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AYLETH

She dropped her head and wrung her hands as Falek gaped at her. "I understand," she said, blinking back tears. "You must know, I never intended—never would have wanted—for you or anyone else to be troubled for my decisions."

"While I believe you, dear heart, you have to know, it doesn't matter what you wanted," he said. "It would only matter what happened. If you were hurt—or killed—not only would I and your guard pay, your servants, and… Ayleth, the consequences within the castle alone…" he sagged, his anger giving way to fear. He tugged his fingers through his hair and shook his head. "You must tell me—how long have you known the guards were so easily avoided?"

She didn't look up. "A couple of years."

"Ayleth!"

"I didn't think it would matter—they'd catch people who didn't live here. I had to take weeks of watching them to figure it out!"

"And you think an enemy wouldn't do the same?"

"I think that they wouldn't have the opportunity. Your security around the castle is superb, Falek."

"Do NOT try to flatter me out of my anger," he snarled.

"I'm not! Truly! I just… I trust you and… I really didn't think it mattered."

He stormed past her to pace the floor at the end of her bed. "Didn't think it mattered?" he muttered, "Didn't think it mattered? What have I taught you? What have you learned? Has it all been for naught? Did… did I fail?"

"No! Falek, that's not—"

"We've already had an attempt on your life—you know how that feels, Ayleth. You know the consequences if we hadn't been successful in beating those men!"

Ayleth shook her head—did he really think she took no care? Didn't appreciate her own safety? "That's exactly my point!" she snapped, hands fisted at her sides. "It is my life! My safety! My wellbeing! I am the one that they come for and I asked you to train me because I do not ever want to be in the hands of a man with malicious intent again. Ever! But do not imply that I am careless or would…would take unnecessary risks when you know that I know the consequences of what might happen! My leaving the chamber was nothing to do with childish whims or rebellion!" Well, at least, very little. "I leave when I must, when I cannot BREATHE unless I do. And last night… last night was… I had to be free, Falek. I had to be out from under the eyes of men and people and my parents … I had to…" she finished lamely.

He stared at her, eyebrows high. When she didn't continue, only stared at him, pleading for his understanding he sighed heavily and raked his hand through his hair again. "It is truly not something that can be done again, Ayleth. Not like this. Not without guards. And… definitely not while our enemies roam the castle under the guise of peace."

She dropped her face to her hands. Deep down, she knew he was right. It had been a terrible risk. But… the idea of being stuck to her chambers unless she was in the company of all those people…

"But… I imagine that we could find… other ways for you to find some space from the crowd," he said, carefully.

She yanked her head up to stare at him. "What do you mean?"

Falek blinked. "I think… I hadn't thought about the pressure you were experiencing—especially after the tournament win. And you're right. You do need space to… breathe." He rubbed his chin, his lips twisting in thought. "I will have to think about how it could be done safely, but… I will find a way for you to have solitude."

She rushed up to him, put her hands to his arm like she used to with her father when he'd given her a beautiful gift. "Thank you, Falek. Truly. I am so grateful."

He nodded and patted her hand. "There's only one condition."

"Anything, what is it?"

"You have to tell me which Lord you were meeting—or is it a man unsuited to your position? Is that why you steal to the stables?"

Ayleth's mouth dropped open before she could catch it and sputter, "I wasn't—"

"Before you lie to me, Ayleth, remember that I have watched you grow since shortskirts. You think I have never spent a stolen evening with a woman—or seen the flush of her cheeks and shine in her eyes the next morning?" he said dryly.

Ayleth blinked and her cheeks heated.

"I mean no disrespect," he added quietly. "But I wish to cut through the bullshit right now and figure out… is this man a true suitor? Someone who holds the appropriate position in society and may treat you as you deserve? Or is he someone your parents would deem wholly unsuitable?"

She stepped back, staring at her Knight, mouth open.

He waited patiently.