AISLIN | I

CHAPTER FIFTY

KAVAN WAS exploding with colors and laughter. The city seemed to be in its topmost spirits no matter where you turned. It was impossible not to be happy the instant you stepped into the street. Smiles were plastered across every face, ours included.

We all walked about together, watching the locals laugh, the children run around, and the shops all had their doors propped wide open.

"Everyone is so lively," Blakely-Rose commented, "It's wonderful."

Prince Grey agreed with a sigh "That's true, but it wasn't always this way. When my father inherited the throne, he worked so hard to make a better life for our people."

"Our grandfather had squandered everything and pulled our kingdom down into a hopeless situation," Evander went on, "and when father returned from his travels to seize the throne, he was able to boost the nation's spirits and correct the economic imbalance that our grandfather had left him to deal with."

"He has a natural talent for problem-solving." Princess Senara said. She then gazed attentively at the syndicate before saying, "But you guys already knew that, didn't you?"

Mèabh chuckled thoughtfully, "Kole used to try to fix anything and everything that we faced."

Kingsley gave a nod "True. It took him some time to realize some fights needed fighting and that we were just as strong as he was. We didn't require assistance, and he could rely on us."

"I see where you get it, gargoyle," Mèabh remarked, poking Evander in the gut with her elbow. He just rolled his eyes and just brushed her poke away with his fingers. "Seriously though, your father assisted my father and Kingsley's father in resolving many challenges, and we still utilize his methods today."

"What are your kingdoms like?" August asked.

"Our cultures are very different," Kingsley said shortly. "Mine is very strict with everything, our royal and military hierarchy, how we sit, what order we eat the food in front of us, down to how weddings and funerals work, but without that, I wouldn't be where I am today."

"Merk is less technologically advanced than Kavan. It has to be more adaptable to the needs and sometimes desires of the village which can be drastically different during different times of the year. We work hard for each other and our chief, and he does the same for us." Blake-Rose elaborated.

"That's right," Mèabh added, "even though my father is the leader, he is a citizen just like everyone else. That is what makes him such a good chief. He doesn't try to be better than anyone, he becomes friends with everyone instead. He gets to know them all on a personal level and then he can know what they need. When it's my turn, I want to be as good a chief as he is."

Evander lifted his hand and placed it on her shoulder, "I am sure you'll be completely fine."

"Agreed," Willow said, "Why wouldn't you? Everyone in your village loves you, especially the children." I saw Kingsley shudder out of the corner of my eye. The rest of the group was eyeing her quizzically.

"What? Don't like children?" August asked.

Kingsley shook her head, "No. They are sticky little germ factories. I don't like them nor do I ever want them."

"She's never been very fond of the concept of a child," I elaborated, shrugging.

Our chat devolved into small talk amongst smaller groups, and I felt at ease. I wasn't on high alert like usual, and there seemed no need for me to be. I hadn't had a chance to unwind in a long time. I've been in Kavan for six weeks already, and even though it flew by, my life with Elowen feels like a lifetime away. What happened to all of my time?