Three weeks later
The rises of Philanthia's towers were coming more and more into view. At my back was a full delegation of Crona's highest officials. The news of what had happened in Crona had already traveled far and wide.
Our arrival at the city was expected and I hoped it would be a civil one. Crona had come to beg peace and the cessation of a war they had begun. They had not come empty-handed either. Crona had emptied their considerable treasuries of wealth in order to, in part, repay the damages caused and the lives lost.
I hoped it went well and that peace was restored. For myself, I was content in the moment.
I glanced to the side and caught Susori already watching me. She smiled infectiously and I couldn't help but return her smile. She was such a joy.
She filled my life with a security of emotion the likes of which I had never experienced. It was as if I had gone through life up till now only half a man, only to find my completion in her. I was still in shock by it all.
Looking forward toward the city once more, I inwardly acknowledged all over again how my life was different. Different! I'd forgotten something in all this and an expression of expectant dread fell over my face.
"What is it my husband?" Susori asked, reaching out in concern to touch my arm.
I glanced at her and winced. I took in her exotic sensual appeal and my imagination ran wild with the confrontation that was likely already brewing ahead. I ran my hand through my hair in sudden anxiety.
"What is it Benaiah?" Susori asked softly, as her look of question began to turn to one of alarm.
"Um…… things could get heated soon. You see, over the past several years I've become a very good friend of the King, and well………"
"Well what?" Susori asked uncertainly.
"The King has a daughter. There was much talk of me taking her for my wife. I never agreed to anything, but in the minds of some I fear they saw it as an already accomplished thing. I don't think the King will mind too much, but his daughter has been the source of most of the talk. She's not going to like what's happened between you and me. There are those in the court who will feel our union is an insult to the Princess. It could cause trouble."
"I do not understand why?" Susori said.
I shrugged, "Even so, I believe it will. Once this peace delegation is over I think my time in Philanthia will also be over."