A World Apart (30 page)

When Jake turned back, he saw Dominic also scanning the crowd, his body tense and seemingly coiled to strike, hand resting lightly on his swordhilt.  He had noticed Jake's movement and saw him looking about.  When Jake moved back next to him, he asked softly.  "What is it?"

"Probably nothing, Dominic."  Jake replied, a little embarrassed to have caused Dominic to have this reaction.  "I had a sudden feeling that someone was watching me."  He tried to make light of it.  "It was probably just someone staring at you, the famous guy."

Dominic relaxed as much as he ever did, hand coming off his sword, even though he continued to watch the crowd.  Jake expected some remark about jumping at shadows, but Dominic said instead.  "Don't be too quick to discount these feelings.  I have seen them give men just enough warning to save their lives."  He looked at Jake and asked.  "Is this the first time this has happened?"

Jake shook his head.  "I felt it once before."  He proceeded to tell Dominic about the time with Hailyn.  He mentioned the older man he thought he saw looking at him, but that it was only a quick glance.  When he finished, Dominic did not say anything at first; he simply continued to walk towards the palace.

"Let me know if this happens again.  I don't believe in coincident."  Dominic said quietly.  He turned his head to look at Jake, eyes serious.  "It may not be anything, but I think that you need to stay on guard when you are away from the house or smithy, heading to or coming from our training sessions.  I will start asking some questions around the city, to see if I can determine any threat."

They continued on and reached the palace gates.  Dominic went to the guards on duty and spoke quietly with them; the guards stepped aside and let them through.  Dominic led Jake into the palace where they were met by a stooped old man, his wispy hair pure white, dressed in palace finery, carrying a polished cane.

"Greetings, Lord Dominic."  The old man said, voice gravelly, and gave Dominic a sight bow.  "I am to take your charge to the princess."

"Just Dominic, Lord Wendel."  Dominic replied, returning the bow.  "Here is the princess' guest; his name is Jake."

Dominic turned to Jake.  "This is Lord Wendel, the Royal Chamberlain.  Don't be fooled by his grandfatherly appearance; he may be the most powerful man in the kingdom.  Not only does he have continuous access to the king, he knows all of the royal secrets."

"You give a humble servant too much credit, Dominic."  Wendel said, chuckling.  "I must say that we have missed you at court."

"I cannot say that I have missed court life, Wendel, but you were always kind and helpful to a foolish young man."  Dominic replied seriously.  Jake could see that the Dominic's sentiment was honestly held.

"You honor me, Dominic."  Wendel said, giving Dominic another bow.  "I should take young Jake to the princess now.  Do not worry, Dominic, I will make sure he is cared for."

"I just need a final word with my charge, then I will leave him in your capable hands, Wendel.  If you will excuse us?"  Dominic replied, indicating the need for some space.  Wendel gave Dominic a smile and shuffled several paces away, leaning on his cane.

Dominic turned to Jake, leaning in close, face serious.  "Be careful, boy."  He said softly.  "Remember what Jonas told you; there may be other agendas here.  Don't commit to anything.  If you are directly asked to do something, simply tell that person that you need to discuss it with Jonas or myself first.  Understood?"  Jake nodded his assent.  "After your visit, go back to the house and change into suitable clothes for our training session this afternoon.  Just keep your eyes open and wits about you when you are alone."

Dominic stepped back and said in a normal voice, for Wendel's benefit, Jake was sure.  "Be respectful to the princess; never forget that how you conduct yourself reflects on me.  Am I clear?"

"Yes, Dominic."  Jake said, trying to sound chastised.

"He is all yours, Wendel."  Dominic said as he turned and left the palace.

"Come, young Jake."  Wendel said kindly.  "We should not keep the princess waiting."

His cane tapping on the floor, Wendel led Jake down several marble-floor hallways, then up a flight of wide stone stairs with polished wooden rails.  The stairs ended at a large landing with several corridors leading off from it, with Royal Guards stationed at each entrance.  Wendel led Jake down the center corridor, nodding to the guards as they passed.  They came to open hall, with paintings and wall hangings lining the walls, sofas and chairs providing seating and windows at the ends that let in the outside light.  In the wall across from the corridor, a set of large wooden double-doors were closed.  Wendel went across to the doors and rapped on them with his cane.

"Who is it?"  A female voice asked from the other side.

"Lord Wendel, with the guest of the princess, a young man named Jake."  Wendel replied.

One of the doors opened to reveal a young woman, dark haired and pretty, dressed in the livery of the palace.  She smiled and gave a quick curtsy to Wendel.  "Thank you for bringing him, Lord Wendel.  I will escort him to the princess from here."

"It was a pleasure to meet you, Jake."  Lord Wendel said, patting Jake on the shoulder.  "I hope you enjoy your visit."  He gave the young woman a wink and headed back down the corridor.

"Hello, Jake."  The young woman said with a nod of her head.  "I am Nataly, personal assistant to the princess.  Please follow me."  She gestured through the doors.

Jake entered into a brightly painted room, with high ceilings and paintings and flowers decorating the room.  There were several other doorways along the walls, leading to other rooms, no doubt.  Across the room, opposite the doors Jake entered, was another set of ornately carved double-doors.  Nataly went over to those doors, lighting knocking on them.

"Yes?"  Jake could hear Keria's muffled voice come through the doors.

"Jake is here, Your Highness."  Nataly replied.

The doors opened and Keria strode in from the other room.  Jake caught a glimpse of a large bed before Nataly closed the doors, flushing a bit when he realized that was Keria's bedroom.  That was quickly forgotten as Keria approached with a smile on her face.  She was dressed in a green silk dress that highlighted her beautiful eyes.  The dress was somewhat low-cut and it clung to her figure, emphasizing her body.  Jake was mesmerized and could not take his eyes off her.  He realized that he was staring at her bosom, tried to look away quickly, then flushed again when he saw that Keria noticed.  However, she did not look upset; her smile deepened.

"Hello, Jake."  Keria said, stepping close and taking Jake's hand, her perfume filling his nose.  "I'm pleased that you were finally able to make it."

"I'm glad as well, Keria."  Jake said, giving her a slight bow and trying to keep his eyes on her face.

"Let's go out on the patio to talk."  Keria said, holding his hand and leading him towards one of the doors.  "The weather is nice today.  Nataly, please bring some punch."  Nataly nodded and hurried out one of the other doors.

Keria led Jake out to a covered patio that looked out over the city.  There were several stone benches clustered together near the outer wall, allowing the occupants to talk while enjoying the view.  Keria chose one of the benches to sit on and pulled Jake down next to her.

"Isn't this pleasant, Jake?"  She said with a smile, green eyes sparkling.

"It is very nice, Keria."  Jake replied, losing himself in those eyes.  Her closeness made him a bit nervous, though.

"Now that we have some time, why don't you tell me about yourself."  Keria said, as Nataly appeared with a silver tray with a large pitcher and two silver cups.  Nataly poured punch into the two cups, set them next to Keria and Jake, then departed at a little gesture from Keria.

Taking a sip of the punch, Jake told Keria about how he came to this world and his journey from the Forest to Sanduas.  She patted his hand as he recalled his flight from the half-men.

"You were very brave, Jake."  She said, giving his hand a squeeze.  "Not many have escaped from the half-men."

He told of his rescue by Dominic and his trip here.  He stopped when he got to the palace.  "You know what happened then."  He said.  A thought came to him.  "Keria, why is it that your father and Dominic don't get along?"

"Do you know about Dominic's past?"  Keria asked.

"Some."  Jake replied.  "I know about his commands and that he had a wife and child."

Keria nodded sadly.  "That is why there is tension between them.  I was very young when it happened, but my mother told me about it.  Dominic was Commander of the Army at the time and had led some forces out against a large group of half-men and demons in the hills south of the city.  During the fighting, word came that a small band had slipped past the army and was headed towards Dominic's home, where his wife and child were.  Fearing for their lives, he abandoned his command and rode to try to save them.  He got there too late; they had been killed.  When he returned to the city, he was wounded with that terrible scar."

"Due to the nature of the incident and his long faithful service, my father would have forgiven him for that reckless act, but Dominic blamed my father for taking him away from his family.  They exchanged heated words in public, words that are not normally said to kings.  Only the intervention of my mother and Brother Jonas kept it from becoming worse.  Since then, there is no love lost between them."

"That explains some things."  He said quietly.

Keria suddenly giggled naughtily.  "My mother was always supportive of Dominic.  I think it was because she had chased after him when they were young, before she married my father."

Glad that the conversation was moving to a happier subject, Jake asked.  "Is your mother away?  I have not seen the queen around."

Keria's smile faded.  "No, Jake.  My mother died several years ago."  Keria replied sadly.

"I'm so sorry, Keria."  Jake said quickly, aghast at his bringing up a painful subject.  "I didn't know."

"That's ok, Jake.  I know."  Keria said, her smile returning and taking his hand.  "I think my mother would have liked you."  She paused, then asked.  "What about your parents, Jake?  Do you have any brothers and sisters?"

He told her about his family and tried to explain aspects of his home, but decided it was easier to show her instead.  He pulled out his phone and powered it up.  He saw that the battery was getting really low; he would soon have no power left, but wanted to impress Keria.  He had her listen to some music, then went to his photos.  She scooted closer as he showed her pictures of his family and friends, her head almost touching his, distracting him with her closeness.

"May I take your picture, Keria?"  He asked impulsively.  She nodded and he stood up and stepped back, getting her whole body into the frame, with the city as the background.  After he took it, he sat back down next to her and showed her.  She made a comment that it was not the most flattering image, but Jake assured her that she was beautiful.

"That is very kind, Jake."  She said, affecting a demure look.  "You look very handsome today.  I like the way that the color of your doublet brings out the blue in your eyes."

Jake blushed at the compliment, which brought a giggle from Keria.  She took his hand into hers again, looking into his eyes, waiting for him to say or do something.  When he did not move, she leaned in, mouth slightly parted.  Jake was sure she wanted him to kiss her.

Suddenly sweating from nervousness, he hesitated.  When he finally started to move in to kiss her, the door suddenly opened and Nataly came running over.  "Princess, the King is coming!"  She panted, undoubtedly from running here.  Muttering a curse, Keria leapt up and hurried over to the bench facing Jake's, quickly smoothing her dress.  She gave Jake a look that said to go along.

No more than a few seconds later, the king walked out onto the patio.  He came over to where they were sitting.  Jake followed Keria's example and rose, bowing to the king when he stopped.

"Hello, Father."  Keria said, coming over and kissing him on the cheek.  "I was just having a most wonderful discussion with Jake."

"I am glad to hear it, Keria."  The king replied with a slight smile for his daughter.  "I hate to shorten your fun, but I would like to talk with the young man myself."

"Of course, Father."  Keria said.  She held out her hand towards Jake.  "We will have to do this again, Jake."

Jake took her hand and bowed, lightly kissing the back of it.  "It was my pleasure, Princess.  I am always at your service."  He said, trying to sound formal for the king.

"Come along, Jake."  The king said, heading back towards the door.  Jake traded a quick glance with Keria, who gave him a frustrated little smile and gestured for him to follow her father.  Jake settled in beside the king, keeping a half step back.

"As a father, I am always glad to see my daughter happy, Jake."  The king said as they headed down the corridor to the stairs.  "As king, however, I have to think of more practical things.  Do you understand?"

"I think so, Your Majesty."  Jake lied, confused.

"Keria is the princess of the realm, Jake."  The king continued as he looked over at Jake, clearly indicating that he did not believe Jake understood.  "She will be queen someday and has obligations to the realm.  You may not know this, but her husband will be chosen for her, a husband in the best interests of the realm."  Jake did not know what to say, so they walked in silence until they reached the bottom of the stairs.

The king sighed, then spoke.  "While I would like her to love that person, she will have to do what is required of her.  I cannot have her believing it will be any other way."  He stopped near a doorway in the hall and motioned for a guard to come over.

"Everything I have heard about you indicates that you are a good and fine young man, Jake."  The king said.  "This is not a reflection on you.  However, I must ask you to stay away from my daughter.  I know her and I want to avoid either of you getting hurt."

He turned to the guard.  "Please escort my daughter's guest to the courtyards."  He said as he kindly patted Jake on the shoulder and went through the door.