The Princess's Secret [completed]

40: A Glimpse Of The Future.

Caspian.

“She what?!” King Esteban exclaimed. It had been a full day since his conversation with Tamar, but he’d been unable to meet with the other members of the Treaty until now. But he was glad for it, as he’d had a lot of thinking to do.

“She refused.” Caspian repeated, watching the two kings, who were now leaning forward with interest.

The two kings exchanged a look, then King Jacques leaned back slightly. “Well I guess that settles it then. But what position will she be given? Surely she won’t just remain a rescued slave.”

Caspian sucked in a breath. Now or never. “I thought of that, and have a proposition which requires the agreement of the Treaty members…” He quickly outlined his plan, being sure to mention the benefits of it as persuasion. When he was done, he waited while the two men silently considered his proposition.

Finally King Jacques glanced at King Esteban. “I think it would be the most appropriate solution to our various problems.”

King Esteban nodded, turning to Caspian. “Do as you’ve said, you have the agreement of the Treaty members.” Caspian stood and bowed his thanks before excusing himself to do just that.

As he walked towards the tent which he knew Tamar was in, his heart felt suddenly light, as all the pieces seemed to fall into place.

As he neared the tent, he noticed Isidro and Hiram conversing in low tones near the tent. As he glanced at them, they seemed to pause, waiting until he passed to continue. Odd. I’m going to have to start asking questions if this keeps up.

He understood that sometimes those close to the King would keep secrets in order to lower his stress levels, and had done so himself as a bodyguard, but they had been that way for several weeks now. It was time they came forward about whatever it was.

He reached the doorway and paused, pressing the thoughts out of his mind and reminding himself what he was doing. Then he lifted the cover and ducked inside, smiling as he saw Tamar studying the weapons rack.

“Looking for something, Princess?”

She spun around, startled. Then returned the smile. “Caspian! I see you haven’t been devoured by your to-do list as of yet.”

He shook his head. “Not quite.” He glanced at the weapon rack again. “What were you doing?”

“Thinking.” She shrugged sheepishly.

“Not about fancy castles and gardens I presume?”

She smirked, shaking her head. “No. Actually I was thinking about your to-do list, and wanted to ask you if there was anything I could do? It was my father’s kingdom after all.”

He had to laugh. Here she was wondering what she could do to help him with Rayndra, while he was about to give her a kingdom of her own. “Mind if we sit?”

Her smile faded some and she raised a questioning eyebrow, but still joined him at the table, siting next to the head seat. He sat at the head of the table, turned to face her. “I have another proposition for you.”

Her eyes widdened slightly and he realized how that might’ve sounded, so he quickly continued. “Adrelawin has no ruler, and the members of the Peace Treaty have been trying to decide what to do with it.” He paused as something stirred in her eyes. Excitement maybe?

“I spoke to them this morning. We’ve agreed that we would like to place you in charge of it, if you are willing.” He was somewhat nervous. If she turned him down, he had no idea what he was going to do with her.