Free The Warrior and the Petulant Princess by Maggie Carpenter Page B

remarked.
    “Did you see the look on his face?” Larian asked. “As hard as he tried he could not disguise it.”
    “I did,” the King said grimly. “Even though the gravy no longer contained the poison it was still necessary. She was upset, her accident may not have been successful. Keeping him talking long enough for Falayla to empty the vial and fill it with water was very clever, Larian.”
    “Thank you, Sire. It was fortunate there was only the cake left to be served. There was no possibility of him tampering with that, but may I inquire, how are you? Is there any news?”
    “I am weary, but I do not dare sleep. The interrogations continue and I must wait for the information. Oh, I was able to send an urgent messenger to your Prince.”
    “Sire, thank you. I was about to ask you how I might do that.”
    “It is imperative he know.’
    “Yes, it is,” Larian agreed. “I promised Lizbett I’d check on her, is she still awake?”
    “I see her lamps still burning under the crack of her door. Her apartment is just down that hallway, but I’ll walk with you. The guards won’t let you near her otherwise.”
    “My carriage will be arriving tomorrow,” Larian said as they headed down the wide corridor. “If I can switch out the horses we can leave right away.”
    “I think it would be best. Her mother will be back tomorrow after the suns have crossed. I don’t want to worry about both of them.”
    “Have you told Lizbett I’ll be taking her to my residence for her safety?”
    “I have. She was excited, then worried about leaving me, then excited again. I’m sure she is still a bit perplexed, but it’s for the best…for many reasons.”
    “Thank you, Sire,” Larian said gratefully. “I won’t bring it up now unless she does. I will talk with her more about it over the morning meal.”
    They had reached her door and Handerah opened it and gestured for him to enter.
    “Larian, thank you again for all you have done tonight. You have proven you are worthy of all the titles you carry. Now please, go and put Lizbett’s mind to rest. There is a bed chamber adjacent to hers, it’s just through a heavy curtain. If you choose to stay you have my blessing. I would probably rest easier knowing you are near her, in spite of all her protection.”
    “Thank you, Sire. I shall give it some thought.”
    “She’ll be through there,” Handerah smiled, pointing at a doorway across the foyer. “I know she’ll be very happy you’re back safely. I’ll see you when the suns rise.”
    Larian watched the large man stride away. Carrying the weight of the Kingdom on his shoulders was a heavy load, but he bore the burden well, and Larian had tremendous admiration for him.
    Moving to the door of what he assumed would be Lizbett’s bed chamber he knocked gently, and it was opened in an instant; Lizbett, out of her formal gown and dressed in a long, cream robe, flung herself against him and hugged him tightly.
    “Where have you been? What took so long? I’ve been so worried.”
    “Easy,” he crooned, moving into the chamber and kicking the door closed with his foot. “I told you, I had-”
    “I know, some promise to keep. What promise, what did you have to do?”
    “I had to make sure Falayla was safely returned to her family,” he said patiently.
    “You put a common village girl before me?” Lizbett gasped pushing him away and staring up at him.
    “That common village girl put her life on the line for you,” he frowned. “Now stop this nonsense. I know it’s been hard for you and you’ve been frightened, but you’re alive and the devils have been captured, in no small part thanks to her.”
    “Hold me, Larian, please, you’re right, I was frightened, so frightened. Please don’t leave me again.”
    “Dear girl,” he said, taking her hands, “your father has already requested I sleep in the bed chamber next to yours, and so I will.”
    “You won’t sleep next to me? I would feel so much safer.