innocence with joy and excitement. Their relationship was far more than a business deal made in the halls of political power.
The prince’s advisor looked not much older than the prince, maybe mid-twenties, with dark hair and green eyes. There was something about the woman that bothered her, but she couldn’t put her fingers on it. She relaxed, time would reveal the truth and reason for her concern there, or it’d wash it away as paranoia in their ill-timed arrival.
Jonas said, “Prince Michael, you are welcome here to share in the joy of my daughter’s wedding to our kingdom’s savior. I suspect however, you have other motives you didn’t wish to expand upon in open court?”
The prince nodded easily in agreement, “Your daughter is truly lovely, I regret you felt we should not get to know one another. Your kingdom has made great strides at recovering, it is good to have a strong neighbor once again. While a pleasure to meet her, I had not expected her presence at this initial meeting. It could make the unfortunate things I come to warn you of… awkward.”
Jonas scowled, “My daughter is heir, and will not be dismissed so arrogantly by a guest in this kingdom. Why are you really here?”
The prince nodded to his advisor, “My new advisor has told me some shocking truths that I don’t believe you are aware of. My father felt if you did know of them, you’d never let this mistake of a wedding go forward. He sent me to tell you those truths, and if you wish to reconsider the treaty offer we previously made.”
Stephanie’s mask faltered, as anger went through her, along with fear. Could they know the truth? The next words the prince spoke froze her in anxiety and fear.
“The truth is diabolical in nature. Muranth is not what he seems. He isn’t human despite his appearance, and his concubines even less so. I have it on good authority two of them are actually monsters and not sentient races with souls at all. Not a water and nature sorceress, but a water nymph and dryad. The third is even worse, a fell and wicked demoness of the lower realms, who will no doubt corrupt your kingdom from within its stronghold of this castle and bring it low.”
Stephanie felt faint, and more than a little ill. Not just at the truth the prince couldn’t possibly know, but at her own father’s outraged visage on her and Muranth’s behalf. She never had told him.
“That is a…”
Princess Stephanie cleared her throat, and her father seemed to come back to himself and remember his own plan of discussing it with her before he answered their purpose in coming here.
The smug look on the prince’s advisor made her narrow her eyes. Who was she to know the truth?
Jonas said, “I will of course, have to look into that myself. I find it hard to believe the man who saved my kingdom from an undead army, and secured my border against the ungrateful elves, means any harm to me or mine. I’m also quite aware he is something else, and only appears human, but I also know that shape change is absolute. My daughter’s heirs will be human, and human or not Muranth is the finest and most honorable man I’ve ever met. You will be given our best guest quarters for your stay. Rest assured that my daughter and I will look into these accusations and make a decision before the wedding tomorrow afternoon.”
Michael nodded, “That’s very gracious, your majesty. I apologize for being the bearer of such unwelcome news, it’s an unpleasant duty on my part as well. My father felt it was important given all our kingdoms’ stance on the evil creatures of the lower planes, and of course, the monsters that prey upon humanity in our own.”
Stephanie and the king both got up, and then left the room. At first, she wasn’t sure where her father was leading her, but given the content of their accusations she realized he was heading toward Benjamin’s rooms. The court wizard was old, wise, and could get at the truth.
She also realized she didn’t have a choice. She’d have to tell him the truth and hope for the best, Benjamin as well. Tears threatened her eyes, what if her father cancelled the wedding? Her ambitions, and her happiness and chance at a joyful life depended on him understanding.
April scowled internally as she shared Blossom’s body to report to Khalea. The problem