The Warrior King

Eleven

I'm not sure how much time passed between Dresden being sent to find Brielle and her parents and them actually arriving at the tent. Shelby and Tristan were bickering about our enlace across the tent from me, while Raoul played peacekeeper. More pages had been dispatched to carry out orders here and there. My stomach was full and I could feel my eyes starting to get heavy. As I was stifling a yawn, a shriek pierced the air.

“Sasha!” Brielle launched herself at me, arms open wide. We embraced and Brielle squeezed me until I couldn't breathe. “I knew something amazing was going to happen tonight ” she whispered in my ear. I smiled and squeezed her back. 

Entering behind her were Bertha and Marko, looking horrified at the way Brielle was acting. With them were Misty, Lise, and Elana, and Ross and James brought up the rear. The large tent began to feel a little crowded. 

Ross and James went over to Tristan and casually stood on either side of him, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords. The girls huddled around me, unsure of how to act with their best friend who was now to be bonded to the king. I grabbed Brielle and Misty’s hands in mine and faced Tristan.

“I would like to present my family and friends,” I said in a loud clear voice with confidence I wasn’t feeling. Tristan smiled and motioned for me to come over to him. I led the girls over. I noticed that James glanced quickly at Bree, a hint of a smile on his lips. Ross, on the other hand, was grinning broadly at all of them and winked at me as I stepped forward. Without even looking at him, Tristan jabbed his elbow sharply in Ross’s ribs. 

“Your Highness, may I present Brielle Huerto, Misty Levin, Lise Connell, and Elana Fortun, my dearest friends and Marko and Bertha Huerto, my guardians.” They all curtsied except for Marko who bowed deeply.

“Welcome, ” Tristan said warmly. ”I have been informed that all of you may want to be included in our enlace.”

“King Tristan, may I speak a moment please?” Marko asked.

“Of course,” Tristan responded. “I'm sure you have questions.”

“Indeed your majesty.  My wife and I took in Sasha a decade and a half ago and consider her as a daughter to us,” Marko started. Bertha came up next to me and we intertwined our arms around each other's waists.  “Since her own father is not here to question you himself, I feel it is my duty to ask what your intentions are with our daughter?”

“A fair question,” Tristan responded. “Please rest assured that Sasha will live a life of comfort and luxury going forth. All of her wants and needs will be met.” 

“Damn,” Brielle muttered. “I want to marry a king.” James frowned at her comment and I smacked her arm. She mumbled sorry.

“It is good to know that she will be physically taken care of but my wife and I are also concerned with her treatment. We would hope that whoever marries our children would treat them with true love and kindness,” Marko replied. Bertha squeezed me closer and once again, tears sprang to my eyes as I realized the depth of their love for me. 

“You have my word as a king and a gentleman, Sasha will be loved every day and treated with the utmost honor and respect,” Tristan said. ”My bond-mate is strong and I intend on making the most of it with her.” This seemed to satisfy Marko, as he bowed his head and took a step back. I stood rooted to my spot at Tristan’s words. Loved every day? Honored and respected? Did he really mean those things?

“Well, this is just the happiest of days!” Shelby sang out, clasping her hands together. “You simply must stay over in the camp. We will provide everything you will need. Uther!” she called out. Uther reappeared. 

“Yes, ma'am?”

“Ah, there you are. Uther, please find out where Sasha’s things are located at her home so you can send some soldiers and a liaison to retrieve them. Have Dresden find the families of these young ladies and let them know that they will be our guests tonight,” Shelby instructed. “After those two things, get yourself and Dresden to bed.” Before Uther could salute and leave, Marko spoke up.

“If you will allow it, your majesty, please allow me to accompany the soldiers. My son and farmhands take turns keeping watch at night and I would like to prevent an incident if possible.” Tristan nodded and Marko and Uther left together. 

“Will you show the future queen and her companions to where they will be staying tonight, Shelby?” Tristan requested. Shelby beamed.

“It would be my pleasure,” she said, striding past us. We all turned to follow her when I suddenly felt two strong arms catch me around the waist. Tristan pulled me into him and the molten lava returned to my core.

“Sleep well these next three months my queen,” he said into my ear, his voice low and husky. “You will not be sleeping much once we are bonded.” He kissed my neck and sent me on my merry, body on fire, way.