“Robust and ruddy.” It was worth reminding Regal that Levi was also heir to Gloomenthrall, and it would make him believe, falsely, that he had some leverage. After all, Levi’s safety was their number one priority. Hopefully the lad would experience fewer accidents from now on in.
“Perhaps the boy and I should pay the Keep a visit soon, let him get to know his Grandsire.”
“A very good idea.” If their plans to snatch Levi here failed, then it would be good to have a back-up plan. She could already see Regal was plotting and planning. If he could kill her father whilst Levi was a minor, then effectively Regal would rule both Soutner and Gloomenthrall lands, including the Lair. It was excellent bait, but ideally, they wouldn’t need to use it. “My sisters would be beyond pleased to see and spoil their nephew.”
“Ah… your sisters. They’re all well?”
“Exceedingly so. You know Gloomenthrall women, we’re an almost embarrassingly healthy lot. Why, it would take more than a giant gryfalcon to take one of us out.” Hah, there, Regal paled ever so slightly. She’d planted the seed.
Regal paused, perhaps waiting to see if Alia would share any more news, but when the silence extended too long, he decided to fill it, to do some gentle probing. “I’m surprised to see you here, at the Golden Palace. It’s a long way from Gloomenthrall and not really your style, Alia.”
His gaze flicking over her fitted blue jacket with its flaring trail of fabric, her trousers and down to her highly polished knee high boots. Regal’s gaze resting a little longer on the gems studding her collar and cuffs, calculating their worth in an instant. He was that good, she knew. And ten years of exile would have honed his skills.
She wondered how Regal had survived during his banishment. His mother never believed her favourite was at fault regarding the incident ten years ago. She would have supplied him with as much loot as she could gather before he was shipped off. Perhaps managing to send more Regal’s way over the years before her death four years ago.
Given what she knew of him, Alia suspected Regal had used his ten years in exile to do nothing but plot and plan his triumphant return. And by securing the title within two months of his arrival home, he must have thought he was exceedingly close to having all his dreams come true.
Except here now was Alia, reminding him of the past. Hinting that Perri might be alive. That Levi had the protection of her entire clan. Regal must be frantically running the calculations, trying to decide what lies to tell, what rumours to start spreading.
It was time to up his concerns. Let him know she had important friends. He’d try and use them against her, but she had faith Talac could hold his own. All this time he’d been standing behind her, avidly eavesdropping no doubt. Given his spy craft abilities, he’d somehow managed to remain out of Regal’s eyeline. The man was uncanny like that. In a crowd of people, even though he was six feet and six with a chest full of glinting medals, Talac could still manage to disappear.
“I would have thought my reasons for being here obvious. Matrimony. I’m not getting any younger. I have a rather hefty legacy to secure. And I wouldn’t say no to someone suitable keeping my feet warm on these increasingly cold winter nights.”
“You’re here to seek a husband amongst the aristos?” Mild incredulity laced Regal’s tone.
“We can’t all be lucky like you, Regal. Meeting your one true love when you were in short pants. Marrying her the day of her seventeenth birthday. Romance is for the fortunate such as yourself. I’m afraid I have to be more practical.”
“And knowing you as I do from our childhood scrapes, you have a list of what you deem makes him suitable. Let me guess. He must be honourable. With means. I should imagine you would wish him to be taller than you, that’s probably going to prove tricky. Just look at how tall you’ve gotten since we last crossed paths. And you would need to find a man willing to overlook your… hoydenish ways.” Gaze flicking down pointedly once more over Alia’s attire. “Have I left anything out?”
“Yes. I insist he have a title.”
Regal leaned forward, as if to share a joke, but there was a smug glint in his beautiful eyes that told Alia he was looking to undermine or score a hit. “I think you would have more luck finding a unicorn. But I wish you good fortune.”
“No need. I’ve already found the perfect man here at the Palace. All I need do now is wait for him to woo and win me.”
Flashing a broad smile and deep dimples, Regal made a show of casting a gaze over the party-goers. “I find I’m unable to pinpoint this extraordinary specimen of a man who puts the rest of us in the shade.”
“Then perhaps…” Interrupted Talac, taking half a step closer to Alia, she could tell by Regal’s infinitesimal flinch it was as if he had appeared out of thin air. Uncanny skills. “… you should try looking up.”
“I… I…”
“Prince Zariffe Vallas, might I introduce you to Baron Regal Soutner.”
“Why isn’t he bowing?” Talac’s words dripped with haughty arrogance.
“I don’t know, Your Highness. He’s new to the Palace, and has perhaps spent too many years in the provincial outer realms.” It was fun to watch a deep flush of colour sweep across Regal’s face before he practically doubled over.
“Apologies, Your Grace. It’s an honour.”
“Yes, it is.”
Alia had no idea Talac could sound so cold and snobbish, it was all she could do not to burst out laughing.
“You may rise.” Talac finally conceded, his haughty features shifting into a frown as Regal stood up straight. “I’m unfamiliar with you, Baron Soutner.”
“Unsurprising, Your Highness. As Lady Alia mentioned, I have spent a number of years travelling, trading and setting up ventures for my family seat. I’ve only recently returned to our fair Realm and taken up the Barony following the unfortunate death of my beloved nephew.” Regal was oozing charm, he badly wanted the Prince to look favourably upon him. His gaze flicking between Alia and Talac, trying to determine their relationship.
“How are you familiar with Lady Alia?”
