The Prince's Pet by Alexia Wiles Page B

it leisurely, and the queen, well – she could have melted ice with her
hot glare. She said something in Cimbrai. I caught the word “barbaric” as I
went back to stand behind my master.
    The topic of conversation
changed and I lost the thread of it as they talked in their own tongue. It was
well and good, I supposed. A slave wasn't supposed to listen anyway. Issander
and the men talked animatedly across the table, laughing and joking, while the
queen was silent, picking at her food. I concentrated on watching the cups of
my master and the king, who didn't drink much.
    Indari excused herself after the
main meal, going to her husband and lifting his hand to kiss it briefly before
departing. She spared Issander one sour look as she left the hall.
    The captain – the queen's
brother – was soon engaged in a loud tale which the men seemed to find amusing.
They all loosened up after her Majesty's exit, and I found myself relaxing a
bit as I listened to their friendly chatter.
    They talked about fighting and
tactics for a while – something about border skirmishes and tribal battles. The
king only listened, slowly spoons of some creamy dessert from his bowl.
    Finally, the captain stood,
bowed and left, and it was only the king and his son. I sensed whatever they
were talking about was of great import, but they looked like any close-knit
father and son clasping hands at the dinner table. With a pang, I remembered
sitting with my own father in much the same way. I looked back at the floor,
feeling as though I'd intruded on their privacy.
    After a long while, the king
said my name. I looked up, snapping out of my trance. He beckoned me over.
    Issander pulled me close to him,
holding onto my wrist, and the old man switched to Thessian so I could better
understand.
    "You take care of
her," he told Issander, his eyes sparkling. He looked at me. "And you
take care of him, too."
    I made a sound of surprise and
hurriedly set down my jug as Issander pulled me into his lap.
    "Have a drink," he
said, offering me his glass. Obligingly I took a sip. The wine was sweet and
rich and warm.
    "Thank you my Lord," I
said. "It's very good."
    Issander smiled faintly, and
picked up a halved date from his dessert dish, offering it to me. As if on cue,
my stomach growled. I took the morsel gratefully. It filled my mouth with rich
sweetness.
    The king had turned his attention
back to his son. "I want you to take care of Indari, too." He said.
"When I am gone. Don't send her to the Old Harem with the
concubines."
    Issander grimaced.
"Father..."
    The king held up a hand, hushing
him. "Cold she may be," he said, "but she has given her fertile
years to me. It is not her fault we never produced brothers for you. Find her a
husband if she will take one. But if not, please find a place for her."
    The prince lowered his head,
resigned. "Of course, father."
    The old man sat up a bit straighter,
looking solemn. "You must marry, and soon," he said. "I don't
understand your reluctance. I should have three grandchildren by now."
    Issander barked a bitter laugh.
"I'm sorry father, I truly am. But the right opportunity hasn't presented
itself."
    "You've had plenty of
opportunity." The king rolled his eyes. "But you'd rather be off
fighting."
    Sitting on my master's lap, I
could feel him tense. I took a drink of wine, trying to avoid looking at either
of them.
    "I have made no secret of
the fact that I belong on the battlefield, not the throne room."
    "...And I have allowed you
to test your skills -"
    " Test , yes -"
Issander broke in. "I should be in command."
    The king raised his voice, with
a note of frustration. "You may have the skills, but you are too important
to risk further. Your most important duty now is to produce an heir."
    The Prince's voice was strained.
"I know, father."
    Sighing, the king leaned forward
to pat Issander's hand. "Love is well and good," he said, "but
there are more important things. Besides, love doesn't always fall in your lap
- as you