AYLETH
She dropped her head and wrung her hands as Falek gaped at her. "I understand," she said, blinking back tears. "You must know, I never intended—never would have wanted—for you or anyone else to be troubled for my decisions."
"While I believe you, dear heart, you have to know, it doesn't matter what you wanted," he said. "It would only matter what happened. If you were hurt—or killed—not only would I and your guard pay, your servants, and… Ayleth, the consequences within the castle alone…" he sagged, his anger giving way to fear. He tugged his fingers through his hair and shook his head. "You must tell —how long have you known the guards were so easily avoided?"
She didn't look up. "A couple of years."
"Ayleth!"
"I didn't think it would matter—they'd catch people who didn't live here. I had to take weeks of watching them to figure it out!"
"And you think an enemy wouldn't do the sa?"
"I think that they wouldn't have the opportunity. Your security around the castle is superb, Falek."
"Do NOT try to flatter out of my anger," he snarled.
"I'm not! Truly! I just… I trust you and… I really didn't think it mattered."
He stord past her to pace the floor at the end of her bed. "Didn't think it mattered?" he muttered, "Didn't think it mattered? What have I taught you? What have you learned? Has it all been for naught? Did… did I fail?"
"No! Falek, that's not—"
"We've already had an attempt on your life—you know how that feels, Ayleth. You know the consequences if we hadn't been successful in beating those n!"
Ayleth shook her head—did he really think she took no care? Didn't appreciate her own safety? "That's exactly my point!" she snapped, hands fisted at her sides. "It is my life! My safety! My wellbeing! I am the one that they co for and I asked you to train because I do not ever want to be in the hands of a man with malicious intent again. Ever! But do not imply that I am careless or would…would take unnecessary risks when you know that I know the consequences of what might happen! My leaving the chamber was nothing to do with childish whims or rebellion!" Well, at least, very little. "I leave when I must, when I cannot BREATHE unless I do. And last night… last night was… I had to be free, Falek. I had to be out from under the eyes of n and people and my parents … I had to…" she finished laly.
He stared at her, eyebrows high. When she didn't continue, only stared at him, pleading for his understanding he sighed heavily and raked his hand through his hair again. "It is truly not sothing that can be done again, Ayleth. Not like this. Not without guards. And… definitely not while our enemies roam the castle under the guise of peace."
She dropped her face to her hands. Deep down, she knew he was right. It had been a terrible risk. But… the idea of being stuck to her chambers unless she was in the company of all those people…
"But… I imagine that we could find… other ways for you to find so space from the crowd," he said, carefully.
She yanked her head up to stare at him. "What do you an?"
Falek blinked. "I think… I hadn't thought about the pressure you were experiencing—especially after the tournant win. And you're right. You do need space to… breathe." He rubbed his chin, his lips twisting in thought. "I will have to think about how it could be done safely, but… I will find a way for you to have solitude."
She rushed up to him, put her hands to his arm like she used to with her father when he'd given her a beautiful gift. "Thank you, Falek. Truly. I am so grateful."
He nodded and patted her hand. "There's only one condition."
"Anything, what is it?"
"You have to tell which Lord you were eting—or is it a man unsuited to your position? Is that why you steal to the stables?"
Ayleth's mouth dropped open before she could catch it and sputter, "I wasn't—"
"Before you lie to , Ayleth, rember that I have watched you grow since shortskirts. You think I have never spent a stolen evening with a woman—or seen the flush of her cheeks and shine in her eyes the next morning?" he said dryly.
Ayleth blinked and her cheeks heated.
"I an no disrespect," he added quietly. "But I wish to cut through the bullshit right now and figure out… is this man a true suitor? Soone who holds the appropriate position in society and may treat you as you deserve? Or is he soone your parents would deem wholly unsuitable?"
She stepped back, staring at her Knight, mouth open.
He waited patiently.
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