Try to focus on the mission, instead

Stewart sighs and attempts to suppress his thoughts and desires. “Being king means that I must put my people ahead of my own needs,” he reasons.

The time leading up to his and Adella’s departure flies by rapidly. Every minute seems to be consumed with the day-to-day business of running the kingdom, and when he does have a break from that, Adella was always on hand to coach him in customs and points of history that might be helpful in normalizing relations with the magical beings.

As exhausting as it all was, one good thing was that Stewart typically was too tired at night to dwell for long on how empty his bed seemed without Chantelle next to — or, more importantly, under — him.

At last, the day came for departure from the palace. Stewart and Adella rode off together, each on their own fine thoroughbred, amid the waves and looks of concern of his senior advisors.

As they rode together in a northerly direction, Stewart found, much to his surprise, that his spirits were rising. Without realizing it, he broke into a cheerful whistle.

Adella looks at him with amusement. “Someone is certainly cheerful,” she observes. “What chambermaid or lady-in-waiting was finally able to break the King of Mirantia out of his somber mood?”

Stewart raises an eyebrow. His sister is not known for making light comments of a risqué nature; apparently her spirits are feeling a lift from the adventure as well.

“You do me a disservice, sister dear. Surely you are not suggesting that my happiness can only be attributed to a sexual conquest?”

Adella laughs again. “Not necessarily, but the last time I heard you whistle like that was when you and Duncan came back from that hunting trip, and I overheard the two of you discussing your encounter with two sisters whom you met along the way.”

Stewart smiles at the memory. That was before he met Chantelle, and he was as apt to bed the next available beauty in those days as his brother is to this day. That weekend that was to be a hunting trip produced no game for the royal tables, but it was the most enjoyable time either of the brothers had ever spent in a tent. By the time to return to the palace, not only had they lost track of how many times each of them scored with each of the sisters, but they totally lost track of which lady was which.

“Well, think what you may of me, sister dear, but the fact is that I’m simply enjoying being away from the palace for a while — even if it is with a sister who thinks so little of me.” His grin and wink in her direction showed his playfulness.

“I am glad, Stewart. You have been working so hard since Father died; I have been concerned for your health. And I can’t thank you enough for bringing me with you on this mission! For the first time in years, I feel as if I have something of value to give to the kingdom, other than my womb to be offered to some foreign prince in exchange for a treaty.”

Stewart nods, and considers his next words carefully. “Have you given thought, Adella, to the marriage question? You know there are several offers from allies and adversaries alike who would like to enter into a treaty based on marriage. I do wish to consider your wishes, and not just the effect on foreign affairs.”

Adella scowls, her good mood suddenly evaporated. “How can I answer that, Stewart? I know there have been proposals, but how can I say yes to some man whom I do not even know?”

Stewart replies, “Crown Prince Curian of Sundale is most eager to have your hand. The ladies of court seemed to find him most attractive during his last visit.”

“Curian!” Adella spat out his name with disgust. “He thinks his pretty face gives him liberty to bed anyone with ovaries! You would be appalled at what he whispered in my ear during the state dinner! Besides, Courtney tells me that as handsome as he is, he may need some assistance in siring an heir; she reports that he is less than adequately endowed.”

Stewart glances in surprise at his sister and sees that her cheeks have grown red.

“Adella! For shame!”

She looks at him reprovingly. “What? Do you think only men look upon the opposite sex and make judgements based upon anatomy? I could possibly manage a marriage to Curian if he could bring himself to be faithful to me alone, but I am unwilling to share my bed for the rest of my life to a man whose principle sexual feature is smaller than my little finger!”

Stewart chuckles and makes a mental note to share this bit of insight with Duncan, whom he knew had taken a particular dislike to Curian.

“Well, as you know, Prince Norloch of Upland is most interested in you as well, and this journey will bring us close to his realm. Shall I inquire about his endowment, or has Courtney already investigated that?”

“Norloch is less repulsive in demeanor, but his face leaves much to be desired,” says Adella. “But I question why this is a matter we must discuss at this time. We will soon arrive at our place of meeting, and I do not wish to spoil the moment being treated as a horse that is available for sale.”

Stewart decides not to press the matter further at this time, but dreads the knowledge that he cannot put it off forever.

The two siblings ride in silence for several minutes until the majestic peak of Mount Handsham comes into view. They look down into the peaceful valley at the mountains base and see Lake Eugenie and the stately chateau where their historic meeting is to take place.

The siblings exchange glances, full of solemnity, yet revealing their mutual excitement.