Born of Stone (The Valdir Chronicles) by RA Lewis

Author:RA Lewis [Lewis, RA]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-12-20T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 6

A few days later, after a particularly grueling council meeting to make decisions on what kinds of foods to send to the Valdir fighting in the mountains, King Osian Stanchon called Cherise as she was about to leave.

“Cherise, please stay and speak with me,” he said as she paused in the doorway, looking back.

“Of course, Father.” She came to sit beside him, Lord Illeron nodding to them both as he left the chambers. Cherise caught sight of Hakon lurking outside and she waved him off. She would go find him later. After their first kiss in the library, they’d met there or in the gardens every day. There had been more kissing, but mostly talking and enjoying each other’s company.

“I’d like to talk to you about the Prince,” her father began as Lord Illeron closed the council room doors behind him. Cherise’s back stiffened.

“What about him?”

“There’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about since you’ve reached the age of majority.”

Cherise waved a hand in the air.

“I know about the engagement with Hakon, Father,” she said, trying to stall whatever he was going to say. “And I have to say that I’m surprisingly happy with the match.” She smiled down at her hands as she said this. But her father cleared his throat.

“No, that’s not what I meant. Hakon is a nice boy, Cherise. But as Princess of Ethea and my only heir, you have certain responsibilities. Marriage is not meant to be fun. It is not based upon love, not for us anyway. It is a duty. And one that you will enter into willingly.” He was getting more serious by the minute. “I am not sure anymore that a marriage to Hakon is the right move. We may have to look farther afield. Wostrad maybe, or Ablen, or perhaps even Askor. You need a strong king by your side, and we need allies.”

Cherise didn’t know what to say. She was so shocked by his words she could barely put two thoughts together. Why would he change his mind so suddenly? Hadn’t Hakon shown his worth in the council chamber? Her heart began to race in her chest.

“I know that you like him, Cherise, but don’t get too attached. The Valdir are invaluable to us, and they are fierce fighters, as are their dragons, but I’m not entirely convinced that they will be the key to victory,” he continued, rubbing his forehead again.

But this time, Cherise didn’t feel any sympathy for his plight.

“I won’t marry anyone else, Father,” she said, her conviction clear.

“You will, Cherise. If I tell you to marry a pig, you will obey me.”

Cherise stared at him, anger and sadness warring inside her. How could he force this upon her? But as she watched, she saw the sadness that he carried within him as well. She saw what this war was costing him.

“You would marry me off to Askor if it would end the war?” she asked softly.

“Yes. I would. And I intend to send the King of Askor a letter.

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