The Unfortunate

equally, if not more, intimidating.
“It is still too early to deduce what will happen, Your Majesty. With the information my sources have provided, all I can report is what may occur.”
“And what do they, Yorcia and Drunacht, intend to accomplish if they unite?” Marlisa’s tone became more of a purr, and there also existed a heightened curiosity.
“Perhaps they intend to forge a lasting peace via trade agreements or perhaps a more significant bond.”
Beadurof again smiled, but this time it was due to the concept of Drunacht offering peace even in the form of strengthening relations. Peace was not a word commonly spoken by King Aengus, and if he did speak of peace, the offer would benefit the Drunish monarch more than any other party involved.
“Peace?” Even Marlisa was hesitant to accept the advisor’s explanation as credible. “When has Aengus ever discussed peace?”
There was no reply at first, but eventually the advisor again spoke. “That would be the most ideal scenario.”
“And the worst?” Marlisa’s heightened curiosity returned.
Before Raedan could offer his reply, which would have likely been a view of war through a rose-colored kaleidoscope lens, and before he could reassure that he was tirelessly working to learn more about the issue, Beadurof answered, “All we can do is pray that conquering Armania is not their intention, but we should nevertheless remain prepared.” The king was hesitant briefly as he contemplated the likelihood of the situation, but he eventually concluded, “I shall speak with the army’s second-in-command.”

CHAPTER FOUR
BANAN
He was the only child of the king and queen of Armania, and despite having been named second-in-command of the army and despite being his father’s heir, he had never truly felt respected. To an extent, however, he had no one to blame but himself. Banan’s questionable acts, which his father called them, had been the foremost cause of the ongoing rift, but the prince was not prepared to, as he would often counter, cease enjoying life to appease his father. Yes, he had military authority, and, yes, he would one day be king. These were facts not to be forgotten. How could they be?
Even so Banan refused to alter his ways. He was still young, still in his prime, and nothing could change that. His father’s problem was he had forgotten what it was to be young. His father had forgotten what it was to love.
Having concluded his thoughts, Banan glanced at the woman who lay next to him, and he smiled before first sitting up and then leaning toward her. Slowly he pulled the linens away, exposing her shoulders.
The woman still did not move.
Even further he pulled the sheets to expose her arms, even more to expose her torso and eventually the small of her back. Then he paused and leaned out of the way to allow the first rays of sun to be cast upon her. Of all the nights they had shared and all the mornings to which they had awakened, Banan never tired of watching the woman’s ivory-like skin adopt a golden hue that served to complement her cascading, dark hair and matching eyes. He again moved closer and gently placed his hands on her shoulders. He followed her shape inward using his fingertips, and he continued to trace her spine. As he reached the small of the woman’s back, he slowed, thinking she would awake or at least offer some reaction. But there was nothing.
Banan again smiled. He knew it was only an act, and he pushed the linens even further until they had become heaped in a pile below the woman’s knees. The prince resumed the tracing as his pulse quickened. After passing the small of her back, he moved his hands in opposite directions, followed her waist, and finished by outlining the woman’s hips before reversing the process. Having reached her shoulders, the prince hesitated. He considered beginning the playfulness anew but decided to conclude with several gentle kisses to the back and side of the woman’s neck instead.
At last she responded with muffled giggles.
The prince ceased his affectionate conduct and inquired, “What are you thinking?”
“That I am tired.”
“Tired?”
“Yes.” She turned to lie on her back. “And you should be, too. We barely slept last night thanks to you.”
“Me? You were rather involved, too, as I recall!”
She again giggled before adding, “Fine, but I am still tired. Not to mention that what we are doing would be frowned upon.”
Banan resumed the playful actions by kissing the woman’s neck before moving downward and eventually laying his head against her. The prince smiled. He could hear the relaxing tempo of her heart and could feel the slight rise and fall of her bosom as she breathed. He wished they could forever remain as they were, even if it were frowned upon. Yes, their actions did not meet the approval of others, but Banan chose not to waste time asking, by whom? when they were both aware. He instead asked, “But it is worth it, no?”
The woman smiled and opened her eyes. “More than worth it.” She then sighed and turned her attention to the window through which the first rays of sun were visible. “I should leave soon,” she added. “Your father may require—”
Damn what my father may require! Instead of countering the woman’s concern with an outburst, however, Banan moved onto his side, gently placed his index finger against her lips, and answered, “No, Jenn. Nothing is more important than you.”
“But I am a servant,” she reminded. “King Beadurof would never approve.”
“Many actions, especially mine, do not receive my father’s approval.”
“Yet he named you second-in-command of the army.”
“Only to appease my mother!” Banan had never discovered any proof to substantiate his claim, but as far as he was concerned, he did not require any. Even a fool would be able to identify the king’s discontent and unwillingness to see Banan advance. Of course only a fool would ever make such accusations public. But being in the privacy of his own chambers and company, the prince