fortune at my disposal. I can pay the army and keep things going until you as King can levy the taxes Bandara needs to pay Abberdon.”
Cain shook his head. “What about Havalon? He does not want us to pay the gold back; he will attack if he sees we intend to settle the debt. It’s not the gold he wants, it’s the land, and if he attacks before we can pay, it will justify his invasion with the Church.” The Prince pointed his finger at the young Lord. “I will not give Havalon one ounce of Bandaran soil, Talorn, not one clod of dirt.”
“Calm down, my Prince, we have thought of that. After you are King, you can get rid of General Voths. You know as well as I, he is an incompetent commander. Your father appointed him head of the Bandaran army because he told good stories at the state dinners. Voths cares more about what his aides are bringing him for lunch than he does about the condition of the Army. Appoint me head of all the armies of Bandara. After the border skirmishes Havalon knows my skill at arms, he also knows my father; it will make him think twice about using force to collect his debt. It will buy you time to collect what you need to repay Abberdon.”
Cain began to pace. “I like what you’re saying and don’t take this the wrong way, but you are William Blackthorn’s son after all. What’s the price for you and your father’s help?”
Talorn grinned at Cain. “Just three small things, Highness, and they all are of benefit to you as well as us.
First, I would like a royal charter to reestablish the Knights of Bandara, for my God, my King, and my country. They kept order along the Gold Road and throughout the realm, and they were a shining example of Bandaran honor in the days of the Phoenix Queen. I feel we need them now more than ever; they will set an example to all of the other Kingdoms of what Bandara stands for.
Second, I would like you to make me first seat on the council. It will make me second only to you in power until you father your own heir, by rights I should have my father’s seat anyway. He has recommended me to the council already, so there should be no interference from the other council members on the matter. ”
Cain looked at Talorn and raised an eyebrow. “You seem to have thought this through very thoroughly. What you ask I can’t do until I’m crowned King and that all depends on how long father holds on to his shameful life, this plan will also make me very unpopular with commoners. They will not like their taxes being raised or several other small changes I plan to make when I’m King.”
Talorn pointed his finger at the future King. “Isn’t it the need for popularity that has caused the problem in the first place?”
Cain smiled. “You’re right, my friend, the Kingdom must be put before a King’s vanity. A lesson my father must never have learned and the only one he taught me. I agree to your terms and will act on them as soon as my father has passed on and I’m crowned. God forgive me, but I hope it happens in time to save Bandara.
The two turned around and started walking back toward the stables. Cain stopped and looked thoughtfully at Talorn. “Oh, you never told me what the third thing was you wanted.” Talorn put his hand on the future King’s shoulder. “I wish to marry your sister.”
Chapter 3
So soft were her steps one could scarcely hear her as she padded down the hallway in her slippers. She loved the silk slippers; they had been a gift from her father last year. He had the royal seamstress sew the ankles of them with pearls and lace. They fit her small feet perfectly and they were as light and soft as a cloud.
It was not only her feet that were small. Princess Raygan was not much bigger than a child, standing just five feet tall. It wasn’t her diminutive height though that caused all the guards’ heads to turn as she passed them in the hallway. It was the tight silk robe she had on and the sway of her hips.
Raygan might have a girl’s height, but she had a woman’s figure. Large breasts, narrow waist, and the curve of her buttocks made