Chapter 18 Alexandria #2
“Ye hae a responsibility tae hear it — if something happens tae me, ye will be next in line for the throne. I wish I had married, secured my line, but ye ken… I dinna think twould be fair tae her…” He shook his head and continued, “The throne will be yers, but ye would hae tae win it first. Please promise that ye will fight for it, that ye winna rest until ye win it. There has been a great deal of sacrifice, I need ye tae not waste it. Promise that ye will sit upon the throne, bringing our family back tae our rightful place.”
I said, “Nothing will happen to you—”
“I need yer promise, sister, or I canna…” He exhaled, his eyes down on the ground.
“I promise, if something happens to you, Torin and I…”
He sadly shook his head again.
I said, “I will fight for our throne, I will win it back. I will, I promise.”
“Good, thank ye, Alexandria. I also want ye tae ken, I hae valuables and gold. There are instructions tae find it in my room at Glume.”
“I will get it if the time comes. But Max, we just found each other, please don’t die.”
“I will try not tae, I want tae hear yer stories. I haena even heard the full story of where ye hae been all these years.”
“I’ll tell you all about it as soon as you’re back.” I added, “Promise me you won’t let Torin die.”
He patted the back of my hand. “Aye, he and I will look out for each other.”
“Good.”
He rose and left my side.
They all conferred and I watched them, my heart aching for what was about to happen — and how dire it might be.
I couldn’t hear what was being said, and didn’t want to get closer; I trembled with fear and didn’t want to worry them.
I also thought that if I listened to the ordinary planning of a battle, discussed with such grave expressions, that I might totally freak out.
So I watched the side of Torin’s face from afar as he listened and spoke, a strong and wise presence, then he said something that made everyone laugh and his eyes rose to mine.
Oh God, how I loved him.
Please let him live.
A messenger entered, the other soldiers had arrived. There was a large crowd, hundreds of men, outside. The uncles and Max and Torin all straightened up, they needed to go out and say something inspiring.
Max gestured for me to come, putting out his elbow, which I held, with Torin walking a step behind.
I was brought to the front of the crowd.
Most everyone there was in their usual uniforms as if their day would continue on, but there was a group of soldiers in the front, wearing combat uniforms, battle ready.
Those were the men, handpicked to go on this dangerous journey.
They were big, they looked competent, I hoped they were competent enough.
As Max and I walked to the front of them, they all bowed their heads.
Max said, “Rise, I wanted tae say a few words.”
The men straightened.
Max said, “This is Her Royal Highness, Alexandria, the rightful princess of Riaghalbane. I am Maximillian, the rightful prince, soon tae be yer king, God willing. It has been a decade since our father, the Great King Nor, died fightin’ this evil.
A decade since our mother, Queen Livvy died hiding us.
Our people scattered. Our kingdom was usurped. But today, we turn the tide.”
He glanced at me, and then Torin. “Hae I introduced Torin tae ye, he is my brother, husband tae Princess Alexandria? He will ride intae battle with us…”
Torin nodded his head.
Max continued, “Today we ride, men, for the ones we love. For the ones we lost. For the future we refuse tae surrender.”
He drew his sword and raised it toward the sky.
“Ride with me, yer rightful king! Ride with courage! With fire in yer veins! We will fight with steel and fury! And if we fall today, we fall as brothers — but if we win, we win a kingdom!”
Ryan stepped up and yelled, “Men of Riaghalbane — we ride!”
Voices all joined together, shouting, “To win the kingdom!!”
And the cheers were deafening.
“Long Live Princess Alexandria!! Long Live Prince Maximillian!!” Repeated, it took a lot of fortitude not to wince or put my hands up over my ears, but this was my one job, be strong, a symbol of the cause.
Then it was done, the crowd began to disperse and the soldiers who were going on this mission gathered together along with the uncles, and Max and Torin. Preparing to go.
The Uncles came one by one to say goodbye.
It was overwhelming to see the emotion in their faces and yet, I had only just met them, hours before. Uncle Ryan said, “I will see you on the other side, niece. Ask your Aunt Claray if you need anything.”
“I will.”
Max smiled, “I hae said m’goodbyes already.”
“Me too.” I hugged him.
Then he walked over to his men and then it was Torin’s turn to approach. He planted his feet in front of me and took my chin in his hand. He raised my mouth up and kissed it, a sweet press, wanting more, but…
“Ye ken what I am going tae say?”
“Mount up?”
“Nae, that I love ye, and I will see ye on the other side, mo leannan.”
“I will see you on the other side.”
He didn’t kiss me again, instead he brushed a bit of my hair back from my cheek and his eyes lingered on that place, where his fingertips brushed my skin. As if he were memorizing it.
Then his eyes met mine and he nodded.
Overcome.
Then he walked away.
I called after him, “Torin!”
He turned around, still walking but backwards now. “Aye?”
“I love you too.”
He smiled, “I ken, I will see ye on the morrow.”
And then the men climbed into vehicles, loaded with weapons and drove away.
The last thing I saw were the rear lights in the darkness and Torin’s hand waving from the ATV.
He was gone.