The falcon's daughters

Chapter 42

Worgan looked out over the ballroom and smiled contentedly. Among the couples who covered the dance floor, he could see the faces of his sons. A husky voice next to him said teasingly.

- A little less decorative than usual, but it doesn't look that bad.

The man by his side looked out over the hall. Once he had been a stately and powerful man, but now all that was left was an old man. He was dressed in black and the long gray hair that lay over his back was tied by a black velvet ribbon. A smile appeared on his lips but in the blue eyes there was a deep sadness.

- Tyrall. I'm glad you could come my friend.

- It's nice to get away sometimes.

He followed the dancing couple with his eyes and noticed Lee with a smiling Sol in his arms.

- Tell me, who is the girl that Leerian is dancing with?

- That is Sol. She is a young seer, who has been raised by Y'zora.

- Y'zora? She is here? 

Tyrall turned in surprise to Worgan. The last time he had met Y'zora was at his wedding to her younger sister nineteen years ago.

- Yes, she and Sol came here a few months ago and asked for help in saving Sol's sister, the girl that Cadenor dances with.

He pointed out where Cade swirled around with Kit on the dancefloor.

- The poor girl was unfortunate to be captive by Crayden while crossing his lands.

- That is very unfortunate. I hope she didn't endure too much at his hands.

- I don’t think it was easy for her but she’s a strong girl and even managed to escape before she could be rescued.

Tyrall nodded and his gaze continued to glide across the hall. Astonished, he closed his eyes for a second to make sure what he saw was real before speaking softly.

- So when did you start bringing animals to the ball?

- Animals? Oh you mean the panthers. They belong to Sol and her sister.

- Panthers like pets? I guess anything is possible.

- As for these two, I really think that's true.

Worgan laughed when he thought about the mysteries that covered the girl’s past and saw them leaving the dancefloor.

- I think I'll go and see with them what they think of their first ball. Will you join me?

- Of course my friend. I think I want to meet these girls.

They made their way through the outskirts of the hall and stopped from time to time to talk to some of the guests. Eventually they reached the two girls.

- Are you girls having fun tonight?

Sol smiled brightly and looked around the room.

- Yes, your Majesty. Thank you for inviting us. I have never seen a more beautiful room.

- Thank you my dear. Thats very nice of you. And how about you Kit? Having fun?

- More than I ever thought I would, your majesty. 

- That is wonderful to hear. I want you to meet an old friend of mine.

Tyrall sighed and gave Worgan a grumpy look.

- You didn’t think it was enough to say that I am a friend Worgan. Did you have to say that I'm old too?

Worgan laughed and Sol and Kit glanced at each other and smiled over the bickering of the two older men. It was obvious that they were really good friends.

- You're older than me. That's enough. Girls this is King Tyrall of Tamarin. Tyrall, this is Sol and Kit.

- Your Majesty.

They replied in unison and did a curtsy. Kit was rather pleased with hers as she finally managed to make it look more natural instead of rigid.

- It's nice to meet you girls. But where did your cavaliers go?

- We're here uncle.

Cade and Lee stepped forward and handed over two glasses of spiced wine to the girls.

- We only brought some refreshments for the ladies.

- A gentleman like always Leerian. That's good, my boy. And what about you Cadenor? Given your father any new gray hairs since last time?

- Not yet uncle.

- Could it be that you have finally calmed down? 

He looked in surprise at the young prince and then burst out in a hearty laugh at Cade’s response.

- No uncle. I just did not have time.

- You're an incorrigible boy. Leerian it's starting to be time for you to get acquainted with government affairs now. When are you coming?

- I have planned to travel at the end of the winter uncle.

- That will be fine. And now that all the formalities have been completed, perhaps I can ask one of the ladies for a dance.

Sol cast a quick glance at her sister's slightly frightened face and held out her hand to the king.

I- t would be my honor, your majesty.

Tyrall led her out to the dancefloor and Worgan turned with a smile to Kit.

- I saw that face Kit. Do you dare to dance with an old man?

- I don’t think that’s wise, your Majesty. I must have stepped on Cade's feet at least a dozen times.

He took her hand and whispered softly in her ear as he brought her out to the floor. 

- You know to this day it still happens that I sometimes step on the ladies' feet.

- You, your Majesty?

- No one is perfect my friend.

They danced for a little while and Kit was unable to get something out of her head that Tyrall said.

- Your Majesty, what did Tyrall mean by the fact that it was time for Lee to get acquainted with state affairs?

- Lee is Tyrall's heir.

- But isn’t he your son?

- Yes but you see Tyrall and I have been friends for most of our lives. We have long wanted to create a bond between our kingdoms. Long ago, Tyrall and his wife Milari had two daughters. We decided to betroth our children to each other. In Tamarin, only a man can inherit the throne, by blood or by marriage. As Tyrall's son-in-law, Lee would inherit the throne. But unfortunately, our dreams came to a brutal end. The girls were abducted the same night the betrothal took place. All the countries searched for them for two weeks until we found their dresses down by the coast. Torn and covered with blood. The girls were murdered and that day broke their mother’s and father’s heart. We decided that Lee would continue to be Tyrall's heir, to prevent a civil war, if Tyrall never got a son.

- And that didn’t happen?

- No. Milari died while expecting their next child.

- It must have been horrible for him.

- Undoubtedly. You see, Milari was poisoned.

The music floated in soft tones across the dance floor. Tyrall turned around with Sol and looked contemplating at her.

- You remind me of someone.

- Who is that, your Majesty?

- My wife Milari.

- Is she here with you tonight?

- No. She died ten years ago. I think it's the hair. Hers was as beautiful as yours.

- Thank you, your majesty.

- It is you who should have thanks for dancing with an old man.

The music fell silent and he led her away from the floor.

- You can’t be that old Your Majesty?

- I have passed my seventy my dear.

- I wouldn’t count your majesty to be a day over fifty.

Tyrall smiled tenderly at her words and patted her hand softly as they returned to the table where Lee and Cade were waiting.

- You flatter an old man's heart.

At that moment Kit returned with Worgan and she laughed briefly.

- I think I'll retire. Before anyone else wants to dance with me and have their feet trampled.

- They weren’t that heavy my sweet girl.

Worgan gave her a light kiss on her cheek and Cade nodded slowly.

- I'll follow you to your room.

Dorcha got up as they left the room and stretched her agile body before following them. When they reached her room he gently took one of her hands in his.

- Did I tell you how beautiful you are tonight?

She blushed slightly as he kissed the back of her hand.

- Yes I think so.

He raised a hand and pulled a strand of hair away from her cheek. His thumb lightly stroked her skin.

- Well even if I said it before, I’ll say it again. You look breathtakingly beautiful tonight.

He leaned forward and gently touched her lips in a soft kiss. 

- Sweet dreams.