Seal of the King Read Online Free PDF Page A

he could see the restraint she was using not to eat too fast. It was clear she hadn’t eaten recently, and under the circumstances, he wasn’t at all surprised. He had no idea how long she had been on the run from the soldiers. He felt a swell of affection for her rise in him, and his desire to help her pushed aside, all the confusion he felt over what had just happened. As much as he wanted to figure out what was going on, that seemed much less important, than taking care of her.
     
    ***
     
    Aurora sat there feeling so overwhelmed she became numb. She had been moments away from death, and suddenly she was in a strange place sitting at a table with him. It was all too much to comprehend. A million questions swirled at the edge of her thoughts, but after such a tremendous physical struggle, her intense fatigue and ravenous hunger prevented her from thinking clearly. She had no choice, but to accept her circumstance until she regained her strength, and could try to make sense of it.
    She savored each bite of food. It had been so long since she had enjoyed a proper meal , and with every mouthful she felt her mind clear a little more. One conclusion she had come to was that she was safe for now, and after these past few weeks constantly on the run that was something. She still had her mission, but she would not be able to complete it until she figured out what was going on. Obviously, she wasn’t in her land anymore, and she had no idea how she was going to get back. She needed to rest. As her hunger became satisfied, she became keenly aware of how tired she was.
    After a bowl , and a half of stew, two pieces of bread, some cheese, and fruit, she took a breath, and said with a sheepish grin, “I have to admit I wasn’t entirely truthful before. This may be the best meal I’ve ever had.”
    David chuckled, “ Then, you certainly have had a rough time of it. I’ll be sure to make you something better next time.”
    She was meticulously eating every scrap of food he put out well after David had stopped eating. Seeing her slowing down he spoke, “I have a guest room for you to sleep in tonight , and there’s a private bath so you can soak in the tub or take a shower if you’d like.” He half expected her to ask what a shower was when she said,
    “I don’t know if I should stay.” Her face suddenly saddened .
    “Why would you think that?”
    She looked into his eyes, and he was surprised to see how sad she looked. “You’ve been remarkably kind to me and I’m afraid I may be putting you in danger. All this is so grand, and no one since I was a young girl has served me like this. It’s all so confusing, and I …” She broke off, her words trailing into silence.
    “Dear Aurora, I’ve already told you. I’ve known you my whole life. I’ve seen you in small glimpses through a window I couldn’t open. I’ve seen you grow from a child to a woman. I don’t understand it any more than you do. I’m just as confused and frightened, but there’s one thing I’m certain of.” He paused, “Everything in my life, and probably in yours is going to change. In fact, it has already changed. From the moment I left this house, and headed to that meadow where I found you, my life has been irrevocably altered, and I have embarked upon that path with no regrets. So, you are going to stay here, and get some much-needed sleep. I’ll stand watch over you, and not allow one hair on your head to be harmed.”
    She opened her mouth to speak , but her voice failed under his gaze. "Now that we have that settled, on to more important matters," he said. She closed her mouth and looked concerned. “Would you like some more to eat?” He smiled warmly at her.
    "No , thank you, I've had quite enough."
    David stood , and began clearing the table; “There are some clothes here that belonged to my mother if you’d like something to sleep in. I think they’ll fit you well enough. I’d imagine your leather might need a rest too. If