Ch 11-

When they reached Valeks suite Kala spoke for the first time. "I'm sorry it came to that Princess."

"Do not trouble yourself Kala. I knew they would find out eventually. I just didn't think it would be like that. How's your arm?"

"Fine. He didn't do any damage."

"Good then pack your things."

"Are we leaving?"

"Just moving. I have a feeling after today we will no longer be welcome in this suite. We will go to the room I had before you arrived."

"Very well."

Valek paced the floor of his suite. The girls were gone. It had been hours since the meeting had ended and he had stormed back to his suite. He pulled at his hair as he walked. Where were they? Not that he wanted them back in his rooms; his anger at Aiyanas revelation ruled his emotions; but if he couldn't tell Ambrose where they were and something had happened to them he'd be in a heap of trouble. Valek had sent soldiers to find Aiyana and Kala when he had realised their things had gone; none had yet returned. As he paced one phrase circled his head. Aiyana is the Princess. The more he thought it the angrier he became. How could he not have known! He didn't fall for just anyone; looking out for the Commander took up that part of his heart. And yet, despite his resolve, he had fallen for her. And now he felt betrayed. A knock on his door stopped his pacing.

"Sir, the girls are staying in rooms in the north wing." With a nod of Valeks head the soldier was dismissed. Valek went to Ambrose's room and reported the girls' whereabouts before returning to his room to brood. His emotions flew from one to another. Shock, betrayal, disappointment, anger; all went through him. Eventually he flung himself onto his bed, not sure if he would sleep.

It was dark when there was a knock on the door of Aiyanas' room. When she opened the door she froze. Commander Ambrose stood in font for her. For several heartbeats all she could do was stare at him. She had a moment of panic wondering why he was at her door late at night; she had a feeling it couldn't be a good thing. Eventually Ambrose spoke.

"What were your intentions when you came here?"

"To bring the delegation here and join Tertia with Ixia again."

"And the incident earlier?"

"My intent was not to deceive Commander. It was my fathers' intent to send Kala as messenger with me to follow if you granted the delegation. It was my wish to swap roles for longer than just the journey here. I did not mean any disrespect to you or Ixia. Acting as Kala allowed me to…see the real you…. I don't know if it is the same for you, but people act a certain way around me, whether they mean to or not. It was nice to have you and your people treat me as a normal person; without all the pretence people put on around 'the princess'. I will understand if you cannot put this behind you."

Ambrose studied her for a long time. She started to become uncomfortable under his gaze. Eventually he turned and took something from the guard behind him. He passed it to Aiyana. It was a scroll sealed with the Commanders seal. "That is the treaty, signed by every one of the Generals – except Brazell – and myself. Take it to your father and see if the terms are acceptable to him."

Aiyana looked at the scroll in her hands and back up to him, her mouth agape.

"I thought you would hate me."

The Commander smiled gently. "I cannot hate you for protecting yourself. You are lucky to have such a good friend as your body guard. I have instructed the Generals that it would be unwise for them to talk to anyone about the events today; undoubtedly they will tell some. Brazell will be asking questions no doubt but after the way he manhandled your friend I will have an easy time avoiding his questions. I guess he will hear the truth from someone. I would suggest you do not hang around the castle too much longer on this visit."

"Give me tomorrow to sort my things. I will leave the day after."

"Very well." He took her hand and lifted it to his lips.

The next morning Aiyana told Kala about the night before. After sorting their plan for the day Kala stopped Aiyana on her way out of the room.

"What about Valek?"

Aiyanas face fell and her throat grew tight.

"I'm going to find him and try and explain. I can't imagine it will do much good. He's not known for being forgiving." She gave her friend as small smile.
"He isn't known for falling in love either." Kala replied in a low voice.

Another sad smile. "If he can't see past this then he can't have been in love."

She didn't find Valek in his suite; the guards informed her he was in his office. She paused outside the door and took a few deep breaths before knocking.

"Come!" came the sharp response. Slowly she opened the door. Valek was at his desk doing paperwork. He did not look up as she entered.

"Valek?" she said in quiet voice. His pen stilled but he made no other indication he had heard her. She walked slowly towards his desk.

"Valek" she whispered. "I'm so sorry. I didn't..mean..to…" He stood up abruptly cutting her off. She could do nothing but gape at the anger in his eyes. She had never experienced the assassin side of him.

"There is no need to apologise, Your Majesty," he said through gritted teeth. "Your deception has been justified by the Commander." There was no emotion in his face at all, only his eyes betrayed his anger.

"But…"

"I would appreciate it if you left my office now. I have no time for liars and tricksters, no matter how important that person might be. You abused my position and your own; what you hoped to gain I don't yet know. I'm just glad your deception was discovered before any permanent damage was done." From the way he said it Aiyana could tell he was not only referring to the Commander with the last statement. "I have nothing more to say to you, Princess. Get out of my office."

He turned from her and went to the window.

She walked towards him, her eyes filling with tears.

"Valek….please..."

"OUT!" he yelled. His arm flew out as he turned to her and he caught Aiyana across the shoulder. She fell sideways over a pile of his books at her feet, cracking her head, just above her right eyebrow, on the corner of his desk. She landed on her knees among the books and held her head in her hand, momentarily stunned.

Valek couldn't move. He was still angry beyond belief at her betraying his heart but he had never hit a woman in anger, certainly one he had been in love with. The fire inside him was too strong for him to go to her but he watched as she slowly regained her footing. As she ran from his room, sobbing and bleeding, he felt his anger wain a little and a tiny pang of regret touch his heart.