The Warrior King

Fourteen

As soon as breakfast was over, the dark haired beauty came over and whispered something in Tristan's ear. I frowned at the proximity of her lips to him. Tristan nodded at whatever she said and then turned his head to say something back.She laughed and noticed I was looking at her. Straightening with a smirk, she reached out her hand to me.

”I don't think we've met. I'm Delaney Niall, ” she said, her tone sickenly sweet. I forced a smile on my face and shook her hand.

”Delaney is a member of my cabinet, ” Tristan said. ”She is from the Mountain district and fought with the archers. When I needed a particular shot made, Delaney was the person to do it.” Delaney beamed at the praise from Tristan.

”You mean she would do it if I wasn't available, ” said Ross as he came up behind her. With him were James, Bertha, and the girls. The girls and Bertha had on dresses similar to mine but in different colors. Bertha's was brown, Brielle’s sky blue, Misty’s purple, Lise’s green, and Elana’s dress was red.

”Oh Ross, ” Delaney purred, pressing herself against one arm. ”Do I really need to take you out back again and show you just how good I am?” Ross blushed while James rolled his eyes.

”Enough Delaney, ” Tristan said standing. She stepped back from Ross, a triumphant look in her eye, as she turned back to Tristan. ”Welcome!” he said to my friends as he finally noticed them. ”Please, join us.”

They all gave deep curtsies and then sat at the table, Bertha seeking out Marko to give him a hug and kiss.

”Your highness, may I stay with my friends for now?” I asked not wanting to be in Delaney’s presence any longer than necessary. He nodded.

”I will send Uther for you when you are needed, ” he said and excused himself. Before he could go, though, I caught his arm and stood on my tiptoes to kiss him. I could tell he was surprised for a moment, but only a moment, as the next thing I knew his arms encircled my waist pulling me to him, kissing me back. He deepened the kiss and I dug my fingers into the front of his shirt. I hadn't expected such a passionate response and when we pulled apart, my heart was pounding and his eyes were dark. He smiled at me and I saw Delaney’s nostrils flare. Good, I thought. Maybe she got the message.

They left and I joined my friends at their table.

”Did anyone else wake up wondering if last night really happened?” Misty asked as she fixed herself a plate.

”Of course it happened, ” Brielle snorted. ”Sasha was just sucking face with the king.”

”Brielle, ” Marko said with a warning tone.

”What? It's not like she’s not my best friend, ” Brielle shrugged.

”Regardless of your friendship, Sasha is going to be your queen. You will have to show some restraint, ” Bertha scolded. Brielle rolled her eyes and I gave her a gentle nudge.

We sat and talked about what happened after I left and how apparently Brielle and James got into a shouting match.

”You did what?!” I asked, my voice louder than I meant it to be. Brielle just gave a wave of her hand to dismiss it.

”It was nothing. We started talking about which is the better s*x and I pointed out that it was women, ” she explained. ”I can't help he's an arrogant asshole.”

”Brielle!” Bertha hissed through her teeth.

”Yeah but he's the arrogant asshole you couldn't take your eyes off of, ” Lise pointed out.

”Oh really?” I said, enjoying watching Brielle's face turn red for a change. ”Should I expect another enlace at the palace soon?” Before Brielle could throw the biscuit in her hand at me, Uther appeared, running.

”Milady, ” he said breathlessly, ”the king requires you to prepare for departure immediately. There is an urgent matter at the capital that requires his attention. He also requires Miss Huerto to accompany you.”

”Me?” Brielle squeaked. Uther nodded, trying to catch his breath. Bertha and Marko exchanged looks but Brielle was already on her feet pulling my arm.

”Come on Sosh, let's not keep the man waiting, ” she said. I practically tripped over my chair and Misty had to reach out to help steady me.

”His Majesty has provided you riding clothes in your tent and said that he will send for Miss Huerto’s belongings, ” Uther explained further. ”Please, you must come now.”

”Now wait just one moment there-” Marko started before Brielle cut him off.

”Oh please, please, please daddy don't say anything more. I will be with Sasha and the king won't let anything happen to us. He's the Warrior King! You wouldn't want him to pull his support from our farm over something this simple, ” Brielle pleaded. Marko thought for a moment and then nodded his consent. Brielle squealed and clapped her hands together. She quickly hugged and kissed her parents, and then grabbed my arm and dragged me behind Uther. I waved goodbye to all of our friends and tried to keep up.

”If you need help with the leather armor, there will be a handmaid right outside the tent to help you, ” Uther said, drawing back the tent flap.

”Leather armor? What are we riding? Dragons?” Brielle joked.

”Yes, ” Uther answered simply. ”Big ones, ” and then he was gone.