Page 26 of The Marked Princess

“Who is she?”

“ She is Princess Josselyn deLure of Eldour, and I'm Alex Grey, her guard.” He watched the man's face, but aside from a faint flicker of surprise at Josselyn's name, it remained impassive. “Her father, King Frederic, was murdered, and Eldon has been taken over by the Antoski.”

His gaze shifted back to Josselyn.

“We managed to escape, though not easily, as you can see. We need to get as far away from the castle as possible. Prince Stefan will undoubtedly send men after us.”

“Won't get too far in your condition, especially on foot.”

Alex grimaced. “I know.” Meeting the man's eyes, he added, “I realize you don't know us, nor I you, and it's a lot to ask of anyone, but we could use your help, if you're willing.”

There was a long pause as the man stared back at him, his face inscrutable. Alex felt his shoulders slumping in defeat, when the older man finally responded, his words slow and measured.

“You're right, that is a lot to ask. If what you say is true, then anyone caught protecting the princess will probably be killed. And as you can see, it's not just me at risk, but my family.” He paused, rubbing his hand over his neatly trimmed beard. “Then again, if the Antoski should succeed in taking over the whole of Eldour, this land won't be safe for anyone anymore.” He stood and walked over to Alex, crouching down beside him, his sharp eyes studying his face with hawk-like scrutiny.

“You're Kalo.”

It was a statement rather than a question, but Alex felt the man waiting for an answer, none-the-less. He gave him a clipped nod, waiting for the derision that tended to follow that observation.

“I am, although I was raised by servants at the castle from the age of two.”

“May I ask why?”

“My family's caravan was attacked by Antoski soldiers. I was the only survivor.”

The man's eyes widened, and he sat back on the ground.

“Alex Grey... you were Diedri and Brandon's boy, weren't you? Everyone thought you died along with the others. Such a tragedy.”

Alex felt his mouth drop open in shock as he struggled to make sense of what the man was saying. “You knew my parents?”

The man gave him a sad smile, his voice husky with emotion. “Aye, I knew them well enough, but not as well as my wife, Adelaide, did. She was Kalo, as well. They belonged to the same caravan, and Diedri was Adelaide's closest friend growing up. Adelaide had to leave the caravan and her family behind when she chose to marry me, an outsider to the Kalo. They were all killed in the massacre, same as your parents.”

The man stood, his eyes still trained on Alex.

“Pack up, girls, we need to leave as soon as possible." He held a hand out to Alex, helping him to his feet. “Name's Hiram Delaney. It'll be slow going in the wagon, but I'm a decent fighter when needed. With a little rest and some food in your belly, I suspect you're not too bad yourself. Let's see if we can't get these ladies to Tallis.”

Alex stood, staring at him in disbelief. “You'll take us?”

Hiram let out a long sigh as he turned toward the large,covered wagon on the other side of the clearing. “Adelaide would never forgive me if I didn't, rest her soul. Now, let's get moving before I change my mind.”

The four daughters worked quickly, gathering together any scattered belongings and dousing the fire. Hiram carried Josselyn to the wagon and settled her onto a pallet in the back, covered with a soft, if worn, quilt. Alex climbed in and took a place beside her, his sword placed by his side should he have need of it. The girls piled in the back, as well, making things rather cramped as they rumbled down the Eastern Road, with Hiram sitting up front driving the horses.

Josselyn stirred as they began moving, her head jostling with every bump. Alex angled himself into the corner, placing her head on his lap like a pillow. He swallowed against the emotion that thickened his throat and smoothed back a hair that fell over her face.

“She your girl?”

His head shot up in surprise, a bright, red flush covering his face as he gaped at Lily, whose innocent question had thrown him into a panicked fluster. “I...no...what? Of course not. That would be highly inappropriate. I'm just her guard, that's all,” he stuttered, even as the truth of his words stung him with their honesty. Nothing more than a guard, that's all he'd ever be to her.

“Deliciously inappropriate,” murmured Rosemary, biting her lip suggestively.

Dahlia groaned. “This is hardly the time, Rose. Keep it in your pants, at least until we're not under threat of death.”

“Oh, but that just makes it all the more exciting, don't you think?” Rosemary grinned, giving Alex a quick wink. “So, tell me Alex, are you a fan of The Four Flowers?”

He returned her look with a blank one. “Um... I'm not sure... what exactly are The Four Flowers?”

He looked around at the others for help. Dahlia, who was busy pulling rolls out of a large sack, answered without looking up.