Change of Plans by Addison Albright

Author:Addison Albright [Albright, Addison]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: JMS Books LLC
Published: 2021-07-04T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11: Plans

Efren, the previous day

“Sir?”

Efren startled when Dru slunk around the corner as he approached the dining hall for the evening meal.

“Ah, yes, Dru. Is everything in place?”

“Yes, sir. Will you require assistance when you retire this evening, or should Erich and I make ourselves scarce?”

“Wonderful. Thank you.” Efren nodded. “Scarce, I think, would strike a more romantic note.”

“Very well.” Dru smiled and backed away. “Enjoy your evening, sir. I will see you in the morning.”

Marcelo was already seated in the dining hall. He looked up when Efren entered and blushed prettily when they locked gazes.

Efren sat and gave Marcelo a light, dining-hall-friendly kiss.

Marcelo tipped his head inquiringly. “Why do you look so much like the cat that got the cream?”

“Because I am reminded every time I see you that I am the cat that got the sweetest cream in the cellar.”

“Thank you, dearest.” Marcelo tittered a soft laugh. “But I believe you do have something up your sleeve.”

Marcelo’s laughter never failed to ping Efren’s heart. Efren grinned and made a show of looking up his sleeve. “Goodness, what is that?”

But before Efren could push the lighthearted humor enough to get a proper, full-bellied laugh out of Marcelo, the king entered. Conversation stilled, and everyone stood until he took his seat at the head, then servants stepped around the table, filling plates.

“I must say.” King Alnod leveled his gaze on Efren. “I’m feeling a bit nostalgic, and perhaps a little regretful to be missing the tour this year.”

The tour of the realm was still on. That subject had been brought up earlier in the day, looking for final opinions regarding the safety of Efren and Marcelo traveling within Zioneven before the culprits behind the attack in Sheburat and during their journey to Zioneven were positively identified and shown to be no longer a threat.

The consensus was that although they hadn’t yet been able to prove who the guilty party was, whoever they were knew that their plans had been dashed. The rulers in all four realms knew what was going on so further attack would be pointless.

Everyone agreed that traveling into the other realms was still too risky, but a journey within Zioneven should be low risk. They and the security contingent would be traveling relatively swiftly via horseback only, and the princes would be indoors each night at trusted inns and homes.

“I’m sorry, Father,” Efren said. “I know how much you enjoy connecting with Zioneven’s citizens. I’m torn between knowing I shall miss your enthusiasm and guidance, and pride in being trusted to lead the annual tour myself.”

The king chuckled. “I think young Marcelo’s zeal shall offset the loss admirably.”

Marcelo gave Efren’s hand a squeeze before saying, “I am exceedingly keen to meet citizens from around your beautiful kingdom and to view with my own eyes the settings of Efren’s tales.”

Merewina laughed. “Indeed. I’ve only gone along on a few of Father’s annual tours, but I have such fond memories.”

“Mostly of the food.” Efren nudged her foot under the table.

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