The Sentinel of Cassendar: Resquarian

Leal Cassendar’s eyes blinked open at the morning sunlight pouring into the large windows of the room. He blinked a few times, a little disoriented, trying to remember where he was. He rolled over to see Dracia still asleep, bundled up in the covers of the large bed. He then remembered he was in a bedroom of the Aurorial palace in Siccaria.

Leal smiled to himself as he looked at Dracia. There was so much wrong in the land right now, but Leal could not find himself miserable. His kingdom was in trouble as the Navalians were more than likely planning to invade all parts of Lanoxan at any time. Leal and the whole Cassendar family was thought to be dead by most of the land, and an evil woman who they knew very little about was behind it all.

Still, as Leal reached out and put his arm around his wife, he found himself content at least for a few moments. He was able to truly live with Dracia as her husband. He did not have to sneak into her room at night, or leave her at first light. He didn’t have to act as though he was indifferent to her around other people. He could hold her hand and keep her close to him at all times.

She was still weak from their escape from Navalia. The energy she had used to save them all had almost killed her. Combined with the injury she sustain at the hand of Darron, Leal knew he was fortunate to still have her by his side. He had Galen Ellis, his sister, Dracia’s strength, and the mercy of the gods to thank for it.

He moved closer to her so he could hold her against him. He tried to be careful as he didn’t want to wake her. She needed rest. She had done little but sleep and sit quietly since they had settled into the palace a little less than a week ago. Leal had stayed by her side as much as he could, watching her sleep or talking gently to her. Only when she would shoo him away or someone would come visit her, would Leal leave her for a short time.

He was uncomfortable when she was out of his sight. He had come too close to losing her twice now. The past week his sleep had been disturbed by nightmares of Dracia dying in his arms, or him escaping Navalia to see her left behind at the mercy of the Lilith and Belleth. He knew there would be battles to come, and he knew he could not keep her from them. As she regained her strength, Dracia would want to reclaim her position as High Captain and their kingdom.

Leal wanted to find a way he could fight by her side, to be worthy of joining her in battle. He had talked to Ethen of ways to learn to control his power to use it in battle. He knew Lexine was interested in learning how she could help as well, though Leal thought she already had a way as a reliable healer.

Dracia stirred next to Leal, her eyes opening slightly as she raised her head a little.

“Leal?” she said quietly. “What time is it?”

“It is early, dearest,” said Leal leaning forward and kissing her forehead. “You should rest longer.”

“All I do is rest,” she said, opening her eyes wider and stretching her body. “I need to start trying to do more.”

“You have been through a lot, Dracia. No one thinks less of you for resting and healing. You should take all the time you need to get better.”

“We do not have a lot of time, Leal. I can’t stand to think what Belleth has planned for our kingdom. I need to get stronger as quickly as possible to be prepared to fight. I need to find a way to contact my Elites and let them know what is coming, and that I am alive as well as you and your sister. They need to know they still fight for the Cassendars.”

“You will take the time you need to heal correctly,” said Leal sternly. “You cannot rush this.”

Dracia sighed. “I would at least like to get out of this room today. You could take me for a walk, perhaps even outside?”

“If you are feeling up to it, we can walk the halls of the palace after breakfast. If the weather isn’t too cold, we can spend some time in one of the courtyards,” said Leal.

“Could we go to the stables? I would like to see Aarit,” said Dracia with some excitement.

“I will have your beast brought to the front of the palace, and you can whisper to him and pat him all you want, but you will not ride him, at least not for a few more days,” said Leal leaning forward and kissing her cheek.

Dracia turned and caught his lips with her own, leaning into him. Leal felt her run her tongue against his lips as he pulled away from her with a small groan. “I am not sure you are strong enough for that either,” he said with a small laugh.

“A simple kiss?” she asked with a little pout.

“A kiss like that usually leads to other things with us,” said Leal reaching up and putting his hand on her cheek. “I will not jeopardize your recovery in any way, no matter how tempting.”

“But soon,” she said as she leaned into him, and he wrapped her in his arms.

“We will see how your walk goes, and go from there,” he said as he dropped a kiss on her head.

Leal got out of the bed as there was a knock at the door. Knowing it was Malven with breakfast, he opened it without inquiring. Malven walked in and put the breakfast on the table in front of the sofa in the room as Dracia slowly got out of bed, putting a robe on.

“How are you this morning, High Captain?” asked Malven as Leal walked over to help Dracia to the sofa.

“I am feeling fairly well, Malven,” said Dracia waving Leal away as she walked over and sat down.

“I am glad to hear it,” said Malven with a smile.

“What news have you for us today, Malven?” asked Leal as he sat down next to Dracia watching her pick up a plate of food.

“Nothing much really,” said Malven with a small smile. “Nothing that is of concern anyway.”

“How about anything interesting then?” said Dracia as she took a bite of food. “It has been dreadfully boring for me, being kept in this room.”

“You may not know this, High Captain, but Lady Maia’s sister is staying in the palace. She seems to have found someone in our group who is to her liking.”

“And who would that be?” asked Leal as he poured some tea.

“Roderick Ellis,” said Malven.

Dracia looked at Leal with a small smile. “I shall have to meet this woman soon if she has her eye on my second. What is her name, Malven?”

“Lady Selene,” said Malven. “She is a few years younger than Lady Maia.”

“What is she like?” asked Dracia.

“She is very pretty, of course, looks much like her sister. Very talkative, and bold, but not unkind from what I can tell. She does seem to be a bit of a flirt.”

“Will I like her, Malven?” asked Dracia as Leal handed her a cup of tea.

“Yes, I believe you will like her despite her outspokenness. Maybe you will like her because of it,” said Malven.

“Good,” said Dracia as she took a sip out of her cup.

“But does Roderick like her? That is the more important question,” said Leal.

“I don’t think he knows what to make of her at the moment. He has been worried about you, High Captain, and what is going on back in the kingdom. He does not seem opposed to her, but he is not overly encouraging either.”

“There is a lot going on, and Roderick is not one who is known for being outgoing. I suppose we will have to leave them alone, and let them decide their own fates,” said Dracia.

“Anything else, Malven?” asked Leal.

“Not really, and I should be going. Lord Ethen’s and Lady Elise’s attendants will want a report on how the High Captain is doing to take back to their master and mistress,” said Malven.

As they ate breakfast after Malven left, Leal could tell something was bothering Dracia.

“If you are not up to it, we don’t have to walk. We could sit here, and I could read to you if you would like.”

“No, I would like to walk. I really am feeling better; there is just a lot on my mind.”

“We will find a way to help the kingdom soon, Dracia. I know you would like to send a note to your Elites, but Ethen is afraid it will be intercepted or taken in by one of Darron’s allies. He thinks Navalia believing we are all dead may be an advantage we need to use while we are able.”

“I am worried about Lanoxan and my Elites, but that is not what is bothering me this morning,” said Dracia.

Leal looked at her expectantly, waiting for her to tell him what was wrong, when an attendant who was sent by Lady Elise came in to help Dracia wash and dress for the day. Leal stepped out to give them some privacy, walking down to a small parlor he knew his mother preferred. He walked in the doorway to find his mother sitting with Lady Elise, and Dracia’s mother, Lady Owena.

“Good morning, my dear,” said his mother as she looked up from some sewing she held in her hand. “How is your wife this morning?”

“She say she is feeling better today,” said Leal walking over and bending down to kiss his mother’s cheek. “She wants to go for a walk in a bit.” Leal moved to stand next to the fireplace.

“Do you think she is strong enough for it, your highness?” asked Lady Owena. She held her hand up. “I am sorry, I believe it is your majesty now.”

“Nothing has been made official, Lady Owena, do not trouble yourself,” said Leal with a nod in her direction. “I will not let Dracia overtax herself, but I do not see the harm in a short walk. I am going to see about having her horse brought out front. She is very fond of him and would like to see him.”

“It will be good for her to get out,” said Lady Elise. “She is not made for sitting around. My daughter was the same way, always had to be doing something.”

Lady Owena looked at Lady Elise. “Yes, our Dracia has always been very busy. I always had the hardest time getting dresses made for her as she could never stand still. I know my husband would like to have a more current portrait of her, but he could never convince her to sit for one.”

“She will have to soon,” said Leal’s mother. “Once we are back in Winsdell where we belong and all is well, she will have to sit for a portrait as the new queen.”

“Very true, Queen Lyvia,” said Lady Elise. “She will have to have one taken here as well at some point.”

Leal looked at Lady Elise with curiosity. He wasn’t sure what to make of this news that Dracia was one of their family. Ethen called her cousin, and Lady Elise doted on her as a mother would a daughter.

“I know you are curious, my dear boy, but you will have to wait until your wife is well enough to hear it all,” said Lady Elise with a smile.

“I will admit to curiosity and confusion, my lady, but I will do my best to wait until I hear the full story myself. I am surprised Dracia has not been asking more about it.”

“She knows the truth even without the whole story. For now, I believe that is enough for her,” said Lady Elise. “She has had other things to worry about with her health. As her strength comes back, I doubt she will wait very long to hear it all.”

“You are right,” said Leal.

“I suppose we do have to tell her it all,” said Lady Owena with a sigh.

“Yes,” said Lady Elise with a harsh look towards Lady Owena. “She has been kept from the truth for too long. There is no reason to hide it any longer, not that there ever really was.”

“There most certainly was a reason to hide it,” said Lady Owena her voice rising. “We were trying to keep her safe. My father would have had her taken from me or worse if he had known the truth. After he died, those Isadels would have killed her without a second thought, not to mention the powers in Navalia.”

“She should have been sent here where she would have been safe,” said Lady Elise as she hit her hand against the arm of her chair.

“You don’t know if she would have been safe, and my husband would not let her go. I grew fond of her as well,” said Lady Owena.

“I heard you had a funny way of showing your affection, Owena,” said Lady Elise with a harsh laugh. “If I had any idea of who she was and had seen her treated so, I would have had you whipped.”

“I was trying to make her strong, and prepared for the life she would lead one day. She was meant to be a queen, and now she will be one.”

“She was meant to be a High Noble and leader to our people,” said Lady Elise.

Leal looked at his mother who looked very upset. She never did like people arguing. Leal opened his mouth to say something when Dracia walked into the room.

“What in the kingdom is going on in here, mother?” asked Dracia as she looked at Lady Owena. “I could hear you as soon as I left my room.”

“Lady Elise and I were just having a small disagreement, my dear. It is nothing for you to worry about,” said Lady Owena as she stared at Lady Elise.

“At least not for a few days yet,” said Lady Elise as she turned to Dracia. “How are you this morning? You do look very well.”

“I am feeling better than I have in a while, my lady,” said Dracia as she looked between her mother and Lady Elise. “I was hoping to take a walk with my husband.”

Leal walked forward to offer her his arm. “And I am happy to join you, my love,” he said holding his arm out.

“Everything is well in here?” Dracia asked as she looked at Leal’s mother. “Your majesty, you look upset.”

“No, I am fine, and I believe I asked you to call me mother, my dear. You are practically the queen now, Dracia. You do not need to address me so formally.”

“Force of habit,” said Dracia with a small smile. “If you are sure all is well in here, I would like to walk with you, Leal.”

“It is fine. Go take your walk,” said Lady Elise. “Prince Leal, see that she doesn’t tire herself out.”

“I will take good care of her, my lady,” said Leal as he walked with Dracia towards the door.

“What was going on in there?” asked Dracia as she walked with Leal down the long hallway towards the front of the palace.

“I hardly know,” said Leal shaking his head. “It seems there is some history between Lady Elise and your mother involving you.”

“I can imagine there is, and I would like to find out what,” said Dracia. “Do not think I have not already asked Lady Elise many questions, knowing what I do now. She will not tell me anything. She says when I am stronger, she will tell me all.”

“I know this all must be frustrating. You never were one to convalesce with grace, and on top of that you have this mystery of belonging to the family of the High Nobles.”

“I know it all seems rather mad, Leal, but I know I am one of them somehow. I could feel it when I came here, and through my connection with Ethen. I don’t know how to explain it. I am not sure I could if I tried.”

“I am sure you will know more very soon. You seem to be stronger every day. They cannot keep the truth from you much longer.”

“No, they cannot, but right now I would like to enjoy this morning with you. There is so much wrong in our lives that just for one moment, I would like to focus on what is right. You are my husband, and I can say it to anyone I choose now.”

“And I can hold you close to me, and kiss your hand any time I like without worrying who is watching,” said Leal as he raised her hand to kiss it as they walked.

“I shall be glad to see Aarit if you can arrange it,” said Dracia as they walked slowly down the hall. “I don’t believe I have ever gone this long without riding him.”

“It will be arranged for you to see him,” said Leal. “Now that I can publicly acknowledge you as my wife, I plan to spoil you dreadfully. Anything you request, I will make sure you receive it.”

“I will hold you to that very soon,” said Dracia looking up at him with a very small smile on her lips.

As they came to the entry hall, they met Lady Maia walking from the other wing with a woman that had to be her sister. Lady Maia smiled at Dracia, letting go of her sister’s arm to greet Dracia by taking both of her hands.

“I am so glad to see you up and about, Dracia,” said Maia as she held Dracia’s hands. “I did come to see you a few times, but you were either engaged with Lady Elise or asleep.”

“I was hoping you would come with Ethen the two times he came to visit, but he said you were busy. I suppose you were with your sister?” asked Dracia looking at the other woman.

“Yes,” said Maia as she slightly rolled her eyes. “Let me introduce you. Selene this is Dracia Yates, oh no that isn’t right, is it? This is Dracia Cassendar, a princess of Lanoxan, is that right? Well, she is married to this man here, who is Leal Cassendar the next king of Lanoxan. Dracia is also the High Captain of the Sentinel of Cassendar.” Maia shook her head. “I didn’t do any of that well.”

“It is a confusing time for introducing me,” said Dracia with a small laugh. “And you are Lady Selene?”

“Yes, Lady Selene Marin of Siccaria,” said Selene with a smile. She was an attractive woman with dark hair and eyes like her sister. Her nose was a bit smaller, and her lips not quite as full as Maia’s. She also seem to have a constant mischievous look in her eyes. “I am pleased to meet you, High Captain. Is that the correct way to address you?”

“High Captain is perfectly acceptable. It is what I am used to,” said Dracia graciously.

“You will have to get used to queen or your majesty very soon, dearest,” said Leal taking her hand as Dracia smiled at him.

“I have been hoping to meet you since you got here. I am sorry you have been unwell,” said Lady Selene. “I have heard much about you from Ethen, Maia, and Roderick Ellis as well.”

“Mostly good things I hope,” said Dracia.

“All wonderful things. I began to wonder if you were real, the way they all talk about you, especially Roderick.”

“They are all very kind. I assure you I am very real, parts of me good and bad,” said Dracia with a smile. “I am pleased to meet you. I am already very fond of your sister and hope we shall be good friends as well.”

“I don’t see that being a problem,” said Lady Selene. “I seem to make friends easily.”

“You do,” said Maia with annoyance. “Just not usually with women.”

“I don’t know what you mean, sister. I have many female friends, especially those who aren’t rivals for any young men. I see the High Captain is as well settled as one can be in our land, though she is much too beautiful for my liking,” said Lady Selene with a teasing laugh.

Leal looked at Dracia as she looked at him.

“You will have to excuse my sister. She has never been very good at knowing her manners or her place,” said Maia as she pointedly looked at Lady Selene.

“It is true, but if we are all to be friends, we might as well be open and honest with each other,” said Lady Selene. “You are very handsome, Prince Leal. If you were single, I am not sure I would like the High Captain as much as I do now as she would definitely outshine me as a rival for your affections. I am sure you agree.”

“It wouldn’t be very chivalrous for me to agree with you, Lady Selene, but in the spirit of being open and honest, I will say no one could ever even come close to being a rival to Dracia, at least not to me. She is the best of all women.”

“Then it is good you have married her,” said Lady Selene. “Good for you, and all of us single women in the land.”

“Dracia,” said Roderick Ellis as he came walking towards them from behind Leal. “I am so glad to see you out of your room.” Dracia turned to greet Roderick, who took her hand and kissed it. “You do look very well. I trust that you feel better as well.”

“I do. I had to get out of the room for at least a short walk. Leal has promised me he will find someone to bring Aarit out front so I can see him.”

“I can go get your horse for you. I planned to go for a ride and have Aarit tag along. I am sure he needs exercise, and you know he will not let anyone ride him but you, and I suppose Prince Leal under special circumstances.”

“Are you going for a ride, Roderick?” asked Lady Selene. “I have been dying to go out for a ride. Could I join you this morning?”

“I suppose so if your sister has no objections,” said Roderick looking at Maia.

“No, please take her, Roderick. I am quite done with her this morning,” said Maia.

“I will fetch my cloak and meet you at the stables,” said Lady Selene. “It is good to meet you High Captain, and your highness. I am sure we will all be great friends. I will hurry, Roderick. Don’t leave without me. Even if you have to wait a few minutes, I am always worth the wait.”

Leal watched her walk away as Dracia turned to Roderick and Maia. “Your sister seems like a very interesting young woman, Maia,” said Dracia.

“She is impossible. I know she has a good heart, I really believe it, but I wish she would settle down just a bit,” said Maia.

“She is young. I am sure she will find her way,” said Dracia with a smile as she looked at Roderick. “Maybe she just needs the right person to help her find it.”

Roderick shook his head at Dracia. “I better get to the stables. I will have your horse here soon, High Captain,” said Roderick as he turned to go.

“He better watch out,” said Maia. “My sister seems to have set her eyes on him. She is relentless when she sees something she wants.”

“I am sure Roderick can look out for himself,” said Leal. “I believe the attentions of a beautiful woman could do him much good.”

“Problem is, my sister tends to get bored with men after a while. I would not have her play with the affections of such a good man,” said Maia.

“No, I would hate for Roderick to get hurt,” said Dracia. “But as Leal says he can watch out for himself. He is a sensible man and an Elite of the Sentinel. I think your sister may be surprised at what she finds if she truly pursues him. She is beautiful, but he will not bend easily to her will as other men would.”

“I believe you are right, Dracia,” said Maia happily. “Perhaps Roderick is just what she needs to teach her a valuable lesson.”

Leal and Dracia spoke a few more minutes with Lady Maia before she left them to go find her husband. Dracia found a bench to sit on to wait as Leal stood close by. She sat in silence for a while, Leal noticing she was fretting and thinking about something.

“How are you feeling, Dracia?” asked Leal as he looked down on her.

“I am feeling well, but I didn’t expect to learn so much information from just a quick walk from our room. I am rather anxious to know more.”

“Which part, Lady Selene and Roderick, or the conversation from the parlor?” asked Leal.

“Lady Selene and Roderick are both grown and can figure out their own relationship. The conversation in the parlor is much more on my mind. I want to know what Lady Elise has to say to me, and I believe my parents owe me an explanation as well. Do you think they even are my parents, Leal?”

Leal sat down next to her and took her hand. “What do you mean?”

“I know I am connected to the High Nobles of Siccaria in some way. They have all but confirmed I am of their family. I have always felt my mother kept me at a distance. Do you think I am even her and father’s daughter? Was I raised in their house for some other reason?”

“I don’t know, but your father seems very attached to you. He has always called you his daughter. I believe you favor him in some ways.”

“What if I am some illegitimate child of some noble of Siccaria?” said Dracia looking down. “What would that mean for us?”

“It would mean nothing,” said Leal as he gripped her hand. “I am married to you, my love. Who your parents are doesn’t matter.”

“But it does. I made you a promise as Lady Dracia Yates, the daughter of High Lord Arwel. If that is not who I am, you are not held to your promise. If I am some illegitimate daughter of a noble person and gods know who else, how could I be your wife and queen of your kingdom?”

“You are who I love, Dracia. I made you promises not because of any titles you hold, but because of who you really are. I will not back out on any of my promises, and I won’t let you either. You are more than worthy to be my wife and queen. It is I who needs to find a way to be worthy of you,” said Leal.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” said Dracia as she looked up at him. “You are all I have ever wanted. I could list every good thing about you, but it would take too long. I believe you do love me, Leal, but if the kingdom found out I was some unwanted child from Siccaria, many would not accept me as queen.”

“I don’t believe it. Many in our kingdom already know of your bravery and skills as the High Captain of the Sentinel. You are also known to be kind. It doesn’t hurt that you are the most beautiful woman in our kingdom and beyond. Our people will love you, Dracia,” said Leal. “But you don’t know what Lady Elise will tell you.”

Dracia nodded as an attendant opened the door, letting them know Dracia’s horse was outside. Leal stood up and offered Dracia his hand as she took it and stood as well. The walked outside to see Roderick standing next to Aarit with Lady Selene sitting on a chestnut mare.

“Aarit,” said Dracia happily as she walked forward to stroke her horse’s nose. Her horse moved slightly and tossed his head as though happy to see his mistress. “Thank you, Roderick, for taking him out today.”

“It is not a problem,” said Roderick as she stood beside her. “I hope you are able to ride him soon.”

“I offered to ride him this morning,” said Lady Selene. “But Roderick said your horse did not take to anyone riding him except you.”

“And Leal, apparently,” said Dracia as she patted the side of Aarit’s head, causing the horse to bend down so Dracia could whisper to him.

“Only because I was carrying you, dearest,” said Leal. “I doubt he would let me get one leg up on him now without throwing me off.”

“No, he is a good fellow,” said Dracia fondly. “You would treat my husband very well, wouldn’t you, Aarit?”

“You should come out and ride with us, your highness,” said Lady Selene. “I am sure it wouldn’t take long to fit a saddle to this horse.”

“You could go, Leal, if you wish it,” said Dracia. “Aarit would take you. I can see to it.” Dracia moved to the side of her horse, patting close to his mane.

“No, I would rather spend the day with you. I hate not being around you. When you are up for riding, we shall go explore the city and woods around it together,” said Leal coming to stand next to her.

She nodded and leaned her head against Aarit’s long neck. Leal watched her for a moment, and saw that tears were starting to fall down her checks.

“Dracia, what is the matter?” asked Leal quietly.

“So much is wrong, but mostly I am worried for us,” she said softly. “I realize that I don’t even know who I truly am.”

Leal grabbed her hand and pulled her to him gently. “You do know who you are, and so do I. As far as us, we were a settled thing years ago, but don’t worry, we are going to get answers to all of this. I will see to it.”

“Dracia, are you alright?” asked Roderick as he walked over to her and Leal.

“She is well, Roderick, she just needs rest. Go out for your ride. Don’t keep your lovely riding partner waiting,” said Leal as Dracia pushed away from him.

“She can wait all week for all I care,” said Roderick. “She’s more talkative than I like in someone I ride out with.”

“I am sure she is very charming,” said Dracia as she wiped her eyes. “I am well, Roderick. It is as Leal says, I am still just a little tired. This weepiness will pass soon enough. Go out and ride. It will do you and Aarit some good.”

“I will come check on you when I get back, if that is alright with you, High Captain, and you, your highness,” said Roderick.

“Of course,” said Dracia. “I would like to spend some time with you this afternoon.”

Roderick smiled at Dracia before walking over to his horse and mounting. Aarit was attached to his horse by a long lead and he trotted besides Roderick’s horse as Roderick and Lady Selene rode off.

“Let’s go back to our rooms, and you can rest for a bit,” said Leal as he offered Dracia his arm.

As they were walking back down the hallway, they met Lord Ethen and Lady Maia who seemed to be looking for Dracia and Leal.

“I was hoping to catch you still out and about, Captain,” said Ethen with a smile until he looked closer at Dracia. “Dracia, are you not well? Perhaps you have pushed yourself too quickly.”

“No, I have not done much at all today, Ethen, and I am well,” said Dracia. “After a short rest in my room, I will be very well.”

“Ethen, do you happen to know where Lady Elise is at the moment?” asked Leal.

“Last I saw her, she was walking towards the large parlor in the east wing,” said Ethen. “She said she didn’t like the air in the west parlor this morning.”

“Could you and Lady Maia see that Dracia makes it to our room? I would like to have a chat with your grandmother,” said Leal.

Ethen gave him a curious look. “Maia, do you think you and Dracia could manage to make it to her room without my guidance? I wish to walk with the prince.”

“I am sure we can find it without troubles, my dear,” said Maia as Dracia nodded.

“I will be back soon,” said Leal as she took Dracia’s hand and kissed it. “I will make sure you get the answers you need, very soon, but you shouldn’t worry about this. All will be well.”

Dracia nodded before walking with Maia down the hall.

“You want answer from my grandmother?” asked Ethen as he walked by Leal.

“Dracia needs to know the truth. She has waited long enough. I know Lady Elise means well by making sure Dracia is truly better, but not knowing is worse for her, I think. She is starting to believe she is some illegitimate child of someone in your family sent to live with Lord Arwel and Lady Owena,” said Leal quietly.

Ethen was quiet as two attendants walked by them. “She must not believe that. It is not the truth,” said Ethen quickly.

“Then what is the truth?” asked Leal. “Because I will not have her questioning who she is and if she is worthy of being my wife. It does not matter to me who her parents were, but she needs to know.”

“It is complicated and a story that needs to be told by others besides my grandmother. I am not sure she even has the whole truth,” said Ethen.

“I will start with your grandmother and go from there,” said Leal. “Whatever happens I will not wait one more day for Dracia to know all.”