in my head with a heavy sigh. He was going to be excited to see us-to see me. I was going to have to ruin that because we would need to leave at first light tomorrow to head back to Reytor.

Maybe there was no way to say it. Perhaps all I needed to say was in the letter from Guardian Octavian. This weighed on me with a heavy heart. This would devastate Chris. Why had the Keltcher killed the king? It made no sense.

I heard voices come up the stairs and I picked up Alistor's voice making my breath catch. They were here. I quickly moved the court sealed letter and the ring out of sight. When the door swung open, Chris automatically came over and embraced me in a bear hug that lifted me off the floor.

"Hey, Eveline the Mouse," he teased, letting me go.

I jabbed him in the ribs, which just made him laugh harder. Would I ever get rid of that nickname?

"You look grim. What's wrong?"

Alistor saved me.

"How about we get a drink, my prince?"

He looked at me, concerned. "You two aren't getting married are you?"

Would that be grim news?

"Nay," I said.

He rubbed the back of his neck. "Let's get some drinks then. Is this thought for a non- sober mind?"

"Aye," I whispered.

****

By our fourth round of drinks the prince was looking forward over my head at the wall trying not to fall apart. I knew exactly how he felt. He was trying not to fall apart in public and put on a strong facade. Oh Chris.

"How … how did he die?" h whispered.

"It's all probably in Guardian Octavian's report, Chis," I said.

He sighed. "When were the Keltcher discovered? I don't understand how they went unknown for so long and were allowed to grow to such strength."

"I tried several times to warn him of them, Chris, but for whatever reason, not much was done."

He rubbed his temple in frustration. "He was such a stubborn fool sometimes." He stood up. "I'm going to call it a night. My love, care to join me?"

His wife looked at him, trying to hide her worry.

"Of course."

"I will come and meet you in the morning when I am ready to depart. You have left me with much to ponder."

With that, he weaved through the crowd and was out of sight. I watch him leave worriedly.

"He will be fine," said Alistor, running his thumb gently over the back of my hand. I said nothing.

"We shouldget some rest."

Alistor headed back to our room where we dressed for bed. He was out as soon as he hit the pillow with me pulled closely to him with my head on his chest. My mind was racing. Chris wasn't the only one with much to ponder. Was this fight truly over? Was he ready to take the calling of king?

"Eve, sleep," Alistor mumbled tiredly. "I can feel your worry even in sleep. You're going to go gray early if you keep this up."

I sighed sleepily.

"Sorry," I whispered.

And like that, he was asleep again. I was awake a bit longer before I finally felt myself drift off.