Marwynn paced the inside of his room in the North Tower of Whitehaven. He was impatiently waiting for news of Declan or Muriel. Lady Revna had been cautious around him since the night of the Hunter’s moon. She did not rely on him the way that she had before and Marwynn knew that she was suspicious of him. She had every right to be. Tonight was the first night that they would dine together. She had invited him to the King’s rooms.

  He traced his way along the hallway leading to the royal quarters. Arriving at the ornate double doors, the guards opened them and Marwynn stepped through. The ceilings were high and decorated with ornate carvings. The tapestries on the walls showed picturesque landscapes creating a serene energy in the room. The center of the room had a large fireplace with a gently crackling flame to bring warmth to the size of the room. He saw the table that had been set for two with the candles flickering across the tabletop. Lady Revna had not entered from the inner chambers yet. He found himself alone in this unfamiliar room that did not resemble it's current occupant at all. Marwynn stood closer to the fireplace to warm his hands. He stretched out his fingertips and then heard Lady Revna’s voice from behind him.

  “Lambkin. You must wonder why I have not called on you before this evening?” she said.

  “Not at all, I am in your service.” He answered.

  “I wonder if you truly are.” She mused.

  Marwynn knew this conversation was coming. He was prepared. “How can I prove myself to you further when I have already brought you the young prince?”

  Lady Revna smiled. Marwynn could tell that she had been waiting for this question and even though she was pausing, she already had an answer.

  “You know that I know what you have been up to, you cannot hide from me” she stated.

  Marwynn hid the surprise from his face. “What have I been up to?” he asked.

  Lady Revna laughed out loud, clearly enjoying the game, “Well if you don’t want to discuss it, let us eat, sit.” She motioned to the set table.

  Marwynn obliged and sat opposite to Lady Revna. Her face was cool but beautiful, she was also excellent at shielding her true emotions. He reached for his cup and would not meet her eyes that were focused on him.

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  “Marwynn” she called out.

  She rarely used his real name and so the sound of it on her lips was unfamiliar, he looked up and met her gaze. He could see something he had never seen behind her eyes, desperation.

  “what is it my lady?” he said.

  “I need to know, why did you wait so long to come back?” she questioned him.

  Marwynn was speechless. He did not realize that she had truly felt anything for him. He thought that he was just another pawn in her game. He had no idea how to respond and could only answer truthfully, “I don’t know.”

  She was unsatisfied with the answer and pressed him further, “I thought that you loved me. If you did, why would you make me wait years?”

  He knew the real answer but could not tell her or his cover was blown, thinking quickly he answered, “I thought you would not have me back, I was ashamed.”

  Lady Revna seemed slightly satisfied. Her calculated gaze returned to her face and the desperation was no longer visible. “You asked how you could prove it to me further. My answer is another quest.” “what would you have me do?” he asked.

  “Contact Komodo and tell him to release the prisoners.” She turned her eyes up to study his reaction.

  Marwynn stuttered, “H..how did you know about that?”

  “Do you think I do not have eyes behind my eyes everywhere? The only person I ever truly trusted was you.” She confessed.

  Marwynn’s hairs stood up on the back of his neck, “how much do you know?”

  “Enough. Komodo will be punished in time but for now, I need him.” she said.

  “Are you not concerned that if the prisoners are released, that means… all of the prisoners?” Marwynn puzzled.

  “Oh I intend for them all to be released. Let the people remember why I began to capture the creatures to begin with. Once fear is on the loose and at an all time high, I can reassert my power and the people will beg for me to save them.” She answered.

  “What about the young prince?” Marwynn asked.

  “I am unconcerned about him, he does not have the support to be a threat” she continued “after his performance the other night it would be a miracle if anyone supported him.”

  Marwynn nodded and picked up his fork as the food had just been placed in front of him. He scooped up some of the carrots and brought it to his mouth. Lady Revna was eyeing him intently and he lowered the food, “yes?”

  “When you have completed the task and before I am to be named queen, I would ask that we would be married.” She searched his face for agreement.

  Marwynn felt a sinking feeling in his stomach at the thought of being married to such a woman. His face did not reveal these feelings and he feigned a smile. “My lady, you honor me, I should be so lucky to be by your side.”