252 Shadow Veil Castle Part 2

"No. These men were murdered. The true culprit was the man who escaped." Mordrin replied shaking his head "Prepare all three for the crypt. The Elder will be received by his student… but till then have them preserved." Mordrin's eyes were sad as he looked toward the moon. His men would not understand, after all only three living knew the truth.

Years before, before the four brothers had passed, before his own father had died, Mordrin had indeed been been engaged to Princess Kyera Shade of the Moon. He had been her brother's commander, a ally to her people, and in time her dear friend.

Times were simpler then. He trained to be a warrior in the morning, a ruler in the afternoon, and a host and people person in the evening. Kyera had been part of all three lessons since she saved his life. She was only seven when she assisted Half eye with that procedure. Sharp eyes and graceful even at the tender age.

Though she turned Ten as his friend, and was starting to blossom into a beauty he had always seen her as someone to protect, a sibling he had never been blessed with.

He arrived back in his rooms to find his wife awake, standing at the window. Vella's long dark braid messy from her restless sleep. Mordrin frowned, wrapping gentle arms around her waist and pulling her back against his chest.

"why are you not asleep, My dear?" he whispered into her ear. In response she took his hand and placed it over her round stomach. There was movement in her womb, a restless child. Signs of life that brought a grin to his lips. No one would take this from him.

"The child seems to be taking after the father. Sleepless and restless on such a beautiful moon drenched night." Vella replied wistfully her eyes drawn to the silver edged tree tops below. Mordrin smiled softly caressing her stomach, trying to sooth the little soul inside.

"Hey now little one, stop tormenting your Mother." He purred in a gentle but deep teasing growl. Vella looked back at him and smiled.

"You my dear have been up to something. Why are there three bodies being carried away from our courtyard?" Vella asked turning to look back at him. Most would see it as curious but he could read the underlying, wife tone that hinted she knew something was up and he couldn't get out of telling her what. He sighed taking her hand and gently leading her to the bed.

"You sit, I'll explain." He replied taking a deep breath. This was going to be a very interesting conversation. She nodded sitting down on the bed, scotting back till she was comfortable in her spot. Vella's patient eyes focused on his face expectantly.

"You never told me you were engaged when we met?" Vella asked and he sighed falling back on the bed beside him.

"I wasn't Vella. Well that's not quite true. It was a contractual relationship with a Princess of the Forest. In all honesty we were engaged on paper only." Mordrin explained turning onto his side to look at his beautiful wife.

"What does that mean?" She asked still a bit wary.