SEVEN

 

THE PIRATE KRYSTANO

 

Alecsis dashed down the path, his sword still clasped tightly in his hand. Maids and serving boys scattered out of his way. He longed to disappear, never to be seen in these parts again. How could he have been so stupid? So much for trying to train in private!

The rush of wind against his bare skin reminded him all too clearly of how badly he’d conducted himself. She could have his head on a stick for such obscene behaviour. Enough people had seen him fleeing half naked from the scene.

Got to get away, he thought, somewhere quiet to work out what to do. He saw an open doorway leading down to the lower bowels of the keep. From there he could reach Lorenso’s chambers. Did he really want to bother the old wizard with this? he asked himself as he hurried into the darkness and out of the sight of prying eyes. He probably won’t open up to me anyway. Lorenso only accepted company when it suited him.

Alecsis’s steps slowed, and he sheathed his blade, certain that the sight of it had invoked most of the terror. He negotiated the narrow stairs at a more reserved pace, his head still echoing with her words. “This is a private garden, reserved for her royal Highness.”

He recalled the first time he had seen her, seated on her stool in the throne room, calmly watching him receive his knighthood. Her beauty had swamped his senses. All he’d wanted to do was stand there and drink in her perfect features, drown in her sapphire blue eyes as she stared back at him. Fairer than most people of her race, with reddish-brown tresses that shimmered down her back in waves, she looked almost... foreign. Her face was like a delicate flower, blooming above a slender neck and full, voluptuous bosom.

He tried desperately not to think of her, knowing it was futile to form fantasies around someone as unattainable as her.

As hard as he tried to banish her from his thoughts during his waking hours, she drifted into his dreams most nights, willingly slipping into his embrace. In his dreams she loved him with the same fierce passion that consumed him. She returned his kisses, stroked his hair, caressed his skin with loving fingertips, did everything she would never deign to in real life. He recalled every dream with vivid clarity, and it infuriated him, driving him to distraction with unfulfilled need.

Reality intervened every time he attended a royal function, taking his place at the lower end of the banquet hall amongst the other knights and lesser nobles. She would never speak to him, let alone respond to his request for a dance, so he kept as low a profile as possible, attending to his duties at the beginning and end of the evening, forming the honour guard as the royal family entered and left the banquet hall. It got him too close too Princess Karina for comfort, and now he wondered how he could ever take his place there again.

He finally came to Lorenso’s latched doors. Alecsis drummed angry fists against the wood. He wasn’t certain whether the anger was directed at Lorenso for not answering him or at himself for making such a fool of himself.

“What an I to do, Lorenso?” he demanded of the unyielding door, leaning his burning forehead against the cool wood. “Might as well saddle my horse and take myself away from here right now.”

Eventually he stepped away from the door. As he turned, Alecsis noticed a short black cape hanging from a hook beside the door. He was certain it hadn’t been there when he’d started pounding on it. Lorenso must have used magic to put it there. Alecsis snatched the garment up.

“That wasn’t the kind of help I had in mind,” he muttered ungraciously, but slipped it over his shoulders nevertheless. It wasn’t until it settled against his bare skin that he realised how cold he’d become standing in the dark, damp corridor.

On leaden feet Alecsis returned to his chamber, awaiting the king’s summons with dread clenching at his insides. It didn’t come that night, and Alecsis eventually fell into a restless sleep.

Certain that his dreams of the princess would now be over, he was shocked to wake several hours later, the memory of her pressed against his naked flesh fresh in his mind, her own skin bare and soft to his exploring fingers.

Alecsis rolled over, burying his face in his hands. “Why!” he demanded of his pillows. “Why torment me so when you’ll never be mine?”

Being in between assignments, Alecsis kept to his room for most of the following day. He dreaded every footstep in the corridor outside his door, fearing it was the king’s guard come for him.

On the third evening the knock came, and Alecsis lifted his weary body from the bed he’d barely left these past days. “Come,” he called. “It’s not locked.”

“Then it should be,” Sir Sumon poked his head around it. “Ye’re too trusting by far, young Alecsis.” He stepped into the room. He wrinkled his nose. “And not even bathed.”

“Bathed for what?” Alecsis asked crankily, as Sir Sumon’s servant entered the room, a rich burgundy garment draped over one arm. Threaded heavily with gold, it looked fit for a lord.

“For tonight’s reception. Surely you haven’t forgotten,” the old knight chided, pulling back the drapes. The pale afternoon sunshine revealed Alecsis’s untidy room. Sir Sumon shook his head, and Alecsis noticed that he was already dressed in his best, a dark purple suit belted at the waist over black velvet tights.

“I’m not going,” Alecsis muttered.

“Why ever not? Ye sick?” Sumon asked, his face creasing in concern.

Alecsis flopped back down on the bed. “Aye.” He placed a hand over his stomach. “It hurts. Something I ate, no doubt.” He swept another arm over his brow, trying to hide his face beneath his wrist, but the old knight drew it away, peering into Alecsis’s face.

“Ye’re sick all right, love sick, by the looks of it.”

Alecsis flinched, yanking his wrist away as thought stung.

“I see I’m right.” He shook his head. “And the lady in question returns not your amours?”

“Who would care for the likes of me?” Alecsis demanded harshly.

“Who indeed? When ye mope and wallow in the dark like a sniveling child. Ye’re Alecsis, first knight of the king’s army. Now take up yer responsibilities and show the girl what ye’re made of.”

If only you knew, Alecsis thought miserably to himself, knowing the knight would force him to attend no matter how much he feigned illness.

Sir Sumon waved his servant forward, motioning for him the hold out the garments he carried. He laid the brocade suit over the back of the chair, revealing a ruffled white shirt and a pair of matching brocade trousers.

“A gift, I believe, from the lady in question,” Sir Sumon said as Alecsis gaped at the fine clothes. Alecsis’s eyes darted back to the knight.

“What do ye know of this?” he demanded, springing form the bed.

“Not as sick as he looks now,” the old knight grinned.

“Don’t jest with me, Sir Sumon. Where did these garments come from?” Alecsis pointed accusingly at them.

“They were brought to me with a message that they be delivered to Sir Alecsis, a gift from the Princess Karina. I was to say she sewed them herself. Sat up all night, by the look of that fine stitching.”

Alecsis shook his head in disbelief. “No. No. It can’t be true. ‘Tis a trick, a trick to trap me into revealing what I did the other day.”

“And what was that?” Sir Sumon asked quietly.

Alecsis continued to shake his head. “I’m certain you already know.”

“All I know is that the princess wants so see our first knight looking his best tonight. Tomas,” he turned to his servant. “Order a bath for Sir Alecsis, and bring some scented soup for his hair.” He turned back to Alecsis as the man hurried to do his bidding. “Isn’t it about time you took on a squire, someone to see to the things you can’t be bothered with yourself, like making yourself handsome for your princess.”

“I’ll never be handsome.”

Sir Sumon merely chuckled at the foolishness of youth.

The suit fitted remarkably well for a garment that he hadn’t been measured for, but Alecsis reasoned the princess had seen enough of him to estimate his height and girth. He dubiously tied the matching sash around his waist, worry at the true meaning behind the gift gnawing at his insides. Was the stitching poisoned, designed to dissolve halfway through the night perhaps?

The white shirt didn’t do up all the way to his neck, making him wonder why she hadn’t returned his own. Because the stitching won’t dissolve on that, he answered himself cynically. Well, whatever challenge you have in store for me, Princess Karina, I’ll accept, for I shan’t be staying past this night.

It had been there in the back of his mind, but he’d been reluctant to act on it, waiting… waiting for what? The princess’s revenge? Tonight he would ride into the night and leave his tormenting dreams behind. The more distance he put between Karina and himself the better off he’d be.

He belted The Holy Avenger to his side, and slipped into his dragon hide boots, stunned at how well they matched his new dissolving suit. He smiled cynically, making Sir Sumon look at him questioningly.

“Ye look grand, Sir Alecsis, a true knight of the realm.” He tugged at Alecsis’s braided hair. “Not bad for an old man who hasn’t plaited a braid since his little girl got old enough to do it herself.”

“I can do it myself,” Alecsis muttered. “I just didn’t feel like it.”

“I know, fingers too nervous,” the old knight laughed dashing from the room as fast as his lame leg would allow.

They took their place at the head of the honour guard, old first knight opposite his tall young replacement. Even though he could no longer fight, Sir Sumon would always hold a place of honour in the king’s court. He still oversaw the knights practice sessions, and advised the king on strategy. All the knights were there tonight, dressed in their best.

A few curious glances were directed at Alecsis’s new suit, and he looked down a few times to make sure it was still there. At one stage it started to itch, and he wondered if the poison was starting to take effect. But itch was all it did. A new garment that needed to be worn in. That was all it appeared to be.

As the king entered the great hall by way of the gold embossed double doors at its end, the knights stepped back and raised their swords high into the air. The king began to walk through the tunnel of blades, his jewel encrusted boots clicking on the marble tiles. His two sons followed, both dressed like peacocks. King Rostan reached Sir Sumon and Sir Alecsis, and nodded at both of them in turn. The princes’ ignored Sumon, but glared at Alecsis as they stepped under his sword.

Then they were gone, taking their place at the royal table upon the dais. Alecsis didn’t turn his head back, even though he knew the final member of the royal family walked towards him down the honour guard. He felt her presence, coming ever closer. Her slippered feet fell into his line of vision. They were gold like the hem of her skirt. But the rest of her gown was burgundy, the same colour as Alecsis’s suit. Even the pattern sewn into the rich red fabric matched his.

What was she thinking of, sewing them a matching set of clothes? Again he felt his face flush, and knew he had turned as red as his outfit.

She glanced sideways at him, a small, knowing smile playing about her ruby lips. Above her gold crown, Sir Sumon grinned at him. Then she stepped past them, gliding up to the royal table. Alecsis lowered his gaze, certain everyone was staring at him. One by one the paired knights lowered their weapons.

As Alecsis slipped into his place at the head of the knight’s table, he sighed in relief. He was as far away from Princess Karina as he could get. He knew now that he would have to leave tonight. He’d let her play out her humiliation of him. What did he have to lose now?

“Did ye go to the same tailor, or something?” Sir Rankin jibed across the table at him. “Our beauty and the beast, both dressed in red.”

The rest of the knights laughed raucously, drawing glances from the next table.

“It seemed to amuse the princess though,” Sir Linsten remarked. “Did ye see ‘er smile. What I wouldn’t give for the likes of ‘er in me bed.”

“That’ll never come to pass. A princess and a knight!” Rankin sneered. “That’s almost as ludicrous as Sir Alecsis here catching the royal eye.”

Sir Sumon placed a placating hand over Alecsis’s as he glared across the table at the jeering knights. “They know not what we know,” he said close to his ear.

“And what do we know, Sumon?” Alecsis returned. “That the princess has a bizarre sense of humour.”

“Just drink yer wine.”

Alecsis picked up his goblet. Were he not leaving tonight, he would have drunk more, but he allowed himself a few sips. The alcohol helped calm his jangling nerves. When the food arrived, he ate as heartily as the rest of them, the white ruffles at his wrists a constant reminder of the princess’s taunt.

The evening flowed as usual. Minstrels and jesters came forth to entertain the royal party. Once the monarchy had eaten enough to make themselves ill the musicians began to play dance music, and couples drifted towards the dance floor.

One by one the knights left their table to try their luck with various maids in the room. Only Alecsis and the older men remained. They mostly talked of past conquests, times long gone. Eventually Alecsis got up and headed for his usual retreat.

All around the hall were alcoves set with tall arched windows. Sometimes more amorous couples gravitated there to gaze at the stars reflecting in each others’ eyes. The first alcove Alecsis came to was occupied with a pair so entwined he knew not where one began and the other ended.

He headed for the next one along. Grateful to finally be alone, he perched upon the window sill and turned his attention to the night sky. Stars winked down at him, so bright and yet so far away. They seemed to be taunting him, daring him to find a partner to join him in his romantic alcove.

A soft giggle startled him. A couple had stepped past the curtains. They hadn’t seen Alecsis as they embraced, but he couldn’t slip quietly past them unseen. There wasn’t enough space. He noisily cleared his throat, and the couple jerked apart. To his dismay, Alecsis recognised the man.

Boran’s passion flushed face contorted into contempt. “You dare to intrude on the royal personage.”

“May I remind your royal Highness I was here first.” It was entirely the wrong thing to say. The girl darted a terrified glance around, and then dashed from the alcove.

“Get back here, Simmi,” Boran roared. To Alecsis’s surprise she complied, stopping just inside the velvet drapes. Boran returned his attention to Alecsis. “See this man, Simmi. What does he represent to you?”

Simmi gaped like a fish, her pretty mouth opening and closing.

“I’ll tell you what he represents to me. Get on your knees, knight.” He commanded. Alecsis did as he bade. One more night, he reminded himself. You can do it. Endure just a little longer.

“This is what he represents. A groveling animal. That’s all he is, a beast from the jungle, not fit to dress in fine clothes.” He unsheathed his sword, and held it against Alecsis’s cheek. He felt cold metal against his jaw.

“Please,” the girl begged, clasping hold of the prince’s other arm. “Don’t kill him. He’s done naught wrong, and he was here first.”

“He’s done everything wrong… He’s Serpon spawned, and I should lop off his head right here and now.” He sheathed the blade. “But I shan’t, for he’ll reveal his true colours soon enough.”

With that he spun away, the terrified girl following in his wake. Alecsis remained where he was, his guts churning sickly. He had always known Boran hated him, but never with such viciousness that he actually wished him dead.

There was no doubt about it now. He would have to leave tonight. With shaking knees he scrambled to his feet. For a moment he stood there, leaning against the window frame for support. The curtain moved again. He placed his hand on the hilt of his sword. Had Boran returned to carry out his threat? No, a female figure stepped into the alcove, the Princess Karina.

She came closer, her beauty like a spider’s web draping over him, trapping him there. He couldn’t have moved had he wanted to.

“Your Highness,” he murmured inclining his head.

She peered up at him from under her long dark lashes, her sapphire blue eyes huge and haunting. He felt her hand against his tunic, her fingers brushing against the fine linen of his shirt.

“Do you like your new clothes?” she asked softly.

He nodded numbly. Trapped. Trapped. Helpless against the warm soft fingers brushing against his exposed throat. He swollowed down a lump the size of a boulder. Perhaps he really was dreaming, had dreamed the entire evening. Her fingers slipped up under his chin, tracing the line of his jaw. But lord, it felt real, far too real.

Her touch left a trail of longing burning under his skin. He clenched his hands tightly at his side, his nails digging into his palms as he fought against the urge to gather her tightly against him.

“I like to sketch, Alecsis,” she continued. “Would you allow me to draw you?”

“Oh - of course,” he gasped, at once disappointed and relieved she wanted nothing more than to have him as an artists’ model. For a moment he had actually dared to hope... Hope what? That she might actually find him desirable? Him the beast from the jungle.

“Tomorrow?” She cupped his chin, turning his face to one side to examine his profile.

She only wants to study you, he reminded himself. Learn the lines of an unusually cast face she can capture on paper. Still his pulse throbbed in his veins.

“Aye, tomorrow, your Highness,” he agreed, knowing that tomorrow he would no longer be here.

“I will send a servant to fetch you at nine. Or is that too early?”

“Nay, your Highness. I rise at dawn.”

“At nine then.”

He inclined his head and turned away.

“Alecsis,” she promoted, forcing her to meet his gaze again. “Ye won’t disappoint me, will you?” Something in her expression caught hold of his heart. “You will come.”

“Aye,” he agreed, suddenly knowing that he could never leave her. He’d well and truly been snared, trapped by her feminine magic. “Tomorrow,” he promised.

 

Karina sent Nira to the markets the following morning. She had given her maid a long list of items to purchase. As Nira liked to tarry and gossip with the stallholders, Karina was unlikely to see her until well after noon.

With Nira gone, she stood before her closet, agonising over what to wear. Any one of her ball gowns would do, but as it was day time none of them seemed appropriate. Eventually she settled on a flowing white dress, with a row of gold buttons down the front.

A knock came at the door as she finished brushing her hair. She hurried to the outer door of her rooms. The youth she had dispatched stood there, and behind him lurked the tall form of her model, his blonde hair neatly secured in a ponytail at his nape. The servant bowed and then departed.

“Come in,” she said, suddenly feeling shy at being left alone with him.

He inclined his head and stepped forward. As he entered her outer chamber, she took a moment to study him. No matter what he wore, clothes seemed to cling to him like a second skin. Today, he too was clad in white, another loose, long sleeved shirt tucked into a pair of brown breeches.

He surveyed the large, feminine room, turning in a circle as he took in the billowing curtains, the chinz covered easy chairs. Not once did he stop to admire Karina’s attire.

Perhaps he harboured no interest in her after all. Karina knew she was pretty, but she was also levelheaded enough to realise that most men who sought her out were only interested because of her position. Alecsis had not given her any indication that he liked her in any way, remaining distantly polite at all times. At first she had thought it was simply out of respect. Few knights considered themselves worthy of royalty any higher than a lady or duchess.

“We are to work here alone?” he asked. “No servant to watch over your maidenhood?”

“Is it in any danger?” she quipped back.

He averted his gaze. “Nay, your Highness.”

“Then we shall work alone. Come,” she motioned towards a chintz easy chair in front of the window. “I think I shall have you sit here.”

As he passed her easel, he saw a watercolour upon it. “I have already posed for you, I see.” He stopped for a closer look.

Karina blushed, despite her good intentions not to. She had thought long and hard whether to let him see how much he interested her. If he didn’t take the bait now, he never would. “I did that mainly from memory. I know now I got your face completely wrong.”

“Nay, ‘tis a good likeness.” His tone gave nothing away.

“Come.” She touched his arm to urge him to his spot, and felt him tense under his shirt. Again she wondered if she was wasting her time. A new thought struck her. Perhaps he abhorred a woman’s touch. Karina had heard of men being strung up for the crime of homosexuality. Although she hoped Alecsis was not one of those, she could never understand why people were punished so cruelly for loving their own gender.

Alecsis did as she bade, taking his place in the ornately carved chair. “How would you have me sit, your Highness?” He placed his hands on the armrests.

Karina tired to concentrate on the task at hand, and went to stand beside her easel. “For one, I would like you to wear your hair lose.”

He reached for the ribbon securing his locks, and with a toss of his head, they bounced free.

“Perfect,” she murmured, stepping behind her easel. “Just look relaxed. You may rest your head against the back of the chair if you wish.” He did as she bade, a curious smile dancing about his lips.

“What’s so funny?” she demanded.

“If I start snoring, ‘tis due to the warm sunshine and relaxed position.”

“Do that and I shall throw my pencils at you,” she retorted.

He grinned across at her. “Ouch.”

How could any woman fail to find him desirable? Karina asked herself. Certainly, he was an alien from another land, but he smiled more sweetly than any man she knew. And as for the way he filled out his clothes! None of the fops who approached her at the royal functions had such well-defined muscles.

While Karina concentrated on her work, Alecsis studied her through lowered lashes, noting the generous curves of her body beneath her pretty frock. It had been a mistake to come here, but he knew not know how to turn down a royal request. Could she see the effect she had on him? Would she draw the obvious bulge into her picture? Alecsis squirmed at the thought.

“Will you sit still?” she commanded. “Ye’ve only been there for ten minutes.”

“It feels like hours.”

“If I’d known ye’d be such an uncooperative model, I would never have suggested it. Now stop fidgeting. Anyone would think ye had ants in yer pants.”

Alecsis couldn’t believe it. Her gaze fell directly upon the part of his anatomy he had been trying to hide. He drew up one leg, crossing it over the other.

“Ye’re impossible!” she laughed, sticking a pencil behind a delicate ear. She came to stand directly in front of him, and motioned to the offending leg. “Put it back,” she commanded, pointing the floor.

“Make me.”

She placed her hands on her hips. “I should have ye punished for your impudence.”

“And exactly what kind of punishment does her Royal Highness have in mind?” he asked, the corners of his mouth quirking.

Her heart fluttered with joy and desire. He was interested. “That you should pose for me every day for a month.”

He flung his arms across his face in mock horror. “Not that!” he cried. “Anything but that.”

Karina burst into peals of laughter, doubling over with mirth. Giddy with joy, she swung around, and stumbled over one of his feet, landing square in Alecsis’s lap. He appeared as stunned as she to find her there.

“Your Majesty?” he queried, his face only inches from her own.

“I think it high time we dispensed with the title. Call me Karina.” She steadied herself by placing a hand on his shoulder. His soft blonde curls whispered against her skin, making her shiver with delight.

“Karriiina.” He spoke it so sensuously she melted against his chest. A large warm hand slid around her waist, and she sighed in pleasure. “Are you certain we should be doing this?”

She stared into his wide, green eyes. “Do you want to help me, Alecsis?” she whispered.

“Anything my princess.”

“Then kiss me, warrior from beyond. Kiss me before I die from wanting you,” she urged, pressing her hips against his throbbing manhood.

Alecsis moaned, believing himself to be in the deepest of dreams. He tilted his head towards her, and gently brushed his lips against hers. They felt as warm and soft as sun-kissed petals.

“You call that a kiss?” she chided, tightening her hold on him. Opening her mouth over his, she urged his tongue inside.

Again Alecsis moaned, totally lost within his most exquisite dream. He trembled from head to foot, clasping her tightly against him, fearing that any moment she would vanish, and he would find himself back in his lonely bed.

Even the insistent thumping against the outer door failed to ease the bliss of being in Alecsis’s arms. Once she had shown him the way, he wasted no time in responding to her needs, lunging into an endless kiss of unrestrained passion.

The sneering remarks from her older brother finally penetrated her ears, and she withdrew from Alecsis’s embrace.

Boran pointed an accusing finger at Alecsis. “I knew ye couldn’t be trusted. I tried to warn Father, but would he listen? Nay. But now ye’ve shown yer true colours, assaulting my sister in her own bedchamber.”

“Boran!” Karina cried. “That isn’t what ha-” She never got to finish her sentence.

“I think Father should know what transpired in here this morning.”

“Nay Boran!” Karina tried again. “Alecsis didn’t- “

“Alecsis is a heathen, a barbarian who should have been executed the moment he walked out of the jungle.” He waved towards the incomplete portrait. “How you can even bear to be in the same room as this - this beast, is beyond me, let alone submit to his unholy lusts - ”

“I could fight you right here and now,” Alecsis cried in outrage, springing from his chair to tower over the obese prince.

“And I shall add threats to the royal person to the charges,” Boran sneered. “T’is not looking good for you Sir Alecsis.”

For a moment the two men glared at one another.

“Don’t Alecsis. You’ll only make it worse.” She took hold of one of his clenched fists. “I will stand by you.”

He turned troubled eyes to her. “Why?” he asked softly.

“Because I care for you.”

He simply stared.

“Don’t you believe me?”

“How could one as beautiful as you come to care for the likes of me?”

“Because you enchanted me with your kiss.”

Boran’s derisive laughter echoed down the hall, and Karina urged Alecsis after him. “We must reach Father before Boran twists the truth out of all proportion.”

King Rostan sat in his reception chair in the council chamber. A meeting was about to begin, but Boran had convinced the officiary to wait outside while he spoke with his father. Karina and Alecsis burst into the room only minutes after him, having devised a plan of sorts as they ran down the echoing castle corridors.

Alecsis feared it would not work. Karina had made him promise to marry her. He wanted nothing more, but how could he believe she truly cared for him? Something told him she had entirely different motives for wanting to convince her father she desired such a union. He stongly suspected she wanted to get out of something, to escape plans already made for her.

“I have decided upon my own marriage partner,” Karina declared, as she stopped before her father, her hand still clasped in Alecsis’s. “Ye need look no further, Father. I have found him, Alecsis, First Knight of your Royal Army.”

Rostan’s eyes first opened in surprise before narrowing in intense contemplation. “He is an alien, not even of royal blood. It cannot be daughter of mine.”

“You’ve been listening to Boran’s lies.”

“Boran speaks the truth, albeit tainted with hatred. I think ‘tis best to send Sir Alecsis away...”

“Ye’ll not have him beheaded?” Boran exploded.

“For what? A kiss?” Rostan returned his attention to the pair before him, their hands joined. “I believe ye truly care for this man, Karina.” He waved his hand regally from his daughter to her knight. “A final quest to vanquish the evil Pirate Krystos, and then I shall find you a good post within another court. But marriage is out of the question. Karina shall be wed to a man of my choosing, someone of her own station and ... culture.”

Karina started to weep, making Alecsis realise she did truly care for him. His dreams had come true, and his heart contracted with love. What could he do to convince the king that they should be together?

“The Pirate Krystos you said?” Never having heard of such a foe, Alecsis wondered if the king had made him up simply to remove him from court.

“Yes, the evil blaggard has already caused a great deal damage to the northern provinces. He and his crew pillage and loot wherever the whim takes them, and no army has been able to pinpoint his next port of call, let alone defeat him. You are the best warrior this land has ever seen. Will ye lead my army to defeat him and his minions?”

“On one condition,” Alecsis declared, one final spark of hope firing.

“Do not address his Highness like that!” Boran hissed, stepping on the dais beside his father.

Rostan ignored him. “And what should that be, Alecsis?”

“If what you say about Captain Krystos is correct, then I am risking certain death.” Beside him Karina shuddered, another sign of the depth of her feelings for him. “Surely allowing me to wed your daughter if I return is not too much to ask.”

“Not too much to ask!” Boran shrieked. “You elevate yourself way above your station, knight.”

“From what I have heard,” Alecsis continued, speaking directly to the king. “You have nothing much to gain by any alliance between Karina and a fellow nobleman. We are now at peace, and the royal coffers are full. Your people are content, prospering in fact. Do you not have to offer a dowry for your daughter? If you chose me, I ask for naught more than her hand. No money, no jewels, just your lovely daughter.”

“How touching!” the prince sneered. “He wants her because none other will have his ugly hide.”

“Will you shut up, Boran?” the king bellowed.

“I truly do love ye, Alecsis,” Karina whispered through her tears.

“And I you my princess.”

“I dared not hope.”

“Could you not feel it in my kiss?”

“Return with the Pirate Krystos’s head and Karina will be yours,” King Rostan decided. “Now be off with you. I have a council meeting to convene.”

Once they had left the chamber, she turned to Alecsis, her eyes fearful. “Father asks too much. The Pirate Krystos! How could he? I’m so afeard you will not return this time.”

He took her into his arms, stroking her hair. “Don’t cry my darling love. The Holy Avenger won’t let me die.”

“Even enchanted swords have been known to fail,” she cried against his chest. “I shall have another talk with Father. You’ve served him for so long. You’ve proved time and again how worthy you are of my love.”

“‘If the Pirate Krystos truly is as fearsome as the king says, then it must be I who confronts him. Now kiss me farewell, my love. I will return, I promise you.”