Lucien sat alone in empty room and stared at his own hands propped on his bent knees.
I couldn't do anything… once again she was leaving me.
Suddenly he remembered one snowy night during their journey toward Kabul. Back then he asked her where she comes from, and for a second he thought she started disappearing in overwhelming snowstorm.
Dammit! My eyes didn't play tricks on me back then!
He clasped his trembling hands so hard his knuckles whitened.
Never did he expect to feel such fear, it was as if his own soul was being ripped away from him by some dreadful mysterious powers against which he could do nothing.
Completely nothing…
Ley's colourless face and her widened with terror black eyes haunted him even when he frantically shut his own eyes in desperate attempt to get rid of this memory. The expression of pure panic was the last thing he ever expected to see on this brave woman's face.
The mere idea that at any given moment, driven by some strong emotions she may disappear one day, caused him to nearly shout in denial at every god who was near enough to hear his angered objection.
He already experienced it once, and that was enough!
His infuriating mind immediately conjured the image of fading woman briefly struggling with the monster whom he nearly married. Back then his outstretched hand went right through Ley, the only thing he managed to grasp was several strands of her black hair.
…ONLY her hair…
The next moments were the longest in his life. As he together with Michael frantically searched the battlements for the any trace where women could go to he cursed and begged at the same time, he swore that he will give up anything, if only Ley will come back to them.
...to HIM…
Both of them stubbornly refused to believe that they'll never see her again. Ignoring what their own eyes witnessed, they called her name until their sore throats hurt like hell and were unable to emit any sound anymore.
And then, as he still clutched this long-forgotten strange blade of hers he felt slight tug and suddenly shining transparent silhouette appeared before him with its hand reaching for the sword.
As the light slowly took more shape, he recognized familiar features and before it would disappear once again he recklessly grabbed it.
No one could be more relieved than him as the rays of light subsided and once again he held the woman he fell in love with in his arms.
Never again did he discuss this incident with Michael, both of them were too overjoyed to care anymore.
And perhaps that was their first mistake.
Abruptly king stood up, as he raked his black curls he gazed with narrowed arctic-blue eyes at the sun still high in the sky.
'Anchors', huh? So I simply have to make her realise that now THIS WORLD is her home? Goddammit! If she needs bloody 'lighthouse' I damn sure will become one! I'll enlighten her life so much she won't be able to see straight!
Decisively he stomped out of deserted alcove.
After difficult talk with Sir Wulf Lena wandered aimlessly through the palatial maze. Before she knew it, she ended up on the same battlements where Ariana died that memorable night. Slowly she stepped out from the safety of corridor and with determined expression made first wary step forward.
When nothing extraordinary happened she discreetly sighed with relief and more confidently strode to the low stone balustrade at the edge of the battlement. Once she braced her hands on the railing she inhaled deeply and closed her eyes for a moment.
Gentle gust of wind caressed her long silky hair causing it to billow slightly in the breeze, she could feel the warmth of the sun rays on her face.
If not what she just experienced today it could be even called a peaceful afternoon.
Slowly she opened her dark eyes and gazed at glittering surface of the Yucca River. With one swift leap she hopped at the parapet and allowed the wind to envelope her entire form.
Then she gracefully sat down at the railing her legs dangling freely on the outside, the reflecting surface of the water far, far down beneath her feet.
As she propped her hands on her either side, she raised her face to the sun tilting slightly her head back and once again closed her eyes drinking in this strange sense of peacefulness.
After a while she turned slightly and leaned her back on the nearest merlon bracing her feet at the opposite one that now she sat comfortably in the wide crenel.
As she hugged her bent knees she allowed herself to immerse with this soothing atmosphere.
She dozed for perhaps a few moments when she heard barely audible hesitant steps. From under her lashes she saw tiny shadow tiptoeing in her direction, as her curiosity was considerably piqued she decided to pretend to be still asleep.
Since she couldn't move her head which was tilted slightly back, not without alarming her unexpected companion, so she was left with barest glimpses obscured even more by strong sunlight.
The shadow hesitated once again but suddenly as if it decided on something it quickly disappeared from Ley's line of sight.
Woman wasn't even able to become somewhat touch disappointed that it left before revealing its identity when once again she heard some noise, this time louder as if her visitor had some trouble god only knows with what.
After a momentary pause she heard wary footsteps coming back to her, and once again the shadow stood by her side.
Then to her surprise tiny hand clearly belonging to a child crept near her leg. Lena tried to breath evenly as any sleeping person would, but she found out it wasn't so easy as she thought. She could only hope she would be able to fool her companion with her poor acting skills.
The hand disappeared under one of her boots and suddenly appeared holding the long thick as the finger of an adult crude cord. The kid delicately to not to disturb supposedly asleep woman bound the twine several times around Lena's ankle and helping itself with the other hand it tied the strong knot with it.
Then to Ley's even bigger confusion, the small presence disappeared as if alarmed by something.
Nearly at the same moment woman heard surprised gasp resonating from the corridor.
Heavy steps headed her way and as she peeked at newcomer from under her fringe she saw slightly worried face of Michael.
"Why on earth are you sitting on the edge of the battlement?" he scolded her quickly striding toward her.
Lena finally raised her head completely and glanced curiously at her leg.
Seeing her intrigued expression, man followed the line of her sight and frowned clearly puzzled "Why do you have some kind of crude rope tied to your ankle?"
Exotic woman glanced down at the thread until she found the other end of the line, bound to the iron gripper probably for torches protruding from the nearest wall.
That's why the noise… it was almost too high for that kid…
The corner of her mouth twitched.
As Michael too noticed the other end of rope he glanced back at woman on whose lips danced a pale smile "Ley… why are you 'tied' to the torch handle?"
Woman smirked at him and elegantly hopped from her temporary perch "Apparently you were not the only one worried I may fall." She answered cryptically.
Man stared at the flames slowly sipping the white wine he was so proud of. This year was very abundant, the crops of his grapes were more than satisfactory, he couldn't wait when he will end his matters in Kabul and be able to get back to his favourite vineyard.
Today he was supposed to finally meet this mysterious pretender to the Kabul throne, but unfortunately the old knight, Wulf was his name? Came to him and deeply apologized several times over and over again while saying that all today's visits were cancelled.
Man assured that the date is merely rescheduled but even so…
Strange…
Really, it was harder to find this woman than to gain the audience with the previous Queen.
The man tapped in irritation at the countertop with his fingers.
He hoped to at least meet once this enigma of a woman before killing her.
The light from his fireplace reflected in his signet as he still drummed his fingers while taking another sip.
He sent some of his servants to collect as many rumours as possible, but what they brought back was even more confusing.
Some of them claimed that this Ley – the man tasted the sound of this name on his lips – was eccentric in a way. The facts were, that she managed to gain the support of the main players in this political chessboard.
If he should believe the gossips, woman managed to seduce the main actors in this play – but how did she manage to stop them from killing each other while fighting for her affection remained a secret.
Man frowned, the other rumour described some incident during the feast not so long time ago, but if he would believe in THAT, it would mean she tried to wiggle her way out of this coronation using the Jeggers as an excuse.
Why the hell someone would refuse to grasp the opportunity to gain the real power when it presented itself before you? Not only 'presented', but was carefully packed, tied with golden ribbon on top of it ready for you to open…
In the one rumour the woman was cunning seductress who knew how to play the men in her favour and in the other one she practically run away from the throne as if it was set on the fire.
Either she was ruthless or incredibly stupid, except she couldn't be both at the same time.
Something was missing…
The puzzles which were handed to him just wouldn't fit to each other.
Anyhow, he decided to follow his initial plan.
In two days he will be relieved from this headache anyway…
The next morning Lena was greeted by King Eric right before her door, she froze little surprised but managed to greet him respectfully.
As usual man grimaced at her official way of addressing him but strangely didn't comment on that, instead he took her by her elbow and dragged her back into her own alcove.
Once he shut the door behind him, with one brief glance at surprised Maria who played with her squirrel he started to struggle slightly, as if he didn't know how to break up the subject to Ley.
"Lena…" he grunted uncomfortably "I have a favour to ask of you…"
Woman frowned warily slightly alarmed by his sudden shyness. The King of Aran SHY? That had to be some kind of oxymoron.
"What can I do for you, Sire?"
Man scowled at her usual clothes she was currently wearing and abruptly raised his eyes to meet hers "I know you hate dressing up… now I finally understand why… But-" he blushed slightly.
Dear God! He was really being COY?!
"But.. could you make an exception? Only for today?" his gaze was strangely intense as he pleaded his case.
Woman nervously tugged at her sleeve and glanced at him sideways "Why?"
"I cannot explain this to you right now, but just for today… could you wear the dress I prepared for you?"
"…Prepared..?" stunned woman echoed.
He flashed her embarrassed smile "I misspoke, I only brought it to Sevia with me… Even so, would you?"
Why on earth is he so persistent?
The longer she hesitated the more and more King Eric resembled in her eyes cute puppy wagging its tail hoping you will toss him his stick. She felt more uncomfortable with each passing second. To her utter panic she felt her resolve crumpling under those grey puppy eyes which became larger and more shining with some inner light by each moment.
Jesus! This kind of expression should be forbidden by law!
Suddenly as if under some kind of spell she felt her own head nodding slowly as if its own volition. Eric flashed her blinding smile in reward.
Before she and Maria knew what was happening, monarch leapt to the door and called for someone to enter. As the man moved from the entrance and thanked dumbfounded Lena a familiar petite granny marched proudly into her alcove with two young maids hot on her trail carrying huge chest.
The Head Dressmaker smiled triumphantly at Lena.
The woman managed to think in panic:
Damn, and here the shark sensed the blood.
Lucien went to every possible hideout where Ley could hide to, but he couldn't find her anywhere. Slightly panicked he immediately located Cid and both of them with fresh memory of the incident from day before, with the help of other three companions begun their frantic search.
It was pure luck they bumped into giggling Maria who run down the corridor heading toward the Leone Quarters with the speed only little kids are able to muster with their never-ending energy. Intrigued they quickly followed her only to see as she jumped in one place while tugging at Gideon's sleeve disturbing his talk with Shine.
From afar both men wore stunned if not openly disbelieving expressions and only stared at agitated child.
When slightly winded seekers reached them they overheard chaotic end of girl's relation as she bounced up and down while vividly gesturing with her tiny hands.
"…and then that lady picked up a huge brush! And then Ley nearly stumbled over the chair…! And this huge daddy came and begged…!"
"Jesus, Maria, calm down! Who came to Ley?" confused Gideon tried to force the kid to stay in one place for even a second so she would be able to explain properly without panting in excitement.
Finally child froze, even though she barely reached his waist she actually looked down on him with her arms akimbo "I TOLD you ALREADY! Her daddy came!"
"You mean King Eric?" Cid inquired hesitantly taking advantage of the fact that the kid stopped moving.
Maria glanced at Kabul knight and pointed her thumb in his direction while arching brow at her father – the gesture strangely similar to certain exotic woman "See? He understood!"
Puzzled Leones glanced at each other and then at worried people standing in the corridor.
"Why are you so winded?" puzzled Gideon asked Sean who was the closest to him.
Young prince put his palm to his side "This little lady runs faster than her squirrel can fly" he mumbled slightly surprised "we were looking for Ley, King Lucien alarmed us that she is nowhere to be found and we thought…" he suspended his voice not wanting to finish the sentence, and judging by sudden realization flashing in the eyes of both tribesmen, they too understood.
"Beautiful little lady…" Michael crouched down on his knee and flashed at Maria his most radiating smile "Would you be so kind and explain to us, who clearly aren't so bright for a adults, what exactly happened?"
Dazed girl blushed slightly seeing his encouraging expression, his eyes filled with utter admiration.
Seeing that Gideon scowled slightly, but Shine managed to stomp at his feet while whispering "…give it a rest for today, that way it'll be faster…"
Lucien too frowned seeing how quickly this silver-haired man turned into some kind of Casanova, he turned toward Cid and arched his brow meaningfully.
Kabul only shrugged "Believe me no lady is able to refuse him, and indeed that would be much faster…"
Suddenly Maria adjusted her slightly crooked dress and neatened her hair "Ley was kidnapped." She announced.
"What?" Sharris exclaimed "Again?"
Maria frowned at her "No… her daddy kidnapped her…"
Michael crooned to her "You mean King Eric came to Ley and took her somewhere?"
Little girl turned to him once again, like a tiny flower toward the shining sun to Gideon's low growl which was successfully muffled by Shine's hand.
"Well… actually only now they left Ley's room, they were there a minute ago… the old granny finally finished adjusting the dress you see?"
The more they listened to this child the less they understood.
"The: WHAT?" petite blond asked the girl vividly remembering how hard it was to convince Ley to put something decent on her, she must've misheard something…
"The dress…" Maria repeated slowly as is SHE was talking to a child, the slight frown marring her face.
Sharris openly gaped at the kid, but finally managed to confirm "You mean KING ERIC brought some dress to Ley and SHE ACCEPTED it and more importantly she CHANGED into it?"
Their little informer suddenly grinned "U-hu…!" she clasped her hands in glee "and it's soooo beautiful! And they brushed Ley's hair so many times it's shining now!" kid once again begun babbling one chaotic description after another.
Baffled archer stared at her companions "Either it's the end of the world or King of Aran possesses some kind of magical power… AND I really want to KNOW how he managed to convince her to THAT…"
As they pondered this unexpected situation they heard brisk footsteps quickly heading their way, when in unison they turned around they found Sigfrid who was fastening his new kaftan in haste while muttering curses under his nose.
When he finally raised his head he froze sensing their intense gazes focused on his person.
"Erm.. could you make a way for me? I'm already late…"
At the same time Michael, Shine and Lucien narrowed their eyes.
"And where exactly are you rushing so?" king casually strolled toward wary prince who was glancing from one advancing man to the other.
"It's a family matter…" he quickly answered while trying to bypass Lucien, but just as he nearly did it one arm quickly appeared in front of his throat, casually braced on the nearest wall cutting off the possible way.
Aran Prince sighed slightly irritated and turned in other direction only to bump into Shine who stood in his way with his arms crossed over his chest. When Sigfrid retreated one step he met Michael who played with the knife which appeared out of nowhere in his hand.
Man looked at the ceiling while muttering "I knew I should have turned in right corridor instead of left back then…" after that he glanced at the trio which managed to somewhat cage him. It was obvious they won't let him go until he say something.
"Do you perhaps know where we could find Ley at the moment, Sire?" Cid asked from behind glowering men.
"I said it's a private family matter…" the prey tried to stall.
"And since when do you know the meaning of word 'private'?" Lucien interjected.
Sigfrid knew it was matter of time before they'll get their answers, the only thing he could do was to give his father more time alone with Lena.
Really Father, you owe me this time… A BIG one.
Bewildered Lena let the king to guide her to god only knows where, she was like some kind of dog hit by the truck on the highway. At this point the only thing she could do was to meekly follow, maybe later, once she shake off this stunned state she'll be able to retaliate properly.
Once Eric saw the final outcome of the work of Head Dressmaker and her aides, to Lena's shock he had tears welling in his eyes.
And nothing could make her more panicked right now than the tears which she somehow caused.
Man changed in other, more elegant clothes and once she came out of her own alcove which resembled now more some kind of battlefield, he mutely offered her his arm.
As she uncertainly accepted his gallant gesture not sure what to do with her other hand, he briskly led her to another place.
Strangely corridors were deserted, at her shy question where are they going he simply smiled and winked at her while saying "It's a surprise…"
Really? Could there be more ominous words from his lips?
Finally they reached unknown to her part of the palace complex. For the moment they stood right before huge wooden door in silence, king squeezed her hand reassuringly and ordered her two usual Aran babysitters, who appeared out of nowhere to open the door for them.
Once they entered the room Lena was greeted by huge space, with some tables lined under the walls with many prepared dishes hid under the metal ornamented lids, so food wouldn't cool down too much.
On the floor under the only empty wall stood 'something.'... it was covered by carefully draped silky sheet in green colour.
For the first time Eric hesitated, but finally, he once again smiled at her and led her straight to this strange structure.
As they slowly strode toward it, Lena noticed several servants wearing Aran livery patiently waiting for something.
In complete silence they reached the silky curtain.
With one last squeeze Eric let go of woman's hand and stood beside the huge cloth, finally he turned toward her and with suddenly serious expression he tugged at one end.
As the silk slowly fell to the ground Lena saw the most stunning thing in her life.
Right before her eyes on some kind of wooden easel stood big portrait.
A portrait of a happy family.
The woman was wearing exactly the same dress she had now on herself, the man at her side at first glimpse looked like exact copy of Sigfrid, except he was taller than the prince.
Woman held a tiny bundle in her arms, the child clutched at her long black hair deeply asleep.
Judging how she held the hand which rested on her shoulder it was clear what she felt toward man at her side.
Lena mutely glanced at Eric.
King smiled at her sadly "I ordered this painting as the present for you and my Zara once you were born, except I never had the chance to give it to her… once you disappeared it was too painful to watch it…" he turned his gaze at the portrait wearing slightly melancholic expression.
"It waited these long years for you…" he looked deeply in woman's black eyes slightly widened by shock "I want you to know that you have a loving family here, which searched for you all those years while you were gone… I want you to know… that you have HOME you can return to…"
"Leones babbled about anchors and the lighthouses or whatever… what I mean is, you have here" he pointed at his chest "the biggest, the most stubborn, at time eccentric but still deeply loving you 'light' which will always search for you, no matter where this strange power of yours will send you to…"
Stunned Lena didn't know what to say, she wasn't used to this kind of emotions which were currently battling inside of her.
Seeing her slightly panicked expression Eric smiled warmly at her "I do not expect you to answer me since my love for you in unconditional… I know it will take some time before you will believe in that, but still I'll wait for you patiently as long as you need it…" the man chuckled "I waited nearly two decades so I can wait several years more for you to call me your 'father'…"
Finally woman found her own tongue "Why? Why are you giving me something so clearly precious for you?"
King grinned at her mischievously "Do not worry, Lena, years ago I ordered to make a replica of that, besides…" he hugged her with his one arm while gazing at the face of woman he loved so much staring at him with serene smile on her lips from the oil painting "Besides, today is the 4th of March" he turned to confused Ley "Happy birthday my baby" he kissed her brow delicately.