Lisa’s stood in a confused and stunned silence. She
attempted to start to put together a response but nothing came out. Alex saw
her floundering and chimed in.
“I’m going to take Lisa and Squints and we’re going to get
her set up with a room at the inn. Trent you and Brooke can stay here and talk
as long as you like.” Lisa nodded and turned around to head back into the bar’s
main area. Squints and Alex followed her out.
Once the three of them had left the building Brooke was the
first to speak up. “Are you ok?” She asked. Looking at his cheek where she had
slapped him.
He nodded. “I’m fine, after thirteen years that’s both more
and less than I deserve from you.” He replied.
She shook her head. “I don’t want to talk about that right
now.” She replied, hesitating to move closer. He saw it and moved instead,
giving her a huge hug, which she returned completely, beginning to cry. “I
missed you so much.” She sobbed.
He kissed the top of her forehead. “I missed you too.” He
assured her.
Out in the yellow lamp lit street Lisa, Squints and Alex were
headed in the direction of several inns. Lisa had been filling the walk with
stories from their youth which made the time pass smoothly. They quickly came
to the gate of the education district and Squints split off saying his
goodnights, leaving Alex and Lisa alone. Alex saw that Lisa had a busy mind so
she finished her story. “After that, Trent’s parents could barely yell at him
between the laughter. He, Alfred, and Squints were grounded for weeks after
that.” She left off for Lisa to speak her piece.
“Trent only ever mentioned Squints by name. He just said
there were other kids in the group. Who’s Alfred?” She asked finally.
Alex nodded. “Yeah, that’s Trent. Even though Alfred screwed
him over, he’s still protecting him.”
“Protecting him from what?” Lisa asked.
“Honey, Alfred is the current King of Lidarion. Trent was
and is a commoner. Our parents were afforded status based on their elected positions.
Alfred and Brooke are of royal blood.” Alex clarified.
Lisa shook her head. “It seems silly that the King would
hold a grudge for a decade and a half over one stupid night of drunken
shenanigans.” Lisa stated.
Alex raised an eyebrow. “One night?” She asked in confusion.
Lisa nodded. “Trent said he accidentally bedded the princess
one night while they were both drunk and then tried to skip town before the
king found out.” Lisa explained.
Alex laughed. “Oh he did?” She asked.
Lisa thought about it and then shook her head. “No actually
he didn’t. That’s what I guessed and he didn’t correct me.” She admitted.
Lisa nodded. “They weren’t drunk. And it was far more than
one night. In fact, if I know Trent at all, he still has the ring.” Alex
guessed.
Lisa’s was shocked at the mention of a ring. “He was going
to ask her to marry him?” She almost shouted.
Alex shook her head. “He
did ask her to marry him.” Alex clarified.
Lisa shook her head. “That must have made Alfred go ballistic.
A commoner proposing to the princess.”
Alex nodded. “You have no idea. He proposed during the
lighting of the New Year fountain. Brooke wanted with all her heart to say yes
but she couldn’t respond in public. Within the hour the King heard of what had
happened and by sunrise the next morning Trent had been delivered to the
Lidarion Army training camps at the Frostmeyer past. Brooke and the rest of us
heard he was banished when the king announced it publicly. That was she last
time she spoke to him.” Alex trailed off.
Lisa shook her head. “So sad, not to speak to the love of your
life for nearly fifteen years.” Lisa lamented.
Alex shook her head. “I meant she hasn’t spoken with the
king, her brother since the day he announced Trent was banished from Lidarion
city. Almost fifteen years ago.” Lisa stopped at the front door of the inn she
had chosen.
Lisa stopped her before she opened the door. “Tomorrow is
going to be worse that today isn’t it?” She asked. Wordlessly referencing the
king’s reaction to Trent’s return.
Alex shrugged her shoulders. “Tomorrow should have happened
a lifetime ago, its not so much ‘worse’ as long overdue.” Alex admitted seeing
the worry in Lisa’s face she continued. “And nothing that happens tomorrow or
any day after that between those three is your fault. Now let’s get you a room.”
She said opening the door and ushering Lisa into the inn.
