Chapter 23

That pretty much hit the nail on the head. She didn't know what to say and what not to say, but her

feeling told her that she could trust this man. "I went on a horse ride with my maid. We ran into some bandits and King Ulric saved us from them. But immediately afterwards he sent my maid back to my father and took me as a prisoner to his castle."

Nevis rubbed his temple. "I already feared that. I was hoping that someday he would get over it and make his peace. It's been so long. But it seems like he is on his way of taking this meaningless revenge."

Now it was Lyanas turn to look worried. "But why? What did we do to him? Did we steal land from

him or something like that?"

Nevis shook his head sadly. "No. You took something more valuable from him. His heart. At least that is what he is thinking."

Lyana didn't understand Baridis father. It was like he was speaking in riddles. "I want to know what

happened. Please."

But Nevis shook his head again. "I've already said more than I should. I just want to give you one

more thing on the way. He is a good man. He may be broken, but somewhere in there he's still the

good-natured man he once was. Look out for the little clues and remember my words. I know he is

feared by many. But I have a feeling that it would be important if that didn't apply to you."

Lyana wanted to answer something but at that moment there was a creak behind the door and

shortly afterwards Baridi and Alisen came back. "We packed a few cans of your tea, father. I'm sure

the king will love it as usual." He put a bag on the table in front of his father. "Here is your payment."

Sighing, Nevis opened the bag and shook his head. "As always, way too much. My tea is not worth

this much."

"Father, we both know how much your tea means to him. It's worth this much to His Majesty."

The princess suspected that the old man fared just like her when she saw what she was supposed to

spend on clothes. Could this generosity be one of the things Nevis wanted her to notice?

They talked for quite a while, but Lyana was only half listening. Nevis' words still echoed in her head. Especially the part where he said her family stole his heart from him. She knew it had to be a metaphor, but for what? Would it be possible that it was meant literally? After all, she had guessed that he had no heart. The princess was still sure that she hadn't felt a beating heart behind his chest.

With this new information, it didn't seem so absurd and improbable anymore. But how do you steal

a heart? A new riddle to be solved. However, she had to get close enough to King Ulric again to feel his pulse or look for a heartbeat. Not an easy endeavor with a tyrant.

The time passed in a flash and before she could forge a plan, they said goodbye again. Somehow

she had taken the old man into her heart. He radiated a fatherly warmth. Her own father appeared in

her mind and she longed for her home again. When they saw the king with his wolf, Lyana tried not

to show any feelings. She did not want to be able to give him this triumph.

"Your father is fine?" He asked his valet directly when they got to his place.

"Yes, he is in excellent health. Thank you for asking, Your Majesty."

Satisfied, the king nodded and then ran to the city gate. That was probably the end of their day trip.

Lyana was more than relieved about it. It had been a busy day and she wanted to be back at the castle for dinner. She was also curious about how the chefs would react to their new utensils.

At the city gate, the servants were already standing with their sledges, as if they had known that they were ready to go back again.

Baridi spoke to a few men and directed them to pick up their purchases. Since there were too many,

they had left some with the merchants. Meanwhile, Alisen sat down in her assigned sleigh and the

princess wanted to get into her sleigh as well, when she felt someone grab her hand to help her inside. At first she thought it was Baridi, but when she turned to thank him, she looked straight into the king's blue eyes.

"Thank you." She quickly averted her eyes and tried to calm her frightened heart. Strangely enough it made her nervous when he didn't look at her like he was about to kill her.