The Unfortunate, стр. 28
He was an heir prince. He had never been slighted. No matter what, despite his father’s reluctance and even his questionable acts, he had always been answered for each call and beck.For the first time, however, it appeared his desires were not to be. It was not fair. And there was nothing that could be done, but despite this he did not wish to be alone. The prince needed to speak to someone, and he knew exactly where to find her.
Within moments Banan reached his mother’s chambers and exhaled deeply before making his presence known via several gentle knocks. He had little time to wait before the door was finally opened, and despite his mood he still managed to offer the handmaiden a smile. “I had expected to find you here. There is something I need to tell you.” But how can I even begin?
They both knew the love they shared was forbidden, but there had always been hope. Now whatever remnants of faith that had still existed were fading like the last light at dusk—slipping away like sand between one’s fingers, melting like the last traces of snow in spring. How can I ever look into Jenn’s eyes and explain we shall never be together? To his surprise, however, he did not have to contend with the dreaded explanation.
“Concerning your engagement?” Jenn inquired. Her tone was calm, not revealing any anger. “I am already aware.”
Banan was awestruck. On many occasions the handmaiden had surprised him, but he had never expected this. “I do not understand. How did you know?”
The young woman did not have time to explain before a voice replied from within the chamber.
“I told her.” Before her son could request further clarification, the queen added, “How did I know? Is that your next question?”
Banan nodded slightly as a storm of emotions built, and his mother offered a grin and eventually soft chuckles before answering, “Because it was I who suggested the betrothal between you and King Ryce’s daughter.”
The prince’s brow became wrinkled, and he clenched his jaw. This, too, was especially unexpected. More than anything his sudden anger was due to an overwhelming sensation of betrayal, and he did not hesitate to express his frustration. “After stating what Jenn and I share is the will of Fate, you would not only encourage but propose that I should be a diplomatic pawn to strengthen ties with Yorcia? Is that what you are stating?” He had intended to add several more accusations to the parade of ranting, but Banan instead paused before he eventually sighed and concluded, “I thought more highly of you, Mother.”
The queen ignored her son’s scolding and continued to smile. “You have reached conclusion with haste, but that was to be expected. Come. We have much to discuss.”
Although his patience was quickly waning, Banan nodded and entered the room, but he did so reluctantly. Only his curiosity prevented him from leaving.
His mother waited until the door had been shut before motioning to a set of chairs, “Sit. There is a story you need to hear.”
“A story?” the prince snapped. “Will it justify why you have betrayed me?”
“Allow your mother to explain,” Jenn urged.
“You know of this, too?” His voice was still gruff and littered with anger as the emotional tempest continued to strengthen. “You are part of her betrayal? Why would you do this? I promised we would be together, did I not? Why have you also betrayed me, Jenn?”
“Banan.” The handmaiden took a seat beside the prince. “You trust me, do you not?”
He wanted to believe he could, but now he was being forced to reconsider who to trust. Rather than expose his doubts, however, he simply nodded.
“I would not betray you, and neither would your mother. You know this to be true, yes?”
He again nodded, but it had been to acknowledge he had heard, not that he agreed.
“Allow her to explain, and I swear you will soon understand.”
Still he was uncertain, but eventually he sighed. “I judge too quickly.” He then looked to his mother and added, “Please continue.”
Despite the circumstances and how her son had questioned her loyalty, the queen’s persistent smile lingered. “I wanted to explain this sooner, but it was not the time. Until recently there has not been a reason to consider Drunacht a risk.”
“Drunacht?” Banan was now more confused than before. “I thought we were discussing Yorcia. How does this concern my betrothal?”
“It does not, but there is a connection between Drunacht and a chance to prevent your marriage to King Ryce’s—”
“Forgive me, Mother,” he interrupted. “But the meaning of your words is still a mystery.”
The queen nodded, but she remained quiet momentarily before continuing, “Many years past I encountered a woman in the market. Her name was Aurnia. She had come from Drunacht, and she had been seeking a home in the country where she could raise her newborn child. Even though I had been initially reluctant to help, mainly because of the current ill relations with Drunacht, I eventually agreed, and I am glad I did. Over the years I have remained close with Aurnia, and her daughter.” The queen paused briefly before resuming, “In truth it is the daughter of whom I have become most fond, and she is now one of my most-trusted handmaidens.”
Banan looked to Jenn and smiled. He had heard the account before. “The story of how you came to Armania is memorable. I am thankful for those events and those who played a role, but I do not see how your humble beginnings can affect my future.”
“Yes,” Jenn replied. “I would assume the same if I knew only half the story.”
The prince frowned, this time because of confusion. “Why do you imply I know only half the story?”
“You know how I came to Armania,” the young woman answered. “But you do not know why. My mother did not want to leave