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qualities Princess.’ Forcing a smile she hoped everything she’d heard was an exaggeration.
     
    ***
     
    Roulan and his father, King Garlan, sat near the edge of the camp. Roulan had wanted a private word about the following morning’s meeting. Not happy about the agreement, he wanted to keep Eloise closer to Brightstone, and given there were a lack of suitors as husband, would then have more control over her. While the King knew Eloise had the same gifts as her mother, he wasn’t aware to what extent; Roulan had been careful to keep that from him.
    ‘I’m not questioning your decision father; I’m merely concerned for Eloise’s safety. This is a former slave we’re talking about, not an honorable highborn.’
    ‘We need this alliance Roulan. The threat from the Highlands is getting closer, I can feel it.’ He took a sip of wine. ‘This leader from Blackhill is strong; his warriors are like nothing we’ve encountered. I think you’re worrying too much for your sister's feelings.’
    His father’s enthusiasm, and high regard for the barbarian, confused Roulan. Arching a brow to his son, he added, ‘She’s been mollycoddled too long. In any case, it’s her duty and obligation to the people.’
    Roulan tried to hide his surprise at his father’s insensitivity. While he had plans for Eloise himself, it didn’t involve handing her over to a man whose reputation was little more than a thief.
    ‘He’s plundered cities and towns across the Wild Plains, making the highborn Lords and landowners surrender their lands and titles. Can we trust him to not start doing the same in Middenland father?’
    ‘Of course he won’t! With the agreement in place he’ll have no reason to!’ Garlan snapped and shook his head.
    Not wanting to admit his son did have a point, he’d never thought about that. While it lessened the chances of it happening, if he took Kai as his son-in-law, it was no guarantee. Another worry, he’d not expected, and now Roulan was causing concern. It perplexed him that Roulan was so objectionable regarding the marriage and wondered what was on his agenda. His dark eyebrows lowered into a scowl.
    ‘You seem to be overly concerned for your sister’s well-being all of a sudden. I didn’t realize you two got along so well, or is there another point to your protest?
    ‘Of course not father. I’m just trying to protect our family. My loyalty to you and Eloise is always foremost in my mind!’ Roulan bit back, realizing it was time to shut up he made his excuses and bid him goodnight.
    Garlan drained the last of the wine and stared into the empty cup. Wasn’t it enough that he was under constant threat from the Highlands? Pressing his fingers to his forehead, he drew in a long breath. Sleep would not come so easily tonight.
    Roulan made his way to the tented area, but saw Leon sat alone by the fire. Thinking he could make better headway with someone who had his father’s ear, he sat down by his side. Leon didn’t look at him, but continued to poke the fire with his sword.
    ‘How do you think the meeting will go tomorrow Leon? Do you have any reservations about it?’ Giving the impression he valued his opinion.
    Leon paused before turning to Roulan with raised brows. ‘I’ve taken every precaution I can. Your father is eager for this alliance and I’m told that Kai of Darkmide is equally keen to take a wife.’ Calmly turning back to the fire he continued to move the ashes around. ‘I don’t see any problems.’
    Roulan sighed and rubbed his hand over his chin. ‘Hmm, yes, it does promise to be a rewarding contract for everyone concerned. I’m sure we can trust this… Kai of Darkmide.’
    Leon took his sword from the embers and prodded cooler dirt to the side of the dying fire. He knew Roulan was trying to make a point, and already voiced his protests about the arrangement to his father. While he didn’t know the full extent of his reasons, he suspected it was something dubious. Of late