The Unfortunate, стр. 43
“Have you ever considered taking leave from Ebordum? From Yorcia?”
“Many times,” Eadlin replied without hesitation and seemingly without thought. “But then I would remind myself of the world’s realities. What purpose would it serve? If I were on my own, how far would I get? More important, however, what man would ever submit to the calls and becks of a woman? That is even more reason I surrendered to Fate. I knew I would someday be delivered to another land where I would be a queen, but it would not be Yorcia.” She again paused, and this time she chuckled slightly. “Better to be queen of somewhere than a princess of nothing.”
Beadurof had heard Eadlin’s self-jest, but his thoughts were elsewhere as Eadlin’s words echoed in his mind. I surrendered to Fate. He continued to recite what the princess had said, and with each repetition, the concept became more logical. Perhaps that is what he needed to do, too. Why worry with matters I cannot control? That was easier expressed than done, however, and he eventually he dismissed his thoughts and inquired, “And what think you of the events Fate selected?”
“Initially I was overjoyed when I learned I would be marrying Banan. But now I fear this war …”
When the princess did not finish, Beadurof moved his hand and gently clasped Eadlin’s. “There is no reason to fret about this matter. The outcome may be beyond our control, but nothing can shatter the bond between Armania and Yorcia.” No reason to fret. Something else easier expressed than done. Beadurof then directed his attention back to the northeast. For a brief instant, he remained quiet before offering, “What you implied, that it is better to be queen of somewhere than a princess of nothing, there is no need to be so critical. You will always be part of something. From the way you speak and how you present yourself, I can identify your diplomatic ability, and in time others will, too. Your mind is keen, and from what I can discern, it never dulls. You have the wits and intuition of a true ruler.”
The young woman smiled and blushed slightly. “A trait not often paired with beauty, am I correct?”
For the first time in many days, Beadurof acknowledged a comment with a natural smile. She is indeed beautiful, an image of perfection. If only— NO! It can never be! The king quickly dismissed his senseless fantasies and recalled the idea of tranquility the princess had initially mentioned. “You claim this is the most peaceful area, eh?”
“Yes, have you not noticed? Being located on the far side of the castle, this portion is least disturbed. Even the guards tend to dedicate their watches elsewhere.”
Beadurof looked to the northeast again as he smiled.
✽ ✽ ✽
His stay was nearing the end of a second week. Longer—much, much longer past what he had intended—and he had become more impatient with each day. He had stopped expecting word of Banan’s decision to arrive. He no longer attempted to check for letters, no longer had reason to wander the halls of Ebordum Keep. Beadurof had become content to remain in his chambers, but that, too, was becoming intolerable. No longer was it a desire to return to Armania. It had since morphed into a necessity. Escape! Escape! There must be a way! That had become the focus of his thoughts. The issue had initially been if he would even try. He had not initially been convinced there was a need, but with each hour that had elapsed, he had become more certain. But what would an escape—no, an unexpected departure because that sounded better, more diplomatic—do to my relationship with Ryce? How will it affect the bonds between Armania and Yorcia?Escape! Escape! There must be a way! It would have normally been a priority to ensure strong relations, but this was been no ordinary circumstance. It was a chance Beadurof was more than willing to take. Should he? was no longer a question. When? and how? became Beadurof’s focus. By late morning he had determined the first answer, and having recalled his conversation with Eadlin, he concluded the other. All that remained was to wait.
It was not until several hours past sunset that Beadurof departed his chambers and returned to the castle’s outer walls. As Eadlin had indicated, there were no guards, but the king remained cautious. He crouched and waited, allowing several moments to elapse as he listened for sudden disturbances, but as he was preparing to stand, he detected approaching footsteps. Beadurof’s first instinct had been to flee. But what purpose will that serve? I have been discovered. Perhaps I can elude the individual, but what then? The warning bell will be sounded, and all the guards in Yorcia’s capital will search the castle’s premises until my place of hiding has been discovered. And what will I do next?
The steps became louder as they drew closer, and before he could deliberate further, he felt the individual’s hand on his shoulder, and though he was hesitant, the king turned his head slightly.
“I saw you depart your chambers.”
Having glanced over his shoulder, he saw Eadlin smiling.
“And I knew you would be here.” She paused, looked to the king’s hands, and frowned. “What is that?” She did not hesitate to kneel beside Beadurof and reach for the object.
He would have pulled away, but he instead let her take the coil of rope without providing an explanation.
“What are you …”
“It is not what you think.”
That was not to imply he had not considered the option, and he was reminded of the words that continued to echo in his mind. Escape! Escape! There must be a way! Despite the torment he had brought upon himself, suicide was not his intention.
Eadlin remained silent as she concentrated on the rope,