The Unfortunate, стр. 53
Nothing.
He at last turned to the guards and ordered, “Leave us.”
“Your Highness?”
“Do as I have commanded!”
He waited until all had gone and the door had been shut before speaking. “Although many would argue, my father included, I have always viewed you as loyal, a friend, and a man of trust. Despite the situation those qualities still apply.”
“Thank you, Your Highness,” Deogol replied with a meek smile.
Banan acknowledged the remark with a slight nod before continuing. “Because of your past actions, you are suspected of possible treason, but like years prior there is not sufficient evidence to convict you. Were that all I would have you released, but my advisor has informed me of something more and rather troubling.”
“Queen Marlisa and I have spoken. It is true,” Deogol did not hesitate to admit. “But she has done nothing wrong.”
“And what of you?”
“If you are speaking of the revolt, the stories, they are true. I was involved with the attempt but only in the initial phases. I knew and was friends with many of those involved, but once I had realized the true intention …” Deogol paused, looked at Banan, and again offered a half smile. “I had no desire to initiate civil war and return to the time when Armania was divided.”
The prince nodded, but his expression remained stern. “Although I believe you, as I always have about not having been involved in the revolt, the charges are different this time. I have been informed about something involving my mother. You are to be questioned, but it will be conducted civilly. You have my word, but in return I ask for your cooperation. Agreed?”
“What of Queen Marlisa?”
Banan had no intention to cast his mother into the hellish conditions of the castle’s dungeons. Despite her crime he could not and would not subject her to such torment. But rather than share his intentions, he ignored the former knight’s concern and again inquired, “Do we have an agreement?”
Deogol’s smile faded, and he eventually replied, “Yes, Your Highness.”
The prince was preparing to close the door, but before he did he looked back to his former trainer. Despite the situation of possible treason, Banan still felt sorry for Deogol. The young man would hate to see his friend suffer, but he also knew what was necessary and that he would have to do whatever was required. As lord regent, essentially the acting king of Armania, it was his responsibility, and as Banan stepped through the doorway, he offered concluding advice. “Guard your tongue from evil and your lips from any breath of deceit, and remember … cooperation is all I ask. I would hate for extreme measures to be introduced.” He paused to allow the idea of torture and the horrors it conjured to be considered before concluding, “It is ultimately your choice.”
✽ ✽ ✽
As Banan had not wanted to be bothered that morning, he now did not want to be alone. More than anything it was a fear of the restless demons of his mind he was attempting to combat. There was nothing—not the impending war, not the uncertainty of Deogol’s and his mother’s connections, not anything—he wanted to ponder, but he found it difficult to clear his thoughts. He was comforted by another’s presence, however.
Jenn moved slightly on Banan’s lap and repositioned her head on his shoulder. “You appear deep in thought.” She toyed with the prince’s hand, intertwining his fingers with her own.
“Yes,” he mumbled as if he were only half listening.
“What is wrong?”
“Nothing.” His voice sounded even less certain, his thoughts even more distant.
“Well you are thinking something. I know you are. Something is troubling you.”
Oh, she knew him too well, and he wrapped his arms around the young woman and pulled her into a tighter embrace as if he feared he would lose her forever. Having her close was a comfort, but it still did not protect him from the demons. It was not even enough to keep them at bay. They remained in the distance—sitting patiently, mocking him, waiting for him to show the slightest weakness so they could pounce.
“Tell me what is awry,” she half begged, half coaxed.
“I have proposed an alliance with King Ryce against Drunacht.”
Jenn raised her head and smiled, her interest heightened. “Go on.”
“I have requested for Drunacht to be placed under Armania’s control, upon victory that is, but I fear that is too much to ask. If King Ryce does not agree—”
“Then he does not agree,” she interrupted. “What can be done about it? Nothing. It is not within your control, so do not concern yourself.” Jenn kissed Banan’s cheek before again resting her head on his shoulder.
She had spoken true. It was a situation over which he had no control, but the prince could not dismiss his concerns. If the proposal were declined, the weeks of planning would have been for naught, and the prince expressed his worries by furthering the conversation. “But if he refuses, we shall have only delayed the inevitable. My father will arrange another marriage, and—”
“What about forgetting this life and beginning anew?” Jenn again interrupted. “What about doing whatever you please?”
“You and I both know that is a mere fantasy. There is only one way we can be together. Drunacht must fall. They must be conquered. Only then will you be able to reveal your true self as the rightful successor to King Aengus.”
“And you think your father