It was evening now and Caspar was tired but he knew that Vashti would not leave until she felt she had said everything she needed to.
"Hello Vashti, what a surprise" he greeted her with little emotion.
Vashti did not seem to care that he was not glad to see her.
"I don't see why you are surprised. I sent you a note asking to meet me and I never heard back" she answered haughtily.
That was one of the main things he did not like about her, her arrogance. She felt that she deserved answers or attention or whatever she wanted. Her parents were kind, he didn't know how she had turned out this way.
"I am sorry to have kept you waiting. I had a lot of business at the market" Caspar told her tiredly and walked to the cart in the foyer that contained an assortment of liquors. He chose a dark liquid and poured it into a short glass and took a large swig before turning back to her.
"So what did you come to discuss" he asked Vashti, already guessing.
"Our impending marriage of course" Vashti said in annoyed tone. Caspar should have guessed that her parents would inform her immediately and of course she came running to him without a second thought.
Caspar drank deeply from his cup again, wishing the alcohol would soothe his nerves quickly.
"And what do you think about the proposal" he asked her.
"It only makes since. I am not blind, I can see that Azzaran has to reveal itself sooner or later. What I was surprised to learn was that you are prince." Vashti's eyes shone with greed, making him further uncomfortable with the discussion. He knew she was selfish but she had not shown herself to be overly ambitious. He raised his guard, putting down his drink on the table in front of him.
"Yes, though I was exiled a while ago. I cannot rely on the people's favor and will have to convince the army to follow my lead" Caspar told her, trying to show the difficulties she would be facing if she were to accept and become bride.
"I am sure you will find a way to retake everything and then we can lead a prosperous kingdom together" Vashti said, ignoring how difficult it would be for him to accomplish that.
"And what about love Vashti? In my kingdom, it is not typical to be arranged in marriage" he asked, changing his course when he could see that she was not deterred by the struggles of retaking a kingdom. He did not know why he was trying to discourage her. He knew he needed Azzaran's help, but the more he talked to her now, the more his soul cringed from the idea of being united with her forever.
Vashti walked up to him, placing her hand on his chest,
"I can love you. I can love you until the sun comes up every morning and then do it again when the sun falls back down under the earth" she said to him throatily.
It took all of his will not to jerk away and run from her.
"That is lust Vashti, but what about love? Looking out for one another and wanting the best for each other. Do I comfort you, do I make you feel special? Are those things you can live without in this life?"
"Caspar, you are talking like a child." She laughed, rolling her eyes and walked to bar cart and poured herself a drink. She held the cup and swirled the liquid inside before speaking again. "Adults need alliances and that is what we can offer one another. I like you. We have been together before and it was good and we can be like that again. And now we can bring even more to the table. The magicians of my land will help to overcome whatever evil you suppose has taken over your land. Your kingdom will provide more goods and more space for the citizens' of Azzaran to live comfortably and safely. Everyone wins" she finished and drank her glass' contents in one turn.
Caspar could see he was getting no where with her. A small part of him had hoped that she might understand. That maybe she craved love and companionship like he did. Loneliness could eat the soul alive and he was tired of being it's food.
"You are right, of course Vashti. I will talk to the council tomorrow and tell them of our plans to wed" he said, wanting her to leave so that he could have some peace to think and breathe.
"Good, I am glad you are seeing sense. I will prepare, I am sure they are going to want to throw an engagement ball" she said happily and began walking towards the door to leave.
"Of course" Caspar answered. "Well, until tomorrow." He closed the door as soon as she stepped out, wanting to avoid any goodbye kiss she might have planned. She always tried to force affections from him and he no energy for it today.
He walked to the patio and sat at the chair closest to the edge and waited. Soon Banu emerged from the forest of palms at the perimeter of the yard. She walked over to him leisurely, rubbing her massive head against his leg. He took comfort in her presence and tried to forget his conversation just now. His mind drifted back to the chocolate shop. What had Mary and Sarina discussed while they were gone behind the curtain. Then he cringed, remembering how he had drew away from Sarina's kindness. All he wanted was comfort and she had offered, but the circumstances weren't what they should be.
He wished he could have let his hand remain in hers.
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Hello lovely readers,
I'm so sorry, got a headache today and won't be able to add the new chapter tonight, will definitely update twice tomorrow. Thank you for your patience!