Free Kingdom's Reign by Chuck Black Page B

traveled light—just one small satchel—and I was pleased about that. The silence between us was awkward. I hadn’t been expecting her as my assistant, and she hadn’t been expecting such a drastic change in her mission for the King.
    â€œIt is good to see you again, Talea,” I said, trying to be cordial.
    â€œAnd you,” she replied without looking my direction. It was not an enthusiastic reply by any means, but it was not indifferent either. Sitting across from me, she gazed out the window at the streets of Chessington as we traveled north toward the palace. I knew life had just taken a drastic turn for her, and she was trying to adjust. Talea was a stunning woman in both beauty and character, but any initial attraction I’d had to her was quickly dying with each encounter. I was about toask her how she had been, but she cut through my attempt at casual conversation and pressed right to business.
    â€œWhat is the purpose of our mission, and how long will it last?” She turned and finally looked at me for the first time since leaving the ship. For one brief moment, I thought I saw an expression of kind fellowship, but it was fleeting and the look of a professional warrior replaced it from that moment on.
    I cleared my throat. “Initially, we are to help the newly selected city prefects and regional governors establish their governments. Once that is complete, which I am sure will take a fair amount of time, we are to represent the Prince and deliver His commands to the cities and regions as well as keep Him updated on the kingdom’s progress.” I looked at her briefly and then gazed out the carriage window myself. “As to the length of the mission or your assignment, I simply have no idea.”
    â€œI see,” she said.
    I looked back at her, and she stared blankly at me. I knew that I must clear any misconceptions from her mind and try to get us back on the right foot.
    â€œLady Talea, we are going to be working together for quite a while, and I am committed to fulfilling my duty to the Prince. Just to be up front with you, I didn’t request you, nor did I know you were the one selected as my assistant until Yutan told us both on the ship. I’m sorry that you were surprised by it, but we have a job to do, and it’s not going to be an easy one. If I’ve offended you in any way, I apologize. Let’s respect each other and get on with our business.”
    She looked at me a bit less coolly and nodded. “Agreed.”
    Our relationship would remain purely professional, I was sure of that. It was painfully clear that she wanted nothing more to do with me than to accomplish our mission. I was not completely sure why she was so stoical toward me, but I accepted it and appreciated her abilities and planned to use them effectively in our dealings within the kingdom. Talea was charming … just not to me. And it was probably fortunate, because our businesslike relationship allowed me to focus completely on our mission and duty for the Prince rather than on civilities.
    It took a number of days to prepare for our departure to Cameria. Five city prefects, one regional governor, and six contingents of knights made for a fairly large force of armed warriors. Additionally, Barrett and his men traveled with us as far as Chandril, where he was to rule.
    We mounted, and I looked at William, Rob, and Barrett to my right. I smiled as I remembered our adventures together. They smiled, as if also remembering. Talea rode to my left, and Cullen and Keely, along with the other two city prefects, were beside her. I was amidst warriors on a noble mission, and I was honored to be with them.
    â€œLead on, Sir Cedric,” William said with a broad smile.
    â€œThe honor is yours, Governor.” I bowed from my mount.
    He smiled and then sat tall on his steed. “Move out!” he commanded, and we launched into the kingdom on a mission of