“It’s an amazing view,”Toemeka exclaimed. “I can see every color of the rainbow as I lookacross the valley. I’d love to paint it.”
“I didn’t know you were anartist,” Koriann said.
“I used to draw and paint whenI was young, but since working for the Coalition I haven’t had muchtime for it.”
“This is one of the mostspectacular views I’ve seen in all my travels throughout thegalaxy,” Erling said.
Koriann was pleased that he likedher home planet. Since Toemeka arrived, he seemed almost himselfagain: happy, teasing, fun-loving.
He smiled at her. “You must beproud to be the ruler of such a great country.”
“I am, but it’s a lot ofresponsibility and it forces me to make decisions I wouldn’t makeotherwise.”
“I know.” Erling draped hisarm over her shoulder and she slipped her arm around his waist. Itfelt natural and right to be with him and she realized how much sheenjoyed his company. She glanced up and saw his vivid blue eyes fillwith love as he gazed back at her.
They continued to climb up therocky trail, resting at scenic lookout points to enjoy the view andperiodically drink from the stream. Toemeka and Erling continued tokid around and tell stories of their past adventures together.
They stopped for lunch at the topof the mountain where they could see across the expansive valleyfilled with trees dressed in fall color. In the distance lay thetemple-like buildings of the City of Silver Light at the edge of thecobalt blue ocean.
“Listen to the sound the windmakes blowing through the trees,” Erling said, removing hisbackpack. “Like a roaring river.”
“It makes me feel as if I’min another world,” Toemeka said as she dug through his backpack fortheir lunches.
After they ate, Koriann rose.“Let’s explore before going back.”
“Sounds good to me,” Erlingsaid, standing.
“You two go without me,”Toemeka said. “I think I’ll take a nap. The warm sun feels good.”
“You’re getting lazy in yourold age, Toe,” Erling teased.
Toemeka lay back with her eyesclosed, completely relaxed. “Watch out, Erling, we’re at the topof the mountain; I may push you off at any moment.”
“I’m real worried.”
“You always are.”
As Koriann and Erling startedinto the woods he said, “It was thoughtful of Toe to pretend shewas tired, so I could have you all to myself.”
“She probably is tired.”
“I don’t think so. She justwants to give us time alone together.” Erling drew her close andleaned down as if to kiss her.
She wiggled out of his embrace.“Behave yourself.”
“Is there any reward for goodbehavior?”
“Don’t you want to be anhonorable gentleman? After all, I’m engaged.”
“I never claimed to be agentleman.” Despite his light reply, he walked away from her. Shesensed an abrupt change in his mood and was sorry she’d brought upher engagement. She hurried after him. After awhile he sat down atthe cliff edge near the top of the mountain and fiddled with a stick.She sat down beside him; he glanced at her, then looked out acrossthe colorful mountain valley.
As they sat in silence, Koriannfelt the tension between them. Finally, she said, “Erling, we needto talk. I know you don’t approve of me marrying Zanton.” Heturned toward her and in his open, unguarded expression she saw thedepth of his pain and sorrow.
“You don’t need my approval.”
“No, but I want it. I want youto understand at least.”
“All right, why are youmarrying Zanton? He may offer military support, but he hasn’t beenhelpful in organizing the planet’s defense. And he still doesn’thave many troops in Jaipar.”
“He says his troops can reachJaipar’s military space station as fast from his country as fromJaipar, whenever we need them. There’s really no point in bringingthem now. Plus he brought in more of his royal guard. There arealmost as many of them here as my royal guards.”
Erling cocked his headthoughtfully. “How is it you were let out today without abodyguard?”
“I told Captain Orneil, thehead of my guards, you were guarding me.”
“I hope they don’t tellZanton that. He won’t like it.”
“My men don’t report myactivities to Zanton.”
“I don’t think King Zantonwill make you happy,” Erling said, his eyes holding hers.
“Happiness comes from within,from being strong spiritually. I’ll be happy enough.”
He lifted her chin and she methis gaze. “It’s easier to be happy with someone you love.” Hisvoice was warm and his eyes tender.
Koriann fought down an impulse tomelt into his arms. It would be fatal to do so, she had littlerestraint when it came to him. If he were to kiss her, she wouldrespond with every fiber of her being. Struggling for control, shedrew back from him. Her heart beat so fast she knew he must be ableto see how deeply he affected her. It took a moment before she wasable to steel herself for what she had to say. “Please try and lookat it from my viewpoint. King Zanton is a powerful ally and a goodman. He can protect Jaipar.” She risked glancing at him again andhis guarded eyes revealed how much she hurt him. She wanted to easehis pain and her heart opposed her as she continued. “We’ve beenthrough this before. I know you don’t place any importance on beinga ruler, or wealth, or power, but, well . . . I was born to thesethings. From the time I was a small child, I was raised as aprincess.
“When the palace was attackedand my family killed, I was taken by my handmaiden, Chandra, to livewith Embrosa and Leyran, who became my stepparents. Right from thestart, they raised me to be the ruler of Jaipar someday as we workedtoward overthrowing General Bhandar. They taught me militarystrategy, how to use weapons, and fly aircraft, instead of letting meenjoy my childhood. They emphasized the importance of alwaysconsidering the needs of my country before myself because I was thelast remaining Marsindi.
“The Marsindi Dynasty has ruledfor centuries. I’m a Marsindi and, like my ancestors before me, Iwill always put the best interests of my country before myself.Erling, please don’t despise me; I need your support.”
“I don’t despise you, Kori. I. . .” He faltered, looking uncertain, then stood. “We’d bettergo back and find your chaperone. You’re not safe alone with me.”
“Erling, be serious,” Koriannsaid, rising.
He
