A Dangerous Destiny: The Pure One Book I

Chapter Forty

Well I imagine most people have a slightly different view of Teren after  the last chapter ;-). Let's see how hearing from his POV might give some context to his actions. Teren returns to the party...

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Teren

Teren walked with a bit more bounce in his step as he returned to the festivities. In spite of the less savory events in the prison, the night had turned out better that he could possibly have hoped since receiving his disturbing summons, and his spirits were nearly fully restored.

 As he opened the doors of the great hall and rejoined his guests Teren felt everyone's gaze fall upon him. He saw Dresden Rearder from the corner of his eye and gave him a nod and a closed mouth, but genuine smile. Teren took immense pleasure watching as the man's haughty expression faltered.

"My lord husband, there you are."

Teren turned towards the sound of his wife's voice.

"I had wondered where you might have gone."

"Forgive me, Carlotta," he said as he walked to her. "I was called away on some businesses briefly, but now I am returned, and truly in a festive mood." Teren reached out and took his wife's hand, spinning her round, and catching her in his arms. Carlotta giggled bashfully.

"My lord," she said, a lovely blush rising to her cheeks. "Please, we have guests."

"This is a celebration," he said with a smile, before placing a quick kiss on her lips. "We must celebrate."

Someone cleared their throat and then the room went silent. As he looked up Teren was amazed to see Henry Bastario himself standing in front of him. Releasing his wife, Teren immediately dropped to one knee and bowed his head. "Your Majesty," he said, "we were not expecting your presence at our humble gathering. Forgive me for not being here to greet your arrival properly."

"Rise, Commissioner," The King answered. "No need to bow before me so. We are friends are we not?"

Teren smiled, taking the hand the Henry offered in a firm grasp as he rose. To hear the King proclaim their friendship in the site of all these guest was truly a boon to his standing. "Allow me to express my thanks for the great honor you do me in gracing our home with your presence, Majesty."

Henry nodded. "I did not wish to miss what I heard your beautiful wife had made into the party of the season," the King replied, taking Carlotta's hand and kissing it lightly. "I am glad to say I have not been disappointed." Carlota blushed again, her cheeks a perfect rosy hue as she bowed her head. 

Henry smiled at her before turning to wave his hand towards the musicians. "Let the celebration continue!" he said. The players struck up again as everyone applauded and rejoined the party.

Henry gestured towards Teren with his finger.

"Come," he said, "walk with me."

Teren followed the King toward a corner of the hall overlooking the dance floor.

"Henry, I must thank you again for your presence. I had never dreamed you yourself might attend this evening's festivities," Teren said. "My family and I are already so much in your debt."

"You are most welcome, Teren. Your station is truly quite improved is it not?"

"Indeed, I never dreamed of such status, Majesty," Teren agreed. "Nor can I even begin to express the gratitude I feel for all the blessings you have bestowed on myself and my family.