[Aylwen Dreamsong]

[To be added when Tarkan answers the princess…]

-

After she had turned and left Tarkan, Gjeelea smiled smugly as she stalked out of the rooms. It was almost funny to Gjeelea that these ‘valued citizens’ and ‘important Pashtians’ might believe her when she told them their opinion mattered to her. The princess had made her decision about the Emissary as soon as King Faroz had left the burden to her and Siamak. The trips around the city to speak with dignified citizens was meant only to soothe the minds of Pashtia – Gjeelea knew everyone would feel better if they thought the princess actually cared about their opinion of the Emissary.

She had not taken five steps out into the street before seeing Korak walking towards her. Gjeelea stopped and waited for the man, glancing idly at the sky and wondering if and when it would rain.

“What are you doing here?” Korak snapped, and Gjeelea raised a brow. He does not talk to me like that, the princess thought defiantly. No man talks to me like that. “Darling,” he added between clenched teeth.

“I was speaking with the Priest,” Gjeelea informed her betrothed. Korak took steps closer to her, and Gjeelea peered up at him, surprised at how tall he was compared to her. “I could ask the same of you, Lord Korak. What brings you to this part of your business investment?”

“I had hoped to find you.”

“That is strange,” Gjeelea murmured, flashing Korak a coy smile. “Where were you this morning? I had hoped to take the morning walk with you, but you were not at your estate when the messengers sent. Were you out riding? Perhaps you were overseeing the temple?”

Gjeelea wondered when she would run out of things to say to Korak.