The King's Commander (Kingdoms of Meria Book 1) by Cecelia Mecca

Author:Cecelia Mecca [Mecca, Cecelia]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
ISBN: 9781946510655
Publisher: Altiora Press
Published: 2020-10-05T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-One

Aedre

When Kipp agreed to meet Vanni on the morrow, my victory felt hollow. He only agreed for my sake, and I know his answer will not be to Vanni’s liking. My heart felt heavy too, burdened by the knowledge that Vanni will leave after their meeting.

By the time I reached home to news of Lord Bailor’s invitation, Amma knew something was wrong. The blasted tears would not stop flowing.

Holding me to her chest, she stroked my hair as if I were a young girl. She did not chastise me, although I would have understood if she had. I’ve known Vanni for less than a sennight. But Amma reminded me of the heart’s wayward notions.

“There is nothing as unpredictable as love,” she’d said.

My stupid heart chose a man that I cannot have.

When father returned home with the invitation from Lord Bailor and said he felt too weary to attend, Amma and I exchanged a glance. I knew without asking that we shared the same thought—a surprising turnaround given her attitude the first time we discussed Lord d’Abella.

“Mayhap the commander could escort me?”

Amma was quick to add, “He is an honorable man, the king’s commander. I think ’tis a fine idea.”

Father attempted to argue, but Amma didn’t make it easy on him.

“Who should she ask instead? Agnar? He covets the child still, and you know it well, Dal.”

Child.

I tried not to grin at Amma’s words.

“Agnar would not dishonor her,” he says hesitantly. “We know little of this commander.”

“’Tis not true, Father. I know the king trusts him with his life. And that he is loyal and respectful. I’ve learned from you well and would not risk myself for any man.”

It had taken a bit more convincing, but he’d relented in the end. As Vanni said, our ways are not so rigid here. The people of Murwood End pride themselves on flaunting the conventions of the south and east. Of the very courts they fled from.

As I wait for him in front of the inn, watching the fishermen unload and the final flurry of activity of the day, I think of myself a few days hence, watching the same scene knowing Vanni will not emerge from the inn behind me. He will be long gone, a distant memory.

I’ve healed so many of the ache of lost love, but can I heal myself?

“Apologies if I kept you waiting overly long, my lady.”

I turn, amazed at how quickly he’s transformed. Hair still damp, he is otherwise impeccably put together, the king’s seal emblazoned on his tunic. This is the commander I met that first day. It’s a much-needed reminder that he isn’t a Voyager, even if he and his men have taken to dressing like our people.

“You look . . .”

Commanding. Magnificent. Handsome.

“. . . like a king’s man.”

Instead of being offended, he bows ever so formally.

“A king’s man at your service, my lady. I shall not abuse the duty your father has entrusted me with as your escort.”

I’m not disappointed by his words. I thought only of spending time with him, being near him.

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