Chapter 17

The gallery was dark and quiet as usual. Maddoc walked around corner after corner looking for Anwen. He checked the picture of his father and the picture of the queen from Lucidala. He went to the large painting of the summer palace that was very similar to the one in the throne room. He could not find her anywhere. He was just about to give up and go see if she had been detained somewhere downstairs when he heard a giggle. He turned towards it, and a hand wrapped around his forearm and pulled him forward.

He was crushed against someone as lips met his. He was so surprised at first, he thought it could only be Anwen who would be so bold. As he started to settle into the kiss, he realized how wrong it felt. Whoever was kissing him was much too tall to be Anwen. Her lips were not as soft or as full, and whatever hands were working their way up his chest were must firmer than his princess’s.

Maddoc opened his eyes and pushed Princess Meira away from him firmly. He ran his forearm across his mouth, trying to get the taste of her off his lips. “What in the kingdom do you think you are doing?”

“Showing you just how wonderful an alliance between us could really be, my king. You don’t need to hold back from me. I saw how you responded at first.” The princess moved forward, putting her hands back on his chest.

“I thought you were someone else. Someone I had invited up here to meet with me. Why are you even here?”

“I have noticed you like to slip away into this part of the palace. I figured it was to get away from the crowds. I thought you might like some entertainment while you are here. I have heard from many, including my handmaiden, that you like it when women entertain you.”

Maddoc took her hands and threw them off of him. “I have made many mistakes in my past, but I know better now. You have no right to trap me in here and try to force anything from me.”

“Force you?” Princess Meira laughed. “Do you think I have ever had to force a man to spend time with me? Trust me, King Maddoc, I am well worth your time.” She moved forward again, leaning down where Maddoc could see her ample cleavage on display.

Maddoc shook his head. “I want nothing you can offer me. I am leaving before someone finds us in here and ruins your reputation if you have any left to ruin.” He turned and started walking swiftly from the room.

“I don’t care if someone sees us,” said Princess Meira as she hurried to catch up with him. “You will save my reputation when you marry me.”

“I have no desire to marry you, and I will not. You have probably guessed by now where my heart lies. I will have no one but her.”

“That is madness, King Maddoc, and you know it. Princess Anwen cannot be your queen. Many of your lords will not accept it, and it will cause you to lose all favor with my kingdom.”

“It is none of your business who I choose as my queen, and I am not worried about what your kingdom will do. If your lords and father choose to make us an enemy over something as stupid as a spoiled princess not getting her way, Calumbria will not suffer half as much as Parvilia.”

“Why are you so against this? Your infatuation with Princess Anwen will cease eventually, but the power you would gain for your kingdom by marrying me will last far after you and I are gone. You need to think of the bigger picture, your majesty.”

He stopped as they approached the exit to the gallery. “All you need to know is there is only one picture of the future in my mind, and you are not in it. I am not interested in gaining more power or crowns. Nothing you say will tempt me.” Maddoc started walking again, exiting the gallery and heading towards the stars, the princess following in his wake.

“King Maddoc, wait,” said Princess Meira as she grabbed his arm.

He stopped and looked at her, but whatever she was going to say was lost as she smiled at someone behind Maddoc. He turned to find Prince Korben and Elias with the palace healer. Prince Korben gave Maddoc a sly smile while Elias looked at Maddoc with suspicion.

Maddoc shook his arm and pulled it away from the princess. “What is going on? Is someone ill?”

“Queen Eira collapsed in the large parlor downstairs. I had her taken to her room and fetched the healer,” replied Elias as he looked Maddoc up and down.

“What?” Maddoc felt all his worries about Princess Meira fade away. He walked closer to Elias. “Has Anwen been told?”

Elias nodded. “I had Mrs. Owens fetch her while I contacted the healer. She is probably already with her mother now.”

Maddoc said nothing else to anyone. He walked past them to Queen Eira’s room. He couldn’t imagine what Anwen must be feeling. No wonder she did not meet him in the gallery. When he arrived at the queen’s room, he found the door slightly ajar. Knocking quietly, he opened it and walked into the sitting room.

Mrs. Owens looked up at him from a chair in front of the fire. She appeared to be about to stand, but Maddoc put his hand up. “Please stay where you are.” He walked over to her. “How is the queen?”

“She is talking which I believe is a good sign. She does sound very weak. Princess Anwen and Princess Roslyn are in there with her now.”

Maddoc looked towards the closed door of the bedroom as the door behind him opened, allowing the healer to enter with Maddoc’s uncle and Elias. The healer went ahead to the next door, knocking before entering. Maddoc tried to see around him into the room but had no luck.

“Do we know how the queen is?” asked Prince Korben.

“Mrs. Owens says she is awake and speaking but is very weak and tired. Hopefully, the healer can find a way to help her.”

“I’m surprised Princess Anwen has not been able to heal her if the queen is ill,” said Elias. “Can she not use her Gift on another who has one herself?”

“I am not sure,” replied Maddoc. “I don’t think it would stop Anwen’s powers from working, but I don’t really know.”

“We will just have to wait and see what the healer says,” said Prince Korben as Mrs. Owens stood up.

“I’m going to see if anything is needed. Please excuse me.” Mrs. Owens walked to the door to the bedroom and quietly opened it to walk in.

“You should go, Maddoc,” said his uncle as he turned to him. “I am very sorry you were disturbed from your visit with Princess Meira. You should go back to whatever it is you were doing. I will inform you later about the well-being of the queen.”

Maddoc crossed his arms in front of him. “It is you who should leave, uncle. You have no place here. I do not wish to seek out the company of Princess Meira. I was not doing so earlier.”

“Were you not?” asked Elias with a touch of annoyance in his voice. “You were in an interesting part of the palace to just come across each other without some planning.”

“Very good point, my lord,” said Prince Korben. There was a touch of glee to his voice that enraged Maddoc.

“You should leave now, uncle. There is no reason for you to be here. I command you to go. Do not make me embarrass you in front of Lord Elias and call in my guards.”

“Very well, your majesty. I will go check in with the rest of the guests, especially those in the large parlor. I am sure they would like to know the queen appears to be doing better. It seems it is always I who must do the duty that should fall to you.”

Maddoc rubbed his head, feeling his fury build. “Just go, now.”

Prince Korben left the room as Elias looked at Maddoc. “Now, will you tell me how you managed to be alone with Princess Meira in a mostly abandoned part of the palace?”

“I was supposed to meet Anwen there. We had arranged to see each other this afternoon as we have done a few times previous. It seems Princess Meira had seen me disappear into that wing of the palace a couple of times and thought to try to find me this afternoon. When she grabbed and kissed me, I thought at first it was Anwen.”

“You kissed her?” asked Elias with a raised voice.

Maddoc shushed him. “Not willingly. I quickly figured out it wasn’t Anwen, and I pushed the woman away. You must know by now that I will have no one but Anwen, least of all Princess Meira.”

“But now you have been seen by Prince Korben and the healer coming from empty rooms with Princess Meira. I am willing to bet at least the prince will talk.”

Maddoc shrugged. “Let him talk. It will not change my plans. I know I wouldn’t be the first man accused of enjoying the princess’s favors. You must see how she flirts with almost every young man here.”

“What will you tell Princess Anwen? You will have to tell her, you know.” Elias moved closer to the fireplace.

“I do know it. I would rather she hear it from me than anyone else. I will tell her the truth and trust that she will believe me. She is the only woman I want.” He smiled a little. “If I have to convince her of it, I can be very persuasive.”

Elias shook his head with a small laugh. “I only hope she is in the mood to hear you out soon. I do hope the queen’s illness is not serious. She is a pleasant woman.”

The door to the bedroom opened and the healer walked out with Princess Anwen.

“You are sure you can find nothing wrong?” asked Anwen. “If she fainted, it has to be something.”

“There is nothing wrong with her that I can find. She is suffering from exhaustion. I am guessing it is from her earlier trouble sleeping. A few more nights of rest will see her right, your highness. You do not need to worry.”

“I am worried though. I have never seen my mother like this,” replied Anwen.

“As one grows older, the body changes in how it responds to things, your highness.”

“My mother is not even in the middle of her fourth decade. I would not call her an old woman. She has until this point been the picture of health. I am not satisfied that nothing is wrong with her.”

“I will check on her later this evening again. If she is not much better, I will see what else I can find. Right now, the best thing for her is rest.” The healer walked towards the door.

“You will not leave the palace this afternoon,” said Maddoc stepping forward. “You can eat here with us, and I will have Mrs. Owens find you a bedroom. I do not want you far in case the queen should need you.”

“Yes, your majesty. I will be happy to stay in the palace for a few days.”

Anwen looked at Maddoc with a small smile. “Thank you, your majesty.”

“I will go now. I suggest all leave the queen so she can rest. A time of quiet is all she needs.” He walked out the door as the door to the bedroom opened, and Mrs. Owens stepped out.

“I’m going to go downstairs to prepare for supper. Princess Anwen, do you need anything from me tonight?”

“No, I do not feel like going downstairs. Even if I cannot stay in my mother’s room, I do not wish to be far from her. I will take supper here or in my own room.”

“Yes, your highness.” Mrs. Owens took Anwen’s hand and squeezed it before giving a small curtsey and leaving.

Maddoc stepped forward and took Anwen’s hand. She looked up at him with tears in her eyes. “Why is she so tired? She has never been like this. I tried to heal her, but my Gift could do nothing. There must be something wrong.”

Maddoc pulled her close and put his arms around her as she leaned into him. “We will figure it out, Anwen. If this healer can’t help her, I will bring in another. I will send for as many healers as exist until we find one who can figure it out.”

“It is strange,” said Elias. “If Queen Eira truly has an illness, wouldn’t your Gift be able to tell?”

Anwen pushed off gently from Maddoc and wiped her eyes. “I thought it would, but when I send my power through her, it can find nothing. The healer says her lungs and heart sound perfect. She does not have a headache or feel sick. She is only very tired. She can barely stand. Today she seems so confused, that she hardly knows what she is doing. When I first came into the room, she could barely remember where she was.”

“I am so sorry, princess, but King Maddoc is right. We will find a way to help her. I will speak with the healer in the village that my family often uses. Perhaps, another opinion should be called for.”

“Thank you, Elias, for everything today.”

“Think nothing of it, princess. Now, I will go see if I can visit the healer in town. I will let you know what he says.” Elias bowed to them both and left the room.

“I want to spend a little more time with my mother this evening, but I would like to change into something more comfortable first. My dress got wet during my walk this morning and has been annoying me ever since. Will you walk with me to my room?”

“Of course, I would do anything you asked of me if it is within my power.” He held out his arm to her, and she took it. They walked out of the room into the hallway.

It appeared as if most people were in their rooms dressing, as the stairway and halls were empty. They walked down the stairs to the second floor in silence. Maddoc hearing Anwen sniffle every so often.

As they got to the second floor, he pulled her as close as he could. “I wish there was something I could do for you. I hate to see you upset.”

“I have cried too easily lately. I am worried about my mother, but it was my aunt who upset me first.”

“What did she do to you?”

“She forced me to speak with her in a small parlor as I was on my way to the library. She told me that I must stop wasting my time with you and marry Prince Korben. She said some ugly things about me. They weren’t completely untrue which made them hurt all the more.” She paused for a moment, slowing down as they came to her door. “Do you think me wicked, Maddoc? You know what I gave Lachlan, and I regularly give and take favors from you. Many would say I am immoral.”

Maddoc looked down at her in shock. How could she ever think she was anything but completely good? He opened her door and took her inside her room, not caring if anyone saw them. As soon as he closed the door, he took both of her hands.

“Anwen, you must know that I think you are everything lovely. I have never met anyone so full of goodness as you. I hope you do not regret the times we have spent together because I can think of no other times I have loved more. Nothing feels so right to me as when I am loving you. If I have made you feel dirty somehow, I am sorry. I cannot bear the idea I have hurt you in such a way.”

She shook her head. “What I have given you has been with my own free will. I can’t imagine not being with you every chance I can. It has never felt wrong loving you, and I would not change any of it. I just worry that I have made a huge mess of everything.

“My aunt blames me for Lachlan’s lack of interest in Gwendolyn. She has also told me I was the reason Lucidala continues to suffer, and now she wants me to marry Prince Korben to save the kingdom.”

“Nothing Lachlan does is your fault, Anwen. He is a foolish man who has made many bad mistakes. He must live with them. I have seen how he watches you still, and it makes my stomach churn. Your kingdom’s problems are not your fault. You have done everything you can to help your people, and I know you will continue to do so. Do not listen to Princess Roslyn. She seems a cold, bitter woman to me. How your mother puts up with her, I do not know.”

“They are sisters. Blood unites us in ways it is hard to break from. You must feel the same about your uncle.”

Maddoc shook his head. “Every day I feel the bond between my uncle and I break a little more. I am prepared to sever it forever if he will not desist in his plans for you. You are my future, Anwen. You do believe I am yours, don’t you?”

She looked up at him and didn’t hesitate. “Yes, I know I must be with you. There is no other way for me. I have never loved or trusted anyone as I do you.”

She leaned up to kiss him, but Maddoc stopped her. “There is something I must tell you. This probably isn’t the right time, but I do not want you to hear it from anyone but me.”

She reached up and touched his cheek as he leaned into her hand. “You can tell me anything, Maddoc. Whatever it is, I will listen.”

He took her hand from his cheek and kissed it. “I went to the gallery to find you today. I looked for some time.”

“I am so sorry, Maddoc. After my aunt’s conversation, I lost track of time. Then Mrs. Owens came and told me about my mother. I forgot all about our plans.”

“It is no matter. You needed to be with your mother.” He held her hand tighter. “It turns out I was not alone in the gallery. Princess Meira had seen me sneak away a few times to the place, and she had been coming there trying to catch me alone. I was so surprised when she pulled me, I didn’t resist. I thought it was you at first, but it didn’t take long for me to realize my mistake. I did kiss her for a moment, but I ended it as soon as I realized who it was. I didn’t mean to kiss her.”

Anwen let go of his hand and turned away. “I am sorry, Anwen. I honestly didn’t know. My uncle, Elias, and the healer saw us leave the gallery together. I am sure my uncle will talk, but it will change nothing.” She stayed turned around. He grabbed her hand. “Please do not be angry with me.”

“With you?” she asked as she turned to face him. “Why would I be angry with you? How dare she corner you so and kiss you. She thinks she can take whatever she wants, but this is too much. I have half a mind to find her right now and let her know what I think. If it wasn’t for the fact I wished to check on my mother, I believe I would do it.”

Maddoc smiled. “You always will be my protector, won’t you? You do not need to worry. I already told her it wouldn’t work. I made it very clear she has no part in my future. How could she when I only see you?”

“I am ready to put all these doubts away, Maddoc. I am tired of hiding and pretending. I wish for everyone to know how we truly feel.”

He pulled her closer to him. “Are you saying what I think you are saying? Do you wish to finally announce our betrothal?”

She nodded. “My mother insists she will be better after some rest. If tomorrow, she is feeling up to leaving her bed, I wish to announce it at supper. I know it will cause some trouble for us, but I believe we can face it together. If you still want me for your wife, I am very ready to accept.”

Maddoc leaned down and kissed her as his arms encircled her. He didn’t believe he had ever felt so joyous in his life. “This is all I want, Anwen. Just you and me. Everything else will work out if we are together.”

“I know, my king. I am willing to do whatever it takes to be with you. We will see to the prosperity of both of our kingdoms together.”

They spent a good amount of time kissing until Anwen finally said she had to get dressed to go see her mother. Maddoc helped her to undo her dress, fighting the temptation he felt to take their kisses further. She needed to go see her mother, and he would have a lifetime to spend loving her.

When she was dressed in a simple comfortable gown, they walked out of her room together. As they walked out into the hall, they were met by Lachlan. He looked at Maddoc for a second before turning his eyes on Anwen.

“I heard about your mother, and I came to check on you. I know how you must be feeling, Anwen.” He tried to step closer to her, but Maddoc blocked his way. “I only wish to offer my comfort to you, Anwen. I need to speak with you as well. I have to tell you how sorry I am about the other night. I was not myself.”

“You will never speak to her again if I have anything to say about it,” said Maddoc fiercely. “You should walk away now.”

“I will go when Anwen tells me to. She knows I did not mean to hurt her.” Lachlan looked around Maddoc at her. “You know I love you, Anwen. It has driven me mad that I cannot be with you.”

Maddoc looked back at Anwen. Her cheeks were very red, and he could see the tears in her eyes. She opened her mouth, but no sound came out.

“Anwen, go see to your mother. I wish to speak with Lachlan alone.”

She put her hand on Maddoc’s arm and looked as if she would say something to him. What she saw on his face must have convinced her to stay silent. She nodded as she squeezed his arm and walked ahead, past Lachlan without looking at the man.

Once she was gone, Lachlan shook his head. “You have no right to intervene between us. Whatever you think you have with her will have to end.”

“I have every right to protect the woman I love from a man like you. I should call you out and properly finish our duel from the other day for what you have done. Only the idea that I would cause people she loves pain keeps me from running you through with my sword.”

“I was only trying to remind her of what we shared,” said Lachlan. “I did take things too far. I had drunk too much that night and being without her had driven me to the point I couldn’t take it anymore. You can’t imagine the love I feel for Anwen. There is no way you could ever feel the depths that she and I shared.”

“Whatever it was you had together, it is over. You have ruined it with your bad decisions and horrid ways. She has no feelings for you other than pity and worry that you will continue to embarrass those she loves. If she was not so connected to your brother, parents, and grandfather, she would dismiss you from her life permanently.”

“Anwen could never just let me go, your majesty. I have long known that she and I were destined to be together. I have told her so, and she agreed. I may have gotten off course for a while, but I know Anwen is my true destiny. She and I make perfect sense. We will wed and rule Lucidala together.”

Maddoc felt his anger and annoyance grow. He was still unsettled from his encounter with Princess Meira and the words he had with his uncle.

“What can you really offer her? You cannot marry her. You know you cannot. At least half of your court will not accept it. Your uncle and mother have already forbidden it. You will cause a war between you and Parvilia, and she will be in constant danger. You will grow bitter with her when you see what she has caused you and your kingdom. She will become fearful of you and wish to never see you again. All because you could not control some momentary urge to have her.”

Maddoc looked up and grabbed Lachlan. He pushed him up against the wall and held him there. “You do not know what you are talking about. There is nothing more important to me in this land than Anwen. I will do everything to protect her. She will be my wife and queen. We will rule Calumbria and Lucidala together. You are nothing to her, and you never will be. You should marry Princess Gwendolyn and find somewhere far away from Awbrey or Quinlan to live.”

He pushed him even harder into the wall. “You should take my advice, because if I continue to see you even try to look at Anwen, I know I shall lose my temper completely and end you permanently.”

Maddoc heard footsteps to his right and glanced over. Matthias was walking towards him. “Is there a problem, your majesty?”

Maddoc released Lachlan, and the man fell against the wall. “No, there is no problem. I was just making sure Lachlan and I understood each other. He will be leaving this evening, and he will not return.” Maddoc stared at Lachlan. “Matthias, will you take this man to his rooms and make sure he has a proper escort from the palace and its grounds. Once he leaves, if he is seen trying to enter the palace again, you can do as you wish with him.”

Matthias nodded. “As you command, your majesty.” He reached out and grabbed Lachlan’s arm.

Lachlan held back for a moment and turned to Maddoc. “I will go, but I will be back. I know how to respond to your threats. You will not get away with this, and you will not have Anwen.”

“Come on before you threaten my king further, and I end you here in this hallway,” said Matthias as he pulled Lachlan along.

Maddoc went downstairs for supper even though he didn’t feel like it. He was constantly distracted thinking of Anwen and worrying about Queen Eira. He knew how much Anwen loved her mother. Maddoc wanted the queen to be well for several reasons, but selfishly, he hoped she was up to rising the next day so he could finally profess his love and commitment to Anwen. He wanted everyone to know who his queen would be.

He noticed that Princess Roslyn or Princess Gwendolyn were not down for the meal. He imagined Roslyn was with her sister, and Gwendolyn was probably upset at Lachlan’s leaving. Maddoc wondered what the man had told Princess Gwendolyn. From what he knew of Lachlan, he wondered if the man had the courage to speak with his betrothed face to face or just left her a note.

After a long meal where Maddoc didn’t speak to many people and did his best to avoid Princess Meira completely, he left the hall, planning to go to his room and wait for Anwen. He was stopped by Prince Rillian who met him close to the stairs.

“How is Queen Eira?” asked Prince Rilian.

“I believe she might be doing better. She was talking earlier, and the healer said she only needed rest. If she is not better tomorrow, he will try something else.”

“I am glad to hear it.” Prince Rillian looked around the space. “Might I have a quick word with you, your majesty? Perhaps in the room over there?” He pointed to the small room that was sometimes used as a queen’s parlor, though his mother never favored it.

Maddoc nodded and walked with the prince into the dark room. He left the door cracked open to let light in from the hallway.

“I won’t keep you long, your majesty. I just wish to speak with you about Princess Anwen.”

“What about her?” asked Maddoc as he crossed his arms.

“I am worried for her. I know she loves you. I believe you feel for her, but I am not sure you understand how badly this can go for you and especially her. I believe there are some in your family and your court that will do anything to get what they want. Not to mention Princess Meira is beyond furious and determined to have you.”

“What would you have me do, Prince Rillian?” asked Maddoc with a sigh.

“I don’t suppose there is a chance you would give her up? I know it would be hard, but could you stand to see her hurt or worse? Could you watch as those in your own family and court destroyed her?”

Maddoc looked down and closed his eyes. He could not imagine anyone hurting Anwen. It was too much. He would never let it happen. When she became his wife, he would protect her from everything.

“Your majesty, if you do let her go, I want you to know she does not have to be alone or unprotected. I understand she will never feel for anyone how she feels for you, and I would never want to replace who you are to her. I could support her though. I could see her through the heartache as I have experienced my own. I could keep her safe in Awbrey and make sure she lives a quiet, happy life.”

Maddoc looked up. “Are you suggesting that you want to marry Anwen?”

“I care for her very much. I could see myself coming to feel for her a great fondness. I think our marriage would be built on mutual respect and friendship.”

Maddoc shook his head. “You may care for her, but you do not understand her. I think you mean well, but she would never be happy in a situation like you are suggesting. She is a passionate woman with a giving heart. She loves fully, and for some reason, I have been so fortunate as to be the man who has gained her heart.” Maddoc took a deep breath. “I have thought long over the things you have mentioned. I have talked to myself about giving her up to save her, but my heart revolts at the idea. I don’t believe she would have it. I love her, and she loves me. We will be married, and I will find a way to keep her safe.”

“Do you even realize how difficult it will be? Do you think your wedding will somehow stop all these vile people who surround you from wanting what they think they want? What will stop one of your lords from having her killed? She might not even make it to your wedding day if Princess Meira can have her way. She is not only the princess of her kingdom, but she is connected to a powerful family in Parvilia.”

“What do you want me to say to you Prince Rillian? I cannot let her go, and she will not let me. I have offered to leave my kingdom and take her far away, but she will not hear it. All I can do is promise you she will come before everything to me. I will give up my title, my kingdom, and even my own life before I let her come to harm.”

“I wish that promise made me feel better, King Maddoc, but I suppose it will have to do as it is all I believe I will get.”

“It is. You will not have her no matter how much you try to convince me. I have been through all the same arguments in my head as you just laid out, but only my love for Anwen and my need to be with her is allowed to win.”

Prince Rillian nodded. “I hope you are able to keep her safe, and I hope you both rule long. If there is anything I can do for her, I hope you will let me know.”

“I am surprised by your loyalty to her. You have not known her long.”

Prince Rillian smiled a little. “How long did you know her before you started falling in love with her?”

Maddoc laughed a little. “A little more than a week, I think. To be fair we spent an extraordinary amount of time together and depended on each other for much.”

“I do not think it takes much time at all to see what a wonderful person the princess is. She has been as good of a friend to me these past few weeks as I have ever had. I would hate for something to happen to her. I believe her kingdom and perhaps the whole land needs her.”

“I think you are right, Prince Rillian. She is precious, and I will treat her as such.”

Maddoc left the prince in the small, dark room and walked to the stairs. He thought over his conversation with the prince. It made him even more uneasy about Anwen. He did not like the doubt that crept into his mind. She had just agreed to announce their betrothal. He would not turn back from what he knew was right. Still, the thought that she could be hurt or worse because of her love for him, made him wonder a small bit if he had chosen the right course.

As he came to the stairs, he practically ran into Lord Aidan.

“Your majesty, pardon me,” said Lord Aidan.

Maddoc looked up at the old lord and shook his head. “It is my fault, my lord. I was not paying attention. My head is too full.”

“I am glad I ran into you. I have something I wish to say.”

Maddoc closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “Do you wish to warn me away from Anwen as well? Will you beg me to let her go so she can live safely and quietly?” His tone was rushed and angry. He could feel his head start to pound.

Lord Aidan’s eyebrows shot up, and he looked around the room. “Let us go to your study, your majesty. I believe you could use a drink, and I know I could.”

Maddoc nodded and walked with Lord Aidan to his study down the hall. Once they entered, Maddoc poured them both a drink. They settled in front of the fire, and Lord Aidan looked at Maddoc. “I take it you have not had an easy time today.”

“Not really. I had a bad interaction with someone I wished to avoid. The woman I love’s mother is ill, and almost everyone seems to be trying to tell me to let Anwen go. Even those with good intentions speak to me of not marrying her for her safety. I don’t think I could ever truly keep her from my side, but it has all made me rethink things.”

Lord Aidan took a long drink as Maddoc watched him. The old man looked to the fireplace for a few minutes before he finally turned back to Maddoc. “Do you remember what I told you about love that first night we met?”

Maddoc thought back to that night in Lord Aidan’s manor when Anwen had been attacked by two men who were trying to get to him. He had just gone to check on Anwen one more time that night when he ran into Lord Aidan out in the hall.

“You said love didn’t listen to titles or obstacles. You said love finds a way to move around them.”

Lord Aidan nodded. “I also told you not to try to act against it. If you let love guide you, I said all would be well in the end.”

“But letting love guide me could mean many different things. It could lead me to marry Anwen or letting her go for her own good.” Maddoc took a drink. “I only want to do what is right for her.”

“What does Anwen tell you is right for her?”

Maddoc smiled a little. “She wants to marry me. She hopes her mother is well enough tomorrow so we can announce our betrothal.”

“It sounds like she knows where love is leading her. Why are you fighting it?”

“The thought of her coming to harm or regretting her life because of me is a burden I don’t know if I can bear. She is so full of life and everything good. If I was the cause for her to lose any of it, what kind of man would that make me?”

Lord Aidan took another drink and put his glass down. “When I was a young man, I had many expectations on me. I was the son of the highest lord in my kingdom. There was even talk I would marry the princess and be king someday. I liked the princess well enough, and she was friendly to me. Neither of us really felt love for one another, but a marriage between us wouldn’t have been terrible.

“I thought it was my fate until I had a chance meeting of a wonderfully charming, beautiful young lady at the home of my friend. She had the shiniest brown hair I had ever seen and the bluest eyes. Her laugh was almost musical. The moment I saw her, I think time might have stopped for me. I had to know who she was.

“I spent weeks getting to know her, and she wanted to spend time with me. We walked together in the mornings, forgetting the time. We sat by each other after supper in the parlor, forgetting everyone else in the room. It wasn’t very long before I knew I was in love with her. She professed her love for me, and I couldn’t believe my good fortune.

“Of course nothing worthwhile in life is easy. I was still thought to marry the princess, and the woman I fell in love with was a lady in name only. Her family had no money, only a small country home. Their land was barren, and they depended on the benevolence of relatives and friends.

“My father and mother warned me against her. Not just for myself, but for her sake as well. They said she would never be truly accepted as my lady. They were afraid she would be shunned by most of Lucidalan society. Everyone would think I was a fool for picking her over a princess.

“I almost listened to them. I loved my Bethany too much to hurt her. It was actually the princess, Anwen’s grandmother, who set me straight. She laughed at me and told me I was a fool if I let a love like mine and Bethany’s go. She said if I wasn’t ready to withstand a little difficulty for a good woman who obviously was telling me she was ready to endure anything, then I didn’t deserve her.

“The princess was right. I married Bethany, and it wasn’t always easy. I was ridiculed, and she was shunned by some of our circle. Bethany didn’t care. She was so good and charming, she never wanted for friends. After loving her for so many years, I can’t imagine what my life would have been like without her. Even now that she is gone, her spirit and her love keep me going.

“If Anwen is telling you she is ready to endure all she knows she will have to face to be with you, you are a fool if you let her go. I know you want to protect her, but she is strong and has already shown you she can withstand much. What you need to think about is your future. One day when you are my age what will you dwell on? Will it be the memories of living your life with the woman you love, or will it be regret that you were too much of a coward to follow your heart?”

Maddoc finished his drink and looked at Lord Aidan who smiled at him. “I have talked too long, your majesty, and if I have been too bold, I apologize. You will have to excuse a silly, love-struck old man. All I want is what is right for Anwen.”

“You don’t need to apologize, my lord. You have said what I needed to hear, I believe.”

“Good. I will say good night, your majesty. I hope you figure out what you want, or better yet, what you need.”

Lord Aidan left the room, and Maddoc watched the fire after he had gone. After some time and much thought, Maddoc finally left the room. He walked up the stairs towards his bedroom. He thought of nothing but Anwen. She was what he wanted, and what he believed he needed. If he let her go, he knew he would regret it. If she wanted him and was ready to endure what it took to be his wife, why would he push her away?

As he passed her door, he stopped. What he needed was to see her. If he could just see her and perhaps hold her, he knew his doubts would fade away. He knocked on her door and waited. A few moments later, it was opened by Anwen, wearing a nightgown and robe. She looked tired and worried, but she smiled when she saw him. He stared down at her. How could he ever doubt they should be together? She was everything to him, and the idea that he could let her go was not something he could fathom.

Without saying a word and grabbed her and brought her into his arms as he kissed her. She was still for a few seconds before she responded. He pulled back and took her face in his hands. He kissed her forehead before moving down to her eyes and cheeks.

“My king, you appear troubled.”

“It seems as if almost everyone has told me to let you go, and some even have good points. I cannot do it, Anwen. The gods of my kingdom help me, but I cannot keep away from you.”

“I do not want you to. I have made my decision and given you my promise, Maddoc. I will not turn back. If you wish to break yours, you would have to give me a very good reason.”

“I do not wish to break my promise to you. All I want is you, Anwen. I will find a way to keep you safe. I will make sure you are not hurt because of me.” He kissed her again.

“You cannot keep me from all hurt, but as long as you are by my side, I can endure anything. If you leave me, I don’t know if I could ever fully recover. I thought I knew heartbreak before, but if I lost you, I think it would beyond what I could carry.”

He picked her up and took her out into the hall, closing her door behind him. He did not care if anyone was in her room or if she was expecting anyone. He carried her to his own room, kissing her as he fumbled for the door. As he entered the room with her in his arms, he saw Evan standing near the fireplace.

“You should go, Evan. I do not believe I will need anything from you tonight.” Maddoc didn’t even wait and see if his servant left. He walked on to his bedroom with Anwen.

He laid her down on the bed, taking his time in kissing and undressing her. As he loved her, he felt a stronger connection with her than he ever had before. He could not get her close enough. Every sound she made, and every time she moaned his name, he wanted to deepen her pleasure. Any thoughts of letting her go faded away as he felt his need and desire for her grow beyond what he thought imaginable.

She cried out his name as she reached her peak, and he was not far behind her. At that moment he knew just how tied he was to her. If he lost her, there would be no hope for him. Without her, he feared he would drift along with no purpose. He would lose his way and become as he once was, useless.

He lay over her, reaching up to stroke her face as they both tried to slow their breath. “I love you, Anwen. You are all that I truly need. I could never let you go.”

“I would not let you. Maddoc, I am so bound to you, I don’t think there is a way I could do without you. I want to be your wife. I want to live this life with you.”

He pulled her close and kissed her, finding no more words that could adequately tell her what she meant to him.