Free The Eyes of God by John Marco

always been one way, that they won’t be better another. But my library can change that. When it’s done, it will be filled with books and scrolls from all over the world. Then people will come to Liiria, making pilgrimages to study there. They’ll bring more new ideas with them, too, and then there will be knowledge for everyone. And when that happens, all Liirians will have opportunities they can barely imagine!”
    Cassandra chuckled, struck by his fantasy. Even if he built his library, there was no way it could have its intended impact. He was just a man, more like a boy really, and his youth had clouded his judgement. For a moment, Cassandra wondered if she really did want to be queen to Akeela’s king. Instead of setting Liiria on a brave new path, he might be herding it toward chaos.
    “I think your dream is very grand,” said Cassandra. She smiled, not wanting to hurt his feelings but not wanting to encourage him too much, either. He sensed her elusiveness at once.
    “I’m not naive, Cassandra,” he said. “I know that changing things won’t be easy. I’ll have a great deal of opposition. But I’d like a queen that can share my dream, at least a little.” He stayed close to her, looking into her eyes. “Tell me what you dream,” he asked.
    The question was too probing for Cassandra. How could she confess her dreams? Compared to Akeela’s, her own seemed so greedy. She replied, “I want peace for my people and a good life for myself. That would satisfy me.”
    “That’s it?” pressed Akeela. “Nothing more?”
    Cassandra thought for a moment. She decided to confide in him, just a little. “What would you say if I told you I wanted to be free of this place, my lord? How would you feel if you knew I was anxious to see new places?”
    “And new people?”
    Cassandra gazed out over the city. “Yes,” she sighed, brooding over a world that had become too familiar.
    “I would say that you and I are not so different,” said Akeela. “You see? You were right—everyone has dreams, Cassandra. The people of Liiria have dreams, all of them. I will help them meet those dreams. And as queen you will help me.”
    “You are going to be a very odd king, my lord,” said Cassandra. “I wonder what kind of queen I will make in a land of scholars and wise men.”
    “A fine one, I’m sure,” said Akeela. “Having you for my queen is part of my dream now, Princess. You’ll love Liiria, and my people will adore you. And you’ll see—this isn’t some delusion. I’m going to build my library, and I’m going to change Liiria forever.”
    It was a frightening thought, but it was also compelling. Compared to her stagnant life in Castle Hes, with its suffocating walls and tiresome chatter, Cassandra’s new life in Liiria might be magical. She would be wife to this good man, and she would be happy.
    She hoped.
    “I want to be your wife,” she said without thinking. “I want to marry you and go to Liiria and be away from Reec forever. And I want to go now, my lord.”
    Akeela was stunned by her forwardness. “Are you sure? I mean, have you really thought about it?”
    “I have thought about little else since your messenger came with your peace offer. I have made my decision, and I know I won’t regret it. If you’ll have me, I will be your queen.”
    “Oh, my lady,” sighed Akeela. “You’ve made me very happy. I promise you, you will adore Liiria.”
    It sounded dreamy, almost too perfect. “Yes,” Cassandra agreed. “We can marry as soon as you wish. I’m anxious to see your country.”
    “Good,” said Akeela. “Then I will leave at once and prepare a place for you.”
    “ You’ll leave?” asked Cassandra. “But won’t I be going with you, my lord?”
    “Eventually, of course. But not right away. I have a wedding to plan. I have to ready the castle, send invitations—the list is endless, really. Oh, but don’t worry, Princess. It won’t take more than a month, I shouldn’t