Taking a deep breath, he rolled over and opened his eyes. The bed was empty and he sat up. Looking around the room, he found the chambers clean and slid to his feet. Walking over to the bathroom, he splashed water on his face and took a deep breath. Knocking came from the main chamber and he grabbed a shirt on the way to the door. Pulling the material over his head, he opened the door and stepped aside.

Bryan stepped into the room with Thomas and he closed the door. Walking over to a chair, he pulled his boots on and laced them. Bryan stood at his desk and Thomas remained at the door.

"A report crossed my desk. You need to look at this."

Quietly the report entered his hand and he flipped through the pages. Taking a deep breath, he tossed the paper onto the desk and got to his feet.

Thomas stepped forward and asked, "Where is your wife?"

He attached his sword to his side and glanced at Bryan. The man picked up the report and slid it into a drawer. Thomas sighed and received their attention.

"The woman has no right to wander without your knowledge in her condition."

"Hold your tongue before I cut it out of your treasoning mouth."

Thomas lowered his gaze and said, "I apologize, Alexander. I just worry for your sake. The woman is too independent for an expecting mother, putting too much stress on the child and your relationship."

The hand closed around his throat and Thomas looked Bryan in the face.

"You will not speak of the Captain in this manner. She has never once caused you to doubt her intentions."

Thomas turned to Alex and nodded. He bowed slowly and withdrew from the chambers. Bryan sighed and turned back to him.

"I will discipline him."

The guard left and he let out a sigh. Leaning against his desk, he ran his hand through his hair and looked at the balcony. Walking out into the sunlight, he leaned against the edge and looked across the nation. His eyes settled on the stable and he found the red stallion prancing in the corral. A few handlers circled the stallion and held breaking equipment.

They laid the tools on the ground and hopped onto the fencing. His eyes narrowed and he watched Ala hop the fence. She rested against the post and looked back to the barn. His throat tightened as he watched his wife leave the barn. She spoke with some younger guards and Val lingered at her side.

He spoke something and the younger men departed. Silently the man walked her to the fence and offered his hand. She grabbed the fence and pulled herself over. Val took a seat on the fence and she walked over to Lucian. He stilled as she approached and dug at the ground slowly.

Feeling the unease settling once more, he left the balcony and made his way down the hall. He had appointments to keep even if he craved to keep a watch over her. Stepping into his father's study, he took his seat and the two began their morning business. They worked through different problems facing their nation and spent most of the morning inside closed doors. Bryan entered once to give them an announcement of a visitor soon arriving and left.

The guard returned to the courtyard and found Ala walking up from the corral. She nodded to him once and disappeared into the castle. He turned his attention to the men waiting instructions and continued his morning routine. The sun rested in a mid afternoon position and Val hopped off the fence. He wiped sweat from his brow and approached his sister.

She stood leaning against the fence and focusing on Lucian. He settled next to her and she spared him a quick glance.

"He seems like he doesn't need a rider anymore."

She smirked and said, "He's having fun. That's all."

"This is all a game?"

"Yes."

Val shook his head and said, "Even so, you best take a break."

Frowning, she walked back to the stallion and Val shook his head. She slid her hand along the stallion's face and brushed red mane from his eyes. He snorted and she walked to his side. Resting her hand on his bare back, she took a deep breath and pushed herself onto his back. He pawed at the ground and she caught her fingers in his mane.

"He's gonna throw you. Would you give it up?"

Tuning the boy out, she focused on winning the stallion's game. Digging her knees into his sides, she felt each quiver in his muscle and let her body settle into the quick pace. Lucian began circling the corral and she tightened her fingers in the mane. The pace quickened and he tossed his head.

"Give me your best."

The stallion reared back and she held flat to him. Hearing the screaming in her ears, she took a deep breath and felt the stallion return to the ground. Sweat slid down her bare arms and she sat up straight. Lucian settled into a slow walk and she walked him over to the fence. Val caught the stallion's head and looked up at her.

"You're lucky your husband didn't see that."

She rolled her eyes and patted Lucian's sweaty neck. He stepped away from Val and she swung down to the ground. Catching his neck, she ran her hand down the red body and the stallion looked down at her. He snorted into her face and nudged her.

"I guess you won then."

She smirked and said, "It's a tie."

Val shook his head and she stepped back to the fence. Picking up the bridle and lead, she fastened it onto Lucian and led him back into the stablen. Leading him into his stall, she removed the bridge and hung it up. Lucian circled his stall and she grabbed him a bucket of water. Stepping into the stall, she met him in the corner and he took a long drink.

Val approached the stall and she rubbed Lucian's face. The boy cleared his throat and she looked at him.

"Someone is expected to arrive tonight before dinner."

Lowering the bucket, she patted Lucian on the neck and left the stall. She put the bucket away and locked the stall. Val walked with her outside and handed her a jacket.

"Do we know who it is?"

Val shook his head and said, "Bryan would not relay the information."

She took the jacket and stopped walking. The handlers had cleaned up the breaking equipment and the corral was empty.

"You are not a guard in Bryan's mind."

Val frowned and turned his gaze to the castle. Seeing the two men approaching them, he turned to his sister and found her studying the corral.

"My duties are finished it seems."

She met his gaze and said, "You know I don't like you acting as a guard for me."

He smirked and said, "I can't let you get hurt."

His arm squeezed her shoulder and she smirked. He watched the men draw closer and rested his head against hers.

"I'm the big sister."

"I'm grown up now. I've got lots of making up to do."

She looked at Val and said, "I don't want you to ever feel that way."

He laughed and said, "I'll always be grateful for what you two did for me. I'm not even blood and you two treat me as if I am."

Her eyes narrowed and she caught his hand. He felt her hold it against a scrape on her face.

"We are blood."

Nodding, he dropped his arm and stepped back as the Prince stepped up to them. Bryan eyed him coolly and he turned back to his sister.

"Go get cleaned up. You're to join me tonight."

He nodded and left the three. Bryan shook his head and she caught his gaze. The man held the remark and left without a word.

"Getting chummy lately."

Rolling her eyes, she turned to her husband and he drew her into his side. His arm rested around her waist and she listened to his calm heart beat.

"Jealous?"

"Of that boy? That would be embarrassing."

Smiling, she looked up at him and found him watching the sun beginning its descent. He met her gaze and his eyes narrowed. His hand ran over the scrape and she sighed.

"Don't even start."

"You know I don't like it."

"Alex."

He met her burning gaze and nodded. Running his lips over hers, he took a deep breath and brushed her damp neck. He studied the moist skin and she rolled her eyes.

"I didn't remember how good you look when you're sweaty."

She pushed him off and said, "You're making a fool of yourself."

He drew her back to him and said, "I don't care."

His kiss fueled her blood and she slid her arms around his neck. Fire licked its way through her body and she let out a content sigh. He released her and stepped back. Silently they made their way back to the castle and stopped in the courtyard. Bryan stood at the gate waiting for the visitor and she approached him. He bowed his head and she stopped in front of him.

"I do apologize for my attitude toward Val."

"It's to be expected. Don't let it-"

Pain filled her head and she caught herself. Bryan watched her carefully and she shook her head.

"I expect the visitor to arrive safely."

Returning to her husband, she found him studying her and she walked into the hall. He followed without a word and they retreated to his chambers. Closing the door behind him, he watched her walk into the bedroom and followed her. She sat on the bed and removed her boots.

"You want to tell me what caused the hesitation?"

She gathered her dinner outfit and walked to the bathroom. He caught her at the door and she met his gaze.

"I'm fine."

His eyes narrowed and she withdrew from his sight. He left the room and walked over to his desk. Leaning against it, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He stepped onto the balcony and closed his eyes. Feeling her by him, he opened his eyes and looked down at her.

"If it happens again, then I'll worry about it."

Her calmness made him sigh and he drew her into him. Feeling her cool skin against his burning body, he rested his head on hers. She saw the approaching entourage and sighed. He released her and walked back into the chamber. They left the chambers and he left her side to meet his father.

Silently she walked down the hall and paused outside her chambers. Stepping inside, she left the door open and approached her desk. A report rested on the empty desk and she picked it up. Reading the report, she sat behind her desk and settled into her guardian role. The sun settled as she read and the visitor was escorted to the dining hall.

Bryan caught the Prince's gaze and approached him. The visitor sat across the table and his daughter kept her gaze on him. Bryan rested his hand on his shoulder and he looked up at him.

"I'll go look."

His eyes narrowed and Bryan stepped back. The woman settled her gaze on him with a flame and he turned his attention to his parents. Derek caught his gaze and then returned to the conversation with the woman's father.

The door opened and he watched Bryan meet Val at the door. The guard sent the boy off and he turned back to the conversation. The woman rose and he rose to his feet. She walked down the table and he passed her. He approached Bryan and found the guard agitated.

"Very elusive tonight, My Lord."

Tightening his jaw, he turned back to the woman and held Bryan back. He caught his father watching and he bowed to the woman.

"Excuse me."

Silently he withdrew from the dining hall and Bryan followed. They walked down the hall and slid into the library. Bryan closed the door and turned back to the Prince.

"You're telling me you haven't found her?"

"Val is certain he knows her whereabouts."

His eyes narrowed and he looked out the window. The evening sky was black and filled with stars.

"She never neglects her duties."

Bryan nodded and said, "I assure you it had to have been something important."

"Go locate Val. I want to be sure."

Bryan bowed and withdrew. Hearing the door close, he sat down on the desk and sighed. The woman at dinner was making advances and seemed to be unaware of his status. The absence of his wife left the entire household unnerved and seemed to play in the woman's favor. Getting to his feet, he left the library and walked into the woman.

"There you are."

"I'm sorry, but I don't have time for this."

She smiled and said, "I always thought you to be the slippery kind."

Her hand caught his arm and he stared her coolly in the eyes.

"Remove your hand."

She laughed and said, "I cannot hurt you. I'm a young woman, whereas you're a man of power. It's you who can hurt me."

She rose on her feet to kiss him and he caught her shoulders. Holding her back, he dug into his control and stepped back. She laughed and he walked past her. Hearing her give pursuit, he continued his walk and bumped into a hastening Val. The boy recovered and mumbled an apology.

He caught the boy's shoulder and asked, "Where are you going?"

Val stepped back and said, "I'm sorry, but I can't stop."

The boy disappeared down the hall and he followed him into the courtyard. Simeon sat mounted on his horse and Val mounted his. The two met his gaze and Simeon bowed his head. Val cleared his throat and he looked at the boy.

"The Captain will be back late tonight."

Closing his eyes, he nodded and watched the two disappear into the market. Sitting on the step, he let out a sigh and shook his head. She had slipped out without a word and now he was left to deal with the dinner and the visitors.

"Alexander, where are they off to?"

Hearing the voice, he smirked and watched his mother sit next to him. She caught his knee and he met her gaze.

"Somewhere besides staying here."

"I take it she is with them as well."

"She's already there."

An arm draped around his shoulder and she kissed his forehead. He looked down at the market and shook his head.

"I imagine she didn't want to leave without word."

He sighed and said, "I'm growing weary of this."

Annie smiled gently and said, "I'm afraid you both are. That young woman is stuck in a black hole right now. She feels obligated to your father, but at the same time wants to return home and yet stays for you."

He closed his eyes and said, "I just want to be with her. Our child will be born soon and each day I grow more weary of the strains put on her."

She kissed his forehead once more and said, "Don't let that stop your relationship with her. Just know she does all of this for the two men in her life."

He smirked and watched her disappear into the hall. Bryan stepped beside him and took the seat next to him. They exchanged glances and lingered in silence. The lights in the market dimmed with the passing hours and Bryan rose to his feet. He walked to the door and stopped.

"You should get some rest, My Lord."

Closing his eyes, he rose to his feet and heard the hooves. Looking over his shoulder, he saw the three horses entering the court yard. Val dismounted and held Lucian's reigns as she dismounted. Simeon and Val led the three horses away and she met her husband's gaze. Silently she approached him and climbed the steps to the door.

Bryan opened the door and they walked down the hall. She silently walked at his side and he cast a glance down at her. Weariness lingered in her eyes, but she held herself up with the hidden strength he knew so well.

"A note would have been appreciated."

"I had no time."

"Something at the Estate?"

"Not anymore."

"There you are, My Lord."

They stopped walking and the woman popped up in front of them. She smiled at him and he glanced at his wife. The woman didn't notice her and wagged her finger at him.

"Hiding from me will only increase our little game."

"Game?"

He caught her gaze and said, "She apparently thinks so."

The woman looked at Krystal and asked, "Are you his guard?"

"No."

The eyes flashed and the woman shrugged. She caught his hand and the sword pointed against her throat.

The woman eyed her and asked, "What is this?"

"Remove your hand from my husband."

Her eyes widened and she said, "He isn't married. That is why I was brought here."

"Bryan, escort her to the dungeon for the evening."

The guard seized her by the shoulder and the woman was drug away in shock. Laughing, he caught her around the waist and escorted her into his chambers. He reached the bedroom and closed the door. She sat on the bed and he sat down next to her.

"Nice job on keeping your cool."

"Ignorance gets people killed."

He rested on his back and pulled her down beside him. She rested her head on his shoulder and he closed his eyes.

"Will you tell me in the morning why you had to return to the Estate?"

"Yes."

Smirking, he took a deep breath and allowed sleep to swallow him. She watched him drift asleep and gently slipped off the bed. Walking out the bedroom, she left his chambers and walked down the hall. Stepping into her chambers, she walked over to her desk and sat down. Picking up the report, she modified it and sifted through other papers.