Khiranirn - chapter 20

As it turned out, Nick and Kevin were forced to delay telling the
King and Queen for the next 15 days. That very night, an emergency
council meeting had been called. The King, Brian and Kevin had met
the remaining 2 generals to discuss a group of renegade trolls that
still dwelt within the forest on the outskirts of town.

Nick had dined with the Queen but even that had been brief as he
resumed his duties. Hunting parties had been dispatched and Nick's
abilities had proved invaluable in tracking them down. While dealing
with this though, the King had managed to order his steward to
organize a banquet to celebrate the return of his sons and the defeat
of Modezarran.

Due to their duties and the fact that their relationship was still
not public knowledge, Nick and Kevin had been forced to share nothing
but a few precious stolen moments.

As he walked towards the King's Hall, Nick sighed to himself. Not
for the first time did he wish for the freedom he had had aboard the
Blue Dragon. Shaking himself out of his melancholy mood, he smoothed
all expression from his face as he entered the hall. Soldiers mingled
about in small groups around the hall. The informal assembly had been
called by the Generals. All soldiers not immediately on duty were to
gather in the King's Hall. The King's Hall had been built by the
first king of Khiranirn as a sign of gratitude for the loyalty given
by the soldiers of the King's Guard. It had remained in the
possession of the King's Guard ever since. Nick walked towards the
other captains nodding to the soldiers of his command he passed.
General Neil's command had been taken over by Lieutenant-General
William, a man both respected and well liked.

"Good morning, Captain."

"Good morning, Matthew."

"What do you suppose this meeting's about, sir? Has there been more
trouble with the trolls?"

"I don't think so, Matt. The patrols haven't turned up anything for
days now."

Smiling reassuringly, Nick continued.

"More likely, it has to do with the banquet tonight."

They fell silent as a hush settled into the hall. Everyone turned
towards the 3 generals as they filed into the room, General Liam in
the lead being the most senior of the three. He stood upon the steps
that led into the hall with Kevin and Daryn on either side of him.
Satisfied that he had everyone's attention, he began.

"First of all, I want to congratulate everyone on the successful
patrols we've had this past few days. We can all rest easier knowing
the forests are safe once more, at least for now. Next, as I'm sure
all of you are aware, there is to be a banquet tonight to celebrate
the return of the princes."

A few of the soldiers nodded to Nick at this.

"And I'm to inform all of you that the King requests his Guards be
present to join in the celebrations."

A cheer rose up which was allowed by Liam for a few moments before
raising his hand to claim their attention once again.

"A skeletal unit shall be on guard in short shifts. The rest of
you, enjoy yourselves and if any of you show up late for your duties
tomorrow, you'll wish you'd never heard of a banquet in the first
place."

The soldiers knew the General would do it too, though the threat
did nothing to dampen their spirits.

"Dismissed."

As the soldiers returned to their duties, Nick and Matthew were
joined by Allyne and Wesley, both looking slightly flushed, and a few
more soldiers that made up the core of Kevin's command.

"Captain, could we have a word with you?"

Nick, looking at their identical nervous expressions coupled with
Matthew's carefully schooled poker face, led the group to a
relatively secluded part of the hall before nodding for them to
continue. Seeing their hesitation, Matthew spoke up.

"Well, go on then."

Nick remained silent already guessing what they had to tell him.
Finally, Wesley took a deep breath.

"Captain, I've asked Allyne to marry me and she's accepted."

The soldier couldn't hide his smile as he took his fiancé's hand.

"Congratulations! I'm so happy for the both of you."

And Nick truly was. He hadn't missed their budding romance even
before he was kidnapped and was glad they'd finally decided to seal
their commitment to each other. Of course Matthew would have already
known, the three of them being virtually inseparable. Nick kissed
first Allyne and hugged Wesley. The other soldiers had formed a rough
circle around them, smiles on their faces. All were silent however as
they knew Wesley and Allyne had yet to voice their request. Nick,
sensing there was more turned toward Wesley. Taking Allyne's hand
once again, he said.

"You know the Guards have been the only family we've known. Allyne
and I are orphans and well, we'd be honored if you agreed to be my
best man and General Richardson give Allyne away."

Nick's smile reassured them but it was Kevin who answered.

"We are the ones who are honored, Wesley. Of course we will."

The soldiers all broke out into cheer as Allyne and Wesley shared a
kiss. Nick felt a pang then of something he wouldn't name. Carefully
keeping his smile in place, he broke away from the crowd, their
cheers still filling the hall, all but three noting his departure.

Kevin made to follow but found his arm held by Jerald. Looking into
the man's eyes, he was surprised to see understanding.

"We've been friends a long time, Kevin and there's no one else I
trust more to lead us. You have my support and that of our men no
matter what happens."

Words escaped Kevin as he realized the full meaning behind his
Colonel's pledge. Should the King oppose their union, there would be
mutiny. About to protest, Jerald beat him to it.

"But we have full confidence that all will be as it should. The
King is a wise man, General."

With that he released Kevin and nodded in Nick's direction.

"I haven't managed to officially inform Captain Carter that he's
been cleared of all duties till tomorrow. Perhaps, you could do me
the favor, sir?"

Kevin, words still beyond him could only nod as he turned to follow
Nick, the approving glances of a few of his men for the first time
being noticed as he left the hall.

"It doesn't happen often but the few times I can get him speechless
is sweet indeed," grinned Jerald to Mat as order was restored to the
men and duties resumed.

----------------------------------

//Nick?//

Nick had left through the door that led to one of the more secluded
areas of the palace. Entering the room at the end of the corridor,
Kevin found a dimly lit area, the shades never having been drawn in
the past 50 years. The scent of old manuscripts assailed him and he
glanced around to see rows upon rows of leather bound books. He had
entered the room that used to be the library. Currently, some
renovating was underway before these last few books could be
transferred to their new home.

Shadows played along the room and Kevin could distantly pick up the
comforting murmur of his creatures. He had yet to name them. Soon, he
knew it would come to him but not yet. They were with him always and
like now could sense his concern as he searched for his mate. It was
they who led him here.

"Nick?"

Silence.

To his own ears, murmurs from the shadows could be heard, guiding.

Moving towards a row of shelves, he walked around them to find Nick
sitting on the floor, his knees to his chest as he leaned against the
wall. His right hand was fiddling with the ring Kevin had given him.
It now hung on a string around his neck, worn beneath his clothing
away from prying eyes.

With a start Kevin realized this was the first time in a while he
was alone with Nick. Even their nights were spent apart to keep up
their pretense of friendship alone. Kevin kneeled down and reached
out a hand to stroke his cheek and frowned when Nick pulled away.

"Don't, Kevin."

When Nick said nothing more, instead focusing only on the ring,
Kevin settled himself on the floor before Nick. The silence between
them stretched on until Nick could take it no more.

"What?"

"You tell me?"

"There's nothing to tell."

"Right. Nothing's why we're in this stuffy library."

"No one asked you to come."

"You're upset."

"No, I'm not."

"Now, you're lying."

Nick glared daggers at him. He knew he was behaving like a brat but
Kevin being Kevin wasn't helping.

"Why don't you just let me be?"

"Because I love you."

Just like that, Nick felt the tension drain away from him and they
fell back into silence.

"Did Wesley and Allyne notice me leave?"

"No."

"Good."

"Jerald did, though."

Nick looked up questioningly at that. Kevin, reluctant to add to
their troubles before he was able to find out what was upsetting Nick
remained silent.

"Kevin?"

Nick's tone left little room for argument.

"He knows about us."

At Nick's sharply in drawn breath, Kevin quickly grasped his hand,
Nick too shocked to notice.

"He's alright with it. Hell, I think he approves."

`Might as well go all the way.'

"And he's not the only one."

"What, does the whole battalion know?"

"No."

Kevin added quietly.

"Just the rest of my command."

Closing his eyes, Nick softly banged his head against the wall
behind him.

"Everyone knows except the two that should."

"I've tried but with everything-"

Nick's fingers on his lips cut him off.

"I know, Kevin. I'm not blaming you."

Nick's expression lightened.

"They looked so happy, didn't they?"

"Yes, they did."

Nick looked directly at Kevin then, his expression unreadable. It
was at moments like these, Kevin realized there was a whole alien
side to his lover.

"Tell me what's wrong, Nick."

"I dreamt I was in the maze again."

"Maze?"

Even as he asked, he remembered and Kevin drew in a startled gasp.

"When?"

"Last night."

Nick gave a half-hearted attempt at a smile.

"I miss nights of you holding me."

Kevin had heard enough and moved to hold Nick, who curled into him
seeking shelter in his arms.

"It was empty. Nothing was chasing me this time but I had a sense
of someone waiting for me. The memory of the place more than the
dream spooked me."

"What do you think it means?"

"I don't know. I'm not exactly in a hurry to find out either."

They stayed that way for a while before Nick noticed Kevin undoing
the clasp of his cloak. Before he could question him though, Nick
found his lips sealed in a kiss, Kevin's hands now busy running down
his back. As Kevin reached lower to trace the curve of one hip, Nick
let loose a moan of longing and Kevin's tongue snaked in to deepen
their kiss. Moving lower, Kevin started nibbling on his neck.

"K-Kevin, stop."

Ignoring him, Kevin started undoing the laces of his shirt.

"I have-, duties-"

//Jerald's cleared you for the rest of the day//

//You?//

//Am exactly where I'm supposed to be//

-------------------------------------

He was back in the maze again but things had changed. The walls
only came to his waist, a clear view of the beautiful surroundings
now visible. The fountain lay to his right and he walked towards it.

`I'm not afraid anymore.'

//Of course not. There's no reason for you to be//

Startled, Nick realized he recognized the voice and a smile formed
as he saw the familiar figure by the fountain.

//Khira//

He approached her and gently enveloped the smaller figure in a hug.
Together, they sat side by side by the fountain. As Nick was about to
question her, she raised her hand signaling him to wait.

//He'll be here soon//

Nick turned towards the maze and realized he could see someone
approaching. The figure's pace quickened as he too saw Nick.

//Kevin!//

And Kevin was there holding him close. Khira watched the lovers
reunite with a gentle smile on her face and bid them both to sit once
more.

//This is the maze you were in, Nick?//

//Yes, Kevin//

//Why have you brought us here, Khira?//

//I have a gift for the both of you//

//There's no need-//

But Khira raised her hand to cut Kevin off.

//It is in my will to grant this to you//

Running a smooth finger down the bridge of Nick's nose ending with
a playful tap to the tip, Khira gave them a mischievous smile.

//But not yet. You are not yet ready//

The glow around her intensified suddenly and before she
disappeared, her parting words resonated through their minds.

//Release your fear and honor your pledge//

Mulling over her words, Kevin didn't notice Nick's attention focus
on him till hands cupped his face.

//Thank you for being here with me//

Kevin smiled and watched as Nick shimmered before him. Opening his
eyes, he felt the fingers running through his hair and caught the
scent of the leather bound books around them. Raising his head from
where it rested on Nick's chest, green eyes met blue as Nick raised
his head for a kiss, a hand moving to grip the bare back of the man
laying over him.

--------------------------------

He eyed his image in the mirror critically. He had planned on
attending the banquet in the formal wear of the King's Guard but his
father obviously had other plans. Upon returning to his room, Nick
had found his father's steward holding up a custom made shirt, tunic
and pants with express orders from the King that at least for once on
his life, he was going to dress like the prince he was. Still basking
in the warmth of what he had shared with Kevin that morning, Nick
offered surprisingly little resistance much to the relief of the
steward.

So now here he was, decked out in royal regalia, the shades of blue
and black interspersed with finely sewn golden threads designed
perfectly to compliment his eyes and fair complexion.

Giggling broke his concentration and with a smile, he walked out to
see the steward attempting to adjust Cole's tunic. What had surprised
him the most was the fact that a similar outfit had been provided for
Cole as well, less formal but the connection obvious. He had been
dropping subtle hints to his mother and was thankful she apparently
welcomed Cole. As the steward stood to review his handiwork, Cole
looked up and caught sight of Nick standing by the partition, a smile
gracing his features.

"Wow! You look like a prince."

Nick laughed at that as he approached Cole. Bending down, he
playfully ruffled the boy's hair.

"Yeah, surprised myself too."

Satisfied that both his charges were ready, the steward requested
his leave of them. Once Nick and Cole were alone in the room, Nick
sat upon Cole's pallet calling Cole to him. Settling the small boy on
his lap, he smiled as Cole studied the intricate patterns of his
sleeves.

"Cole?"

"Yes, daishan."

Nick tightened his grip of the boy at hearing the ancient word for
father. Cole had picked the word himself after a long discussion with
Brian. For now, papa and daishan were words used only in selected
company, their worth made more precious.

"I want you to wear this."

And Nick unhooked a sparkling dragon made of sapphire ringed with
gold. Hooking it to Cole's tunic over his left shoulder, Cole now
carried the mark of the dragon prince. Such a mark would not go
unnoticed. As Nick clasped the ring around his neck, he decided that
after tonight, there would be no more secrets.

As much as he tried to, Cole was too excited at attending his first
royal function to sit still for too long, so Nick set him down the
same moment there was a knock at their door.

"Pickup service for one pint-sized brat!"

"AJ!"

Poking his head in, AJ grinned.

"Ya all decent, right?"

Cole laughed as he ran to AJ stopping a few steps away to hold his
hands out.

"Look what they gave me to wear, AJ."

"My, my, someone sure cleans up well. Speaking of which-"

AJ's voice trailed off as he noticed Nick walking towards them.
Suddenly, a grin grew on his face.

"Someone's out to torture Kevin."

"I have no idea what you mean."

AJ and Cole exchanged grins before joining hands as AJ led him out,
not before Cole ran to Nick for one last hug though.

"I'll see you at the banquet."

"Bye, daishan."

-------------------------------

Cole had yet to utter a single word as AJ led him to the main hall.
AJ could tell the boy was amazed at the amount of people around not
to mention the decorations that had been put into place. He himself
was impressed by the grandness of it all. It had been a while since
Khiranirn had celebrated to this degree, but AJ could think of no
better reason than the success of their mission.

As they made their way deeper into the palace, moving from room to
room, AJ noticed the guests increase in rank. The common folk of
Khiranirn occupied mostly the outer rooms of the main hall while the
highborn and ranking officers of the King's Guard populated the main
hall, the soldiers alternating between the two. Personally, AJ
thought the outer ringed crowd would be having more fun than
the `privileged' lot within. He'd even caught sight of Ryn and some
of her friends enjoying themselves. Everyone was awaiting the arrival
of the royal family to the main table.

Upon entering the main hall, AJ spied many familiar faces, soldiers
mostly and few merchants Howie and he had been acquainted with. There
were a few people AJ could have done without too, two of them being
Lord Patrick Mizbourne and his sister, Lady Penelope. Their family
controlled one of the more prominent businesses of the city, their
father having made his fortune trading spices. Unfortunately, his
children left much to be desired in honest trade. For a while now,
Howie and he had suspected their involvement in many shady business
dealings and acts of sabotage on the smaller, less established
businesses. The only thing missing was solid evidence and without
that, Kevin could do nothing to help them.

Seeing their interest in Cole, AJ hurriedly steered the boy in the
opposite direction and heaved a silent sigh of relief when they came
across Kevin and Howie. Approaching the pair, AJ let out a low
whistle.

"We're just all looking fine and dandy tonight, aren't we?"

Indeed, they were all dressed impressively. Kevin was decked out in
full military uniform, the polished black causing him to cut a
striking figure among the other guests. Howie and AJ wore formal
suits cut in the current popular style, the insignia of the house of
Dorough sewn into their outfits. AJ had long been considered a member
of the family and he proudly carried the mark of the house.

Cole ran directly to Kevin, a huge smile on his face. Kevin, for
his part greeted the boy with open arms and both shared a loving hug
that caused smiles on Howie and AJ's faces.

"You're looking very handsome tonight, Cole."

Softly so no one else overheard, Cole replied.

"A man came to help me and daishan get ready."

AJ elbowed Howie as he heard this.

"Make sure to keep a close eye on Kevin when he sees Nick."

Howie grinned, but before he could answer, another voice cut into
their conversation.

"Lord Dorough, General Richardson, greetings to you."

Lord Patrick Mizbourne joined them, his sister at his side. His
obvious exclusion of AJ and Cole in his greetings did not go
unnoticed. Howie, ever the diplomat replied.

"Greetings to you, Lord Mizbourne, my Lady."

"Just wanted to congratulate the both of you. Your travels are the
talk of the town. It would have pained us all deeply to lose Prince
Nickolas."

"Yeah, right."

Though it was said under his breath, Lady Penelope managed to pick
up on AJ's comment and glared in response.

"Really, Lord Dorough, you should limit your exposure to commoners.
Who knows what manners you might pick up."

Looking down at Cole, a spark of interest grew in her eyes.

"Speaking of commoners-"

But a hand came to rest reassuringly over Cole's shoulder and
Penelope looked up to see Kevin looking at her, a hint of warning in
his eyes. Her whole demeanor changed as a saccharine sweet smile
appeared on her face as she offered her hand to him. Kevin was too
much of a gentleman to ignore her and stiffly gave the offered hand
an almost non-existent kiss.

"It is truly a pleasure to see you again, General Richardson."

She was practically cooing as she moved closer to surreptitiously
run a hand down his arm.

"It's been too long since you've graced my family's house with your
presence."

In actual fact, it was about 6 months since she had last seen him
when he had arrived at her home with a squadron of guards tracking a
thief in the area. Witnesses had reported seeing the masked man
entering her house and Kevin had asked to search the premises. Of
course by then, the man who had been one of her brother's useless
lackeys had left, but the good general did not need to know that. She
had fallen in lust with the dashing general at that moment and had
barely hidden her intentions, much to the amusement of the other
guards.

Kevin personally found the woman, though attractive, annoying and
now 6 months later found little had changed to sway his opinion. Cole
was practically bristling in anger watching this woman drape herself
all over his papa. He knew Kevin wasn't happy either from the look in
his eyes.

The sudden hush that fell over the hall however caught his
attention as well as everyone else's. The grand doors to the hall
opened and the King with the Queen at his side walked in followed by
Brian and Nick. The King looked every inch the royal sovereign while
the Queen was resplendent in a beautiful gown highlighted with
precious jewels. Brian wore a coat resembling the King's as befitting
his position as heir to the throne.

Remembering AJ's words, Cole looked up unknowingly mirroring AJ and
Howie's hidden glance towards Kevin. What they saw made them all
smile as Kevin's eyes glowed with love and quiet appreciation as he
followed Nick's progression. As he was turning to look back at Nick,
the expression on Penelope's face caused Cole's smile to falter. For
a moment, he thought he caught a hint of something dark in her gaze
before it was expertly masked. He felt his blood run cold as Penelope
looked down to meet his eyes and unconsciously stepped closer to
Kevin. Kevin, sensing the movement looked down to see Cole looking at
Penelope but when he looked at her, she was watching the royal
family's progress like everyone else. Puzzled, he decided to question
Cole on it later.

As the family took their seats, King Barrett announced in a loud,
clear voice.

"Let the banquet begin."

Everyone took their seats as the food was brought out. Soft music
could be heard playing from the corner of the hall. Since the banquet
was in honor of those that had defeated Modezarran, Kevin, AJ, Howie,
Matthew, Wesley, Allyne and Cole all found themselves seated at the
main table. Over dinner, they enjoyed pleasant conversation as dish
after dish was brought forward.

As Cole finished his second slice of cake, he promptly decided
another bite would kill him. Looking around, he could see the others
were no better off. As everyone's drinks were re-filled, the King
stood and a hush soon fell over the hall as he commanded their
attention. Guests from the outer areas crammed into the hall as well,
all eager to hear what the King had to say.

"Tonight is a time of celebration for my sons have returned home
safely bringing news of the defeat of Modezarran. Tonight we honor
those that fought bravely to grant us these blessings."

"Matthew, Wesley and Allyne, soldiers of the King's Guards, come
before me."

The three soldiers approached and kneeled before their King. Kevin,
as their commanding officer, came to stand by the King and offered
Barrett his sword. Placing the sword over Matthew's shoulder, he
announced to everyone present.

"For your brave service to the Kingdom, you are hereby granted the
commission of Lieutenant in the King's Guard."

Barrett then moved on to Wesley and Allyne, repeating his words. A
cheer erupted from the guests, the soldiers particularly as they
watched their comrade-in-arms be recognized for their service.

"Lord Dorough, Alexander Mclean. "

AJ and Howie both took a deep breath as they stood before Barrett.

"More than your bravery, more than your courage, your friendship
and loyalty place you both above all others. Kneel before me."

And as they did, Generals Liam and Daryn, a pair of gleaming
daggers and a spear with a dragon carved along its length in their
possession approached the King.

"These were specially crafted and strengthened by the prayers of
Lady Gaia for two whom I shall grant knighthood. Rise now, my knights
of Khiranirn and receive the kingdom's gifts to you."

AJ received the daggers, the lightest he had ever carried while
Howie grasped his spear, its balance suiting him to perfection. As
they returned to their seats to the cheers of the crowd, Cole thought
his heart would stop as he heard his name called next. As the hall
fell silent, Cole imagined everyone could hear his heart pounding. A
sudden brush of warmth against his mind chased his fears away and he
looked towards Nick to find an encouraging smile as he felt AJ gently
squeeze his shoulder and steer him towards Barrett. The fact that
Kevin stood behind the King helped tremendously.

Cole came to stand before the King looking up into the regal face
that smiled kindly down at him. He didn't think it possible but his
nervousness grew as Queen Eva joined Barrett, in her hands a
beautiful golden medallion hung on a thin gold chain, the emblem of
the King engraved on it. She placed the medallion carefully over his
head before giving the boy a kiss on his forehead.

"To find such love and courage in one so young is a gift indeed.
For you, the mark, favor and love of the kingdom."

Holding the medallion in his hands, Cole looked up to see Kevin
smiling proudly at him.

"Thank you."

And once more, the crowd erupted in cheers for their young hero.

"General Richardson."

As Kevin came to kneel before the King, an expectant hush fell
almost immediately.

"Years ago you were brought to stand before me and never since have
I looked back. You are as dear to me as my sons and for you I grant
the dragon's tear."

Lady Gaia approached, bearing in her hands a single opaque jewel in
the shape of a tear. It had long been preserved in the temple after
having been found centuries ago. Made from an unknown element, it was
claimed to guard its bearer's heart from all darkness. Passed down,
it was decided that it would be given to the one person the ruler of
the land found most deserving. Having been attached to a chain of
silver, Barrett clasped the chain around Kevin's neck, leaving the
tear to hang freely over his heart, standing out markedly against the
black of his coat.

As Kevin moved to stand by Liam and Daryn once more, he grasped the
tear in his hand and was rewarded by a soothing calm falling over him.

//No one deserves it more, beloved//

//I carry it for you, Nezadi//

"My sons have done me proud. It is all a father can ask for that he
live to watch his children achieve all that he wished for them. To
Brian, my heir, I grant the commission of Field-Marshall to the
realm."

Brian was stunned. In effect, his father had just given him equal
footing in ruling of the King's Guard. Previously, this had never
been done as the risk of the Field-Marshall using the army to
overthrow the King was too great. It was a sign of unquestionable
trust, but to Barrett, it was nothing more than acknowledgement of
his faith in his son.

"And for Nickolas, I grant the seal to the kingdom to be held in
confidence throughout my rule and for all those who follow."

As the crowd cheered for all those that had been honored, tables
were cleared to make way for the dancing and merriment to follow
dinner. Once all was all ready, the King raised his hand for
attention.

"One last announcement. General Richardson, Nickolas, to me."

As total silence enveloped the previously booming hall, Nick and
Kevin walked to stand before Barrett, unknown to both, their hearts
were pounding in unison. Queen Eva joined her husband once again,
expressionless as she looked upon them.

Cole looked towards AJ and Howie in confusion but both their gazes
were transfixed on what was playing out before them. Suddenly feeling
a hand over his shoulder, Brian gave him an encouraging smile. AJ,
catching the smile, silently asked the question. Barrett's strong
voice caused both to look back towards the King.

Kevin and Nick stood a few steps apart from each other and looked
towards Barrett and Eva with carefully blank expressions on their
faces. But both could read the dread in their eyes. Unable to keep
the smile from his face any longer, Barrett looked towards the people
of his kingdom, all of whom were wearing confused expressions, except
for the men of Kevin's command who wore varying looks of expectation
and wariness.

"They had preferred to keep it a quiet matter, but being the King
and more importantly, a proud father, I feel it my obligation and
privilege to announce the engagement of General Richardson to my
younger son, Prince Nickolas."

Total, absolute silence met his announcement.

Like the calm before the storm, the dam broke to thunderous cheer
as all rejoiced in the news. Distantly, Barrett took note of the fact
that the loudest cheers emanated from the common people and of
course, soldiers of the King's Guards. The highborn and nobility
displayed varied responses understandably, as the marriage would
shift the balance of power considerably. But what held the King and
Queen's attention foremost was the response of the two principal
parties themselves.

Nick had grown so pale at the announcement, Barrett had feared his
son would pass out, and Kevin didn't fare much better. Both still
looked shocked and had barely moved.

`I think it's the first time I've seen them so at a loss as to what
to do.'

Turning towards Kevin, he addressed the general.

"You didn't think I'd let you just run off with my younger son, did
you?"

"NO! Of course not, sir. I was going to- But, with the trolls-"

"Hush now, Kevin."

Eva had come to stand before Nick and Kevin taking hold of each of
their hands. The music had started playing and guests had begun to
dance to the merry tune. As she clasped their hands together, they
were surrounded by Brian, AJ, Howie and Cole.

"You have our blessings."

Looking down at their joined hands, Nick and Kevin leaned forward
to seal their pledge with a kiss before the people of Khiranirn.

The end of Book One.

Author's note: When I started writing this, I didn't mean it to turn
out this way, but half-way through, the ideas just kept coming so I
decided to end the story here as Book One. The guys' story will
continue in Book Two. I've kind of introduced some of the things that
will be going on in the next book in this chapter, and there will be
some other stuff too, so hopefully you'll all be looking forward to
the next parts as much as I am. Thank you so much for all the
feedback on the previous chapters. (Don't forget to send some on this
one as well :) They really do help encourage me to write and I really
appreciate it.

-Neena-