Return of the General's Daughter

Agilus spoke with Jethru about accommodating them over the next few days. Though reluctant, the gold that Agilus offered finally loosened his resistance and sealed the deal.

Only Prince Alaric was allowed to sleep on the second floor. He was given the room furthest down the corridor, a corner room that has a good view of the garden at the east window and the backyard at the north window. It was however, beside Samuel’s quarters, followed by Jethru’s. The two elderly men had agreed to split one spacious room into two smaller ones — neither of them saw the need for a big room — so what was once five rooms became six.

So as not to burden the Mendels with the sudden influx of guests, Agilus proposed hiring servants. Lara, quick to seize the opportunity, suggested that her Gabriella ladies could manage the tasks. The offered pay was generous — far more than a day’s usual earnings — and the women eagerly agreed.

Agilus, along with Alaric’s loyal guards — Angus, Aramis, and Redon— occupied the unused room on the ground floor beside the living room, while the rest of the soldiers were housed in the three remaining bamboo houses at the far end of the Mendel estate.

So, that very night, Alaric moved from the baron’s estate to the smaller manor at Narra Alley. With the addition of Alaric and Agilus, dinner at the Mendels was lively.

At the dining table, Sandoz found himself seated beside Reya and directly across from Alaric and Lara. He tried to join in the mirth, but around Alaric, he became a bundle of nerves. He always felt that the prince wanted to take him away from his sister.

"Eat some more Sandoz. You barely touched your food." Lara chided and placed more food on his plate.

His face lit up with a radiant smile. "Thank you, Sis. I’ll eat some more," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. He stole a glance at Prince Alaric and caught him looking intently at his plate. He ate in a hurry, afraid that Prince Alaric would snatch the food that his sister gave him.

Prince Alaric just gave him a side glance. He ate elegantly like a royal would.